Scott Brown says the current buzz around the Raith Rovers squad is reminiscent of the group that finished Scottish Championship runners-up in 2024. The 31-year-old midfielder, who has made 41 appearances for the club since joining in 2022, is pushing to force his way back into the starting lineup after a calf injury.
"I would say this group now is up there with the squad that we managed to finish second with," Brown said. "Hopefully, we could at least match that this year." He was a key part of that 2023-24 campaign under Ian Murray, which saw Rovers amass 69 points and reach the promotion play-off final. They ultimately lost 6-1 on aggregate to Ross County after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Partick Thistle in the semi-finals.
Brown missed the entire Premier Sports Cup campaign this season but has returned as a substitute in the last five league matches. He featured in the recent 4-0 home victory over Arbroath, a result that temporarily sent Raith Rovers to the top of the table. The club now sits second in the Championship with 13 points from six games, just three points behind leaders Stenhousemuir. Their recent form shows four wins from their last five outings, with 11 goals scored and only three conceded.
Pushing for a start
Brown admitted frustration at his recent role from the bench but stressed his determination to seize any opportunity. "It's tough not playing but you have to be patient and ready," he said. He pointed to the strong performances of recent signings Calum Adamson and Kai Montagu, as well as Charlie Telfer before his injury, as increasing competition for places. Brown's own memorable contribution from that 2024 season was a stunning late volley that sealed a 2-1 home win over Dundee United in February.
Looking ahead, Brown emphasized the need for the squad to keep their heads down and take each game as it comes. He believes the first quarter of the season will provide a clearer gauge of their standing. The minimum target, he stated, is to reach the play-offs, a goal the team has sometimes failed to meet early in past campaigns. He described the season ahead as a "rollercoaster" that will require resilience through inevitable ups and downs.
Raith Rovers' next test is a league trip to Partick Thistle, a fixture Brown is eager to start. The team's strong defensive record and attacking output, visible in our stats, underpin their early promotion challenge. With the squad depth and positive feeling Brown identifies, Rovers aim to turn their promising start into a sustained push for the top.
The original report is at Fife Today
