THE outgoing managing director, and sporting director, at Kelty Hearts have been confirmed as part of a new ownership consortium at Raith Rovers.

Dean McKenzie, who has been with the New Central Park club for nine years, and Andrew Barrowman are two of a six-strong group that will take a controlling stake in the Kirkcaldy club.

They, together with Colin Smart, Ruaridh Kilgour, Steven MacDonald and Allan Halliday, will take over the running at Stark's Park, in a move that they say "is a watershed moment for Raith Rovers".

There had been months of speculation, and wide reports, that McKenzie and Barrowman would be part of a group seeking to take a majority stake in Raith from its owner, John Sim.

That intensified last month when Kelty Hearts announced that McKenzie and Barrowman, as well as first team boss, John Potter, who Press Sport understands will also take up a role at Rovers, were leaving at the end of the season.

In a statement released this afternoon, Raith said: "This is a watershed moment for Raith Rovers.

"The group, which includes extensive business and football leadership experience, has been working in the background to set out a compelling vision, mission and goals that will provide the platform for long-term prosperity.

"We will outline our plans to supporters as part of an enhanced engagement plan and will ensure the views of our fans, and those we hope to inspire a lifelong love of Raith Rovers in the future, will guide the implementation of our strategy.

"In the coming weeks, we will outline a series of short-term objectives to enable immediate improvement on and off the field.

"Ultimately, we aim to set out a clear vision for our club as an inclusive and accessible pillar of the community, one that is set-up to meet the sporting aspirations of its fans and its new owners and provide hope and opportunity to the community."

McKenzie, who becomes Raith's general manager, said: "We are pleased to complete the acquisition of a controlling stake in the club and look forward to an exciting journey towards a more prosperous future at all levels of this great club.

“We have a board of dynamic and motivated professionals who are committed to re-energising the club at all levels, harnessing, and adding to our loyal fan base and bringing success, pride and happiness to the local community.

“We will shortly outline our plans and wish to make this journey a collaborative one, ensuring Raith Rovers Football Club is the beating heart of the community."

Prior to the news being announced, McKenzie offered an emotional thank you to those who have been "part of one of the most successful stories in Scottish football".

McKenzie, who had been Kelty's managing director and general manager, admitted that it was a "tough decision" to leave, but believes that those taking over the reins at New Central Park will "bring a new energy".

Under McKenzie's stewardship, the club won two East Region Super League titles in junior football before, in 2017, they made the decision to move to the East of Scotland League.

That leap of faith, which was subsequently followed by other now former junior sides, proved inspired, as Kelty, under the management of Thomas Courts, lifted the title in their first season, before winning promotion to the Lowland League following a play-off win over South of Scotland League champions, Threave Rovers.

Lowland League success followed in 2020 – when the season was curtailed early because of COVID-19, denying the club a shot at promotion to the SPFL through the pyramid play-offs – and again in 2021.

Their second success, however, did give them a place in the pyramid play-offs and, after defeating Highland League, Brora Rangers, victory over two legs against Brechin City saw them step up into League Two for the first time in the club's history.

The manager who led them there, Barry Ferguson, then left to join Alloa Athletic, but his replacement, Kevin Thomson, continued the club's success, leading them to the title, and a place in League One, after a superb season.

He then departed, and was replaced by Potter, who consolidated the team in the third tier, and will be replaced in the dugout next season by current skipper, Michael Tidser, whilst Stefan Winiarski and Craig Reynolds, both of whom have worked with Kelty Hearts' community club, will step into the roles vacated by McKenzie and Barrowman.

In a letter circulated to supporters, McKenzie said: "After nine fantastic years of memories, and a unique journey on and off the pitch, as you may know, I've taken the tough decision to leave Kelty Hearts FC.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to have been part of one of the most successful stories in Scottish football, from playing our part in re-structuring non-league for the better, to where we are today, as a club in cinch League One, from junior football just five years ago. All whilst building a fantastic facility at New Central Park, supporting the build of new KH Community Club, with a fierce community spirit at the heart of all the work.

"I gave every ounce, every day, to the club, a boy from the 'tap end' of Kelty. I was privileged to have been brought up with the club as a kid, thanks to my dad, who done so much great work before.

"I was also lucky enough to have been in a position to be able to give back to my hometown club and village. Although it was a huge challenge, every single minute was a pleasure."

McKenzie said that there were "so many people to thank, every single person who has put one minute of their time into the football club", which included the managers during his tenure, and current and former captains, players and staff members, with Courts and Shaun Greig noted in particular for having "not only achieved great success", but for setting "the values and platform for continued success in the dressing room, and on the pitch, in 2014".

Another former player, current Dundonald Bluebell boss, Stephen Husband, who is also managing director of The Converters Group, was acknowledged "not only for his on the pitch contribution in maroon, but for his patience, his ear at times, and his off the pitch support when we were upgrading New Central Park over the years".

McKenzie also hailed Fife Council, councillors Alex Rowley and Alex Campbell, and Kelty Community Centre, as being "fantastic" in supporting the club's plans for the community and at New Central Park, whilst adding: "All the very best to everyone at Kelty Hearts FC for the future, and to Stefan Winiarski and Craig Reynolds, who will bring a new energy in their new roles, joining Tam (Rowley), Stuart (Mill), Garry (Grandison), George (McTrusty) and John (Dignan) on the board, and to Michael Tidser in his first season as manager.

"It’s been an incredible few years with lots of memories and enjoyment for all, an absolute pleasure and honour to have played a part.

"Hopefully see you all at a match next season in the stands for a catch up."