They’ll be dancing on the streets of Raith, as the old misquote goes, with a trip to Celtic Park ahead of John McGlynn and Raith Rovers.
The Kirkcaldy side have drawn Celtic twice now, in both the Premier Sports Cup, and the Scottish Cup. And according to McGlynn, the bean counters at Stark’s Park are delighted. A share of gate receipts, TV money and participation in the Scottish Cup are all welcome financial boosts.
McGlynn, who was a scout at Celtic under both Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers, is excited about the prospect of bringing Raith Rovers supporters with him to Paradise. He doesn’t sound entirely optimistic of overcoming the Hoops when he takes his team to Celtic Park, however.
McGlynn said [Courier]: “I look at the draws we’ve had in the Scottish Cup — Falkirk, Banks O’Dee — and think it might have been nice to get a home tie.
“That would give us the opportunity to have that backing, like we did against Aberdeen [in the Premier Sports Cup].
“But from the financial people above me in the boardroom, they’ll be delighted to go to Celtic Park.
“To get that draw twice in one season is a spectacular result, financially. From a footballing perspective, we’re not daft. Celtic are favourites or second-favourites to win the competition. There won’t be much in that between them and Rangers — so we’ll be massive underdogs.
“We’ll need to have a very good day and hope they aren’t quite at their best.”
Celtic Park is a big opportunity for former Bhoys scout John McGlynn and his Raith Rovers side
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the utter chasm in finances between the Scottish Premiership and the rest of the SPFL.
But the Scottish Cup, and Premier Sports Cup? They really matter. Especially in the context of finances. Playing at a stadium like Celtic Park opens up extra income streams, which can be vital in keeping a club afloat longer term. So, twice in a season? That’s a gift for Raith Rovers.
From a footballing perspective, though, they’ll probably want to give a better account of themselves next time round. In the Premier Sports Cup, Celtic handily dealt with Rovers, who had Dario Zanatta dismissed in the second half [BBC]. It finished 3-0, it could’ve been far more.
For McGlynn, a former Celtic employee, he’ll be wondering if it’s fate or random chance. The respected SPFL boss has his side within shouting distance of the top of the SPFL Championship, and is playing decent football, along with it. He’ll want to make a more distinct impression with his side next time he meets Celtic.
Scheduled for the 12th of February, it’s not too long before Raith Rovers come to Celtic Park. The Hoops will hope to have the momentum of a Glasgow Derby win behind them when the Kirkcaldy club visit the East End.
For Raith Rovers though, it’s a result for the balance sheets already.
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