Raith Rovers to terminate Goodwillie's contract after outrage

David Goodwillie's contract at Raith Rovers is about to be terminated just days after signing from Clyde, the striker was convicted of rape in 2017 and the criticisms that followed his signing led the club to walk away from him. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Raith Rovers of the Scottish Championship League have released a statement to apologize for the signing of embattled striker David Goodwillie and admitted they got that one wrong.

The signing of the former Clyde striker was greeted with heavy criticisms across leagues on the ground the Goodwillie was convicted of rape in 2017, a crime he committed in 2011 alongside a teammate and was fined £100k.

Club chairman, John Sim has released an official statement that confirms the player will not take to the pitch for the championship side and that conversations have started with respect to the mutual termination of his contract even before he kicks the ball.

"I firstly want to apologize wholeheartedly to our fans, sponsors, players and the wider Raith Rovers community for the anguish and anger caused over the past few days.

"We got it wrong.

 

"In reaching our original decision, we focused far too much on football matters and not enough on what this decision would mean for our club and the community.

 

"Over the past couple of days, we listened carefully to the fans who have got in touch and I’m very grateful for their honesty. As chairman, as a board and as a management team, we have all learned a hard but valuable lesson.

 

"This very unfortunate episode is something that we all bitterly regret and we are now wholly committed to making things right. I can therefore confirm that, following a meeting of the Raith Rovers board, the player will not be selected by Raith Rovers and we will enter into discussions with the player regarding his contractual position.

 

"We share a desire to do what is best for our club and will be doing everything in our power to regain the trust and confidence of the Raith Rovers family."

 

Raith Women captain Tyler Ratrray has also left the club in the wake of the recruitment of Goodwillie had has been followed by key figures at the club, what is not clear as at now is the direction the club will take even as the striker leaves the club.