Anelka quits and reveals he got it wrong

Source BBC Online

Claude Anelka has parted company with Raith Rovers with a frank admission of his failings in his time at the club.

In a statement, Anelka acknowledged that his plans for Raith had far out-weighed his ability to deliver.

He also said that he was leaving his investment in the club for use in developing young talent.

"I have tried as hard as I could to turn the situation around, but I made some mistakes early on, making success so much more difficult," he said.

Anelka explained the reasons behind his original decision to invest in Raith, saying he had a long-standing ambition to take control of a club where he could develop his football "philosophy".

"What I wanted was complete control of all football matters which was selecting the players, organising of training techniques, and a method of playing - an Arsenal type of play, pass and move, one touch flowing football," he added

"I had worked long and hard to select players I felt sure would do the job. I brought in some French lads and other players.

"To cut a long story short, I believed and told the players that it would only take one or two seasons at most to win the First Division title and I told the media we at Raith Rovers would be the third force in Scottish football.

"When I said it I believed it. I tried to install the power of positive thinking and confidence into the team. The truth of the matter is that I have overstretched my limits.

"Right at the start I knew things were going wrong and I quickly realised that there was more to the game in Scotland than I thought, and I also knew my knowledge of the game was not enough to fulfil my over-optimistic plans."

Anelka said he and the board agreed to bring in John Hollins to help, but his desire to pick the team meant an early departure for him.

The Frenchman admitted the mounting pressure from the fans and the media got to him before he finally realised he was out of his depth.