Former Chelsea boss wants to manage Raith!

Last updated : 07 October 2004 By Chris Gallagher

John Hollins says he wants to become the new manager of Raith-Just days after leaving the club.

After a disagreement with Claude Anelka the former Chelsea, Rochdale and Swansea boss vacated his position as Assistant just weeks after joining the Kircaldy club.


However the decision to move Anelka into the newly created Director of Football position has created a vacany, Hollins would be excited about filling.


And the vastly experienced Englishman has revealed he has already held talks about the third non-Scottish boss in a row at Rovers following the controversial Frenchman and Spaniard Antonio Calderon.

He said: “I would, though, want to have 100% control of the team. Every manager wants that and I would be no exception," he told The Courier.

"I wasn't happy leaving in the first place but felt I had to make a professional stand.

"My job was to assist Claude, who invested in the club and wanted to be part of the footballing side of things despite being relatively inexperienced in the game.

"Though I took charge of one match, which we drew, that never happened again and there was no point in working day after day without being able to make the changes needed.

"I could have stayed and taken the money but I have pride in my work.

"Doing what I did probably brought matters to a head and whatever happens next has to be for the good of Raith Rovers.

"Going back would excite me and I have spoken to the chairman."

Hollins has considerable coaching and managerial experience having been in charge of Chelsea for three years, Rochdale, Swansea and been reserve team and assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers.

In a distinguished playing career with Chelsea, Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers, Hollins made over 900 League appearances. He captained Chelsea and helped them to UEFA and Cup Winners Cup victories also setting a record for consecutive appearances with the West London club (167 between 1968 and 1970).


He collected another Cup Winners Cup medal with Arsenal and was awarded an MBE for his services to the game.