Locke happy with positive start to Raith career

Raith manager Gary Locke and Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston pictured together before kick off on Saturday. Picture Ian Rutherford

Gary Locke believes he is finally getting the chance to prove himself as a manager after making a positive start to his career at Raith Rovers.

This weekend’s international break gave the 41-year-old a chance to reflect on the opening months of his tenure where he has guided the club to third place in the Championship after 12 games.

After enduring difficult spells in charge of Hearts and Kilmarnock, eyebrows were raised when the Raith board appointed him in July but Locke is so far proving the doubters wrong.

“I always believe in everything I do as a manager,” he told the Press.

“I had a knock at Kilmarnock and you reflect on things when it doesn’t go so well and make sure you don’t make the same mistakes again.

“I feel as if I’ve certainly done that here.

“We’ve got a great squad of boys and the great thing is that I’m getting to manage the football side of the club - that’s what I’m paid to do and that’s what I want to do.

“I’m delighted about that because now I can hopefully show people that I’m a decent manager and that we’ve got a decent squad of players here.

“It’s not about me - it’s about the boys. If you’ve got a good group that does well for you, everybody will be saying you’re a great manager - but for me it’s all about the players.”

After dealing with off-field issues at his previous clubs, Locke faced a different challenge at Stark’s Park – building on the success of predeccesor Ray McKinnon – which he has so far managed to accomplish after quickly developing a rapport with his players, and the fans.

“I’ve really enjoyed it – obviously you enjoy it when you’re winning!” he said.

“We’re third in the league at the minute, but we’ve got a million miles to go.