Raith Rovers manager Ray McKinnon will pull his boots back on today in memory of late club stalwart Ally Gourlay.
Gourlay passed away in February aged just 53 following a brave and inspiring battle with cancer.
A life-long fan, the popular Gourlay was Rovers’ media officer and the club’s historian, and created the Former Players Association.
One-time Dundee United midfielder McKinnon will join a host of former and current Raith favourites to play in a tribute match – Ally’s Game – at Stark’s Park this afternoon.
Members of Raith’s victorious 1994 League Cup winning team, Stevie Crawford, Colin Cameron and Jason Dair, will take part, as will the likes of Marvin Andrews, Barry Wilson, Peter Hetherston, John McStay, Christian Nade and Laurie Ellis.
Jimmy Nicholl, who guided the team to League Cup glory, and John McGlynn will manage the two teams.
McKinnon reckons the match will be a fitting tribute to Gourlay.
He said: “When I joined, Ally made that transition from coming from a different club so seamless.
“He was a lovely guy, welcoming – a really top bloke and I got to know him really well.
“He’s sadly missed around this place.
“I hope there’s a big crowd there on Sunday because he was well liked by everyone he came across and for me personally, I became really good friends with him. I was really sad to see him go.
“Some of the players coming back is just fantastic, that’s all testament to Ally – he was just such a nice person.
“I’m looking forward to the game on Sunday, it should be a really nice occasion for his family.
“I’m playing but I don’t know how long I’ll last, I’ll definitely be kicking it about for a bit.”
• Today’s match at Stark’s Park kicks off at 2.30pm, with admission £10 for adults and £5 for juniors and concessions
