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NEW Raith Rovers manager John Hughes has assured Bobby Barr he does not hold grudges after describing how he told the winger not to bother coming back when the pair were together at Livingston.
Barr is one of a trio of players Hughes has worked with before at previous clubs but could have been concerned at the appointment of his old boss in Kirkcaldy.
The 28-year-old spent three and a half years at Livingston earlier in his career but following the arrival of Hughes as manager in February 2012 was farmed out to East Fife on loan months later.
‘Yogi’ insists their disagreement was down to playing style rather than anything personal and he is adamant the former Morton and Brechin City player will get a fair crack of the whip now he is in charge at Stark’s Park.
He said: “We can’t do it individually, we have to do it as a team.
“That was my fall-out with Bobby Barr when he was at Livingston.
“Bobby played a wee bit as an individual and not the best for the team. But we have to make sure that in everything we do we are together and it’s for the team.
“The last thing I said to Bobby was after a game and I said ‘Bobby, just sit in the house and I’ll phone you up when I need you’.
“That was him finished at Livingston but there were no hard feelings.
“The first time I saw him here, he said ‘gaffer I’ve been sitting in the house for four years!’
“We just had a laugh and there’s no hard feelings. I don’t hold grudges.”
TALENT
Barr started Hughes’ first game in charge of Raith at the weekend and played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Hibs that extended their run without a win to 15 matches.
And the former Falkirk, Hibs and Inverness Caley Thistle boss is hopeful Barr will go on to star under his leadership as he bids to spark a revival in fortunes in the remainder of the campaign.
Hughes added: “I’m hoping he’s learned his lesson and he’s matured.
“I’m wanting Bobby Barr to be Raith Rovers’ best player between now and the end of the season.
“I don’t think Bobby’s talent is in doubt, but I think his mentality was, that belief in himself and that strong character.
“That’s what he needs to get right because the talent’s there. He’s got fantastic assets, he’s rapid quick and any defender hates playing against that.
“Sometimes I think he might beat himself up a wee bit and it’s my job to get him not to worry.
“That’s why I’m talking about a mindset and a character.
“Bobby’s all right, he’s a good personality and a good character to have around the place.”
