Confirmation of the developments at Starks Park courtesy of the official club website:
A press conference was held at Stark's Park this morning (11/10/04), at which the following formal announcement was made:
"...this press conference confirms the following facts:
- the appointment of Gordon Dalziel as football manager with immediate effect
- the resignation of Claude Anelka as director of football with immediate effect
- the appointment of Jimmy Miller, of Bar Itza and the Ceramic Tile Warehouse organisation, as a director"
There then followed a question & answer session between the assembled press and Gordon Dalziel & Jimmy Miller, where some points were clarified and views given.
Gordon Dalziel acknowledged the ambition of his predecessor, but agreed things had not worked out as had been planned. Gordon makes no promises concerning the immediate future with regard to the team's performances and league position, but starts today on a positive footing. He is looking forward to seeing players in action at tonight's Fife Cup tie in Cowdenbeath, and to taking training with Shaun Dennis tomorrow and onwards.
There is no immediate decision concerning the position of Assistant Manager.
After assessing the current squad, which he does not know but which he acknowledges is too big, Gordon will seek the support of the Board of Directors to make the changes he feels are necessary. This will be done as quickly as possible, given the perilous league position.
He assures everyone with Raith Rovers at heart that he brings total commitment to the club and total focus to the club where he had his most successful times as a player.
Those days showed the potential of Raith Rovers Football Club - the club is geared for better things, and he looks forward to moving forward in a positive fashion, with positive support behind the team and the club.
In similar vein, Jimmy Miller expressed his passion not just for the football club, but also for the town of Kirkcaldy, and the region of Fife. Having been main sponsor for some time, he felt the time was now right to 'stand up and be counted'. He also looked for the positive support of the Raith Rovers fan base and the wider community, both businesses and individuals.
In the short term, the position of Chairman would remain vacant.
He stressed the importance of the longer term and building for the future, and expressed the view that improvements, on the playing side and behind the scenes, need to be sustainable.
The press also sought clarification concerning the position of Claude Anelka. In confirming the announcement of Claude's resignation, Mr Miller intimated that negotiations with Claude and his backers continue in order to resolve certain details.