David Goodwillie: Raith Rovers apologise to supporters as they provide update on controversial 'signing'

Raith Rovers have issued a fresh apology over the controversial signing of striker David Goodwillie and say they've reached out to supporters' groups.

Rovers say they're working hard to restore their 'family club' reputation and that the saga represents "an awful period" in their history.

The Kirkcaldy club say they're reached out to supporters' groups following a backlash to the January transfer window deadline day signing from Clyde.

Goodwillie, who was deemed a rapist by a civil court judge in 2017, was handed a two-and-a-half year contract by the Championship club, which was later rescinded by Rovers following a storm of protest.

Sponsor Val McDermid, the crime author whose name adorns a stand at Stark's Park, was among numerous figures who condemned the signing.

Directors stepped down and volunteers walked away from Rovers, with their women's team separating entirely from them.

Raith Rovers initially defended their decision, but soon backed down and issued an apology.

Manager John McGlynn expressed regret and said the club misjudged the situation.

A new statement issued by Raith Rovers read: "The board of directors and CEO, having reflected further on what we have already acknowledged was a wrong decision around a deadline day transfer, would like to provide our supporters, volunteers and the wider community connected to the club with an update.

"In doing so, we ask that everyone takes cognisance of the fact that a number of legal and financial issues are still being discussed with concerned parties, and as such we are restricted to the extent of information we can share at this time.

"The past two weeks have been an awful period in the club’s long and proud history, and once again we want to say sorry for the