David Goodwillie: Val McDermid responds to Raith Rovers decision not to play striker

Crime writer Val McDermid has described Raith Rovers’ decision not to play striker David Goodwillie as a “victory of sorts”, but warned the Scottish club faced a “long road back”.

The author ended her life-long support of Raith Rovers and her sponsorship of the club on Tuesday after it emerged Goodwillie had been signed on the final day of the transfer window.

Goodwillie was ruled to be a rapist in a civil court case in 2016, although no criminal proceedings were instructed.

Raith Rovers chairman John Sim issued a statement on Thursday morning revealing the Championship side had “entered discussions with the player regarding his contractual position” and confirming Goodwillie would not play for the club, in a decision made after a concerted public backlash.

In a subsequent statement posted on social media, McDermid said: “I welcome this (unsigned) statement from Raith Rovers. It’s a victory of sorts for the hundreds of people who MAKE the club who were appalled at the board’s original decision and who were not afraid to speak out.

"But it’s just the first step on a long road back.

"The same people who made the decision are still in charge.

"Those who love and value the club are still on the outside; they need to be on the inside, shaping the future for the community.”