A CHANCE to make history is the objective for Kevin Smith after he agreed a switch to Cowdenbeath FC.

The former Raith Rovers and East Fife frontman has linked up with ex-Tranent Juniors boss Calum Elliot as they attempt to return the Blue Brazil to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

Less than a decade ago, the Fife club were in the Championship but, three relegations later, they are now playing in the fifth tier of the Scottish football pyramid, where they finished 15th.

Smith, who moves to Cowdenbeath from Bonnyrigg Rose, said: “The message from the chairman is we want to get back up into the leagues.

“That is the goal.

“They have got that experience of being in the leagues and know what it is about and what it takes to get back there.

“Our job is to get them challenging and back into League Two and back into the lower leagues of Scottish football.

“Traditionally, Cowdenbeath have been one of the bigger clubs in the lower leagues.

 

 

“The Lowland League is a tough, tough league and Bonnyrigg Rose know that as well.

“They have been there and done it.

“Nobody has bounced back to the SPFL and I am looking forward to getting into the players that they can go down in history as the first to come back.

“We are under no illusions it will be difficult but we are definitely going to set the players high goals.”

Elliot already knows about the Lowland League, having guided the Belters into tier five for the first time in the club’s history last season.

He left the club at the end of September and took the Cowdenbeath job last month after a brief spell at Penicuik Athletic.

Smith, who grew up in Musselburgh, attending Musselburgh Grammar School, said linking up with his new manager was about 20 years in the making.

READ MORE: Kevin Smith tips Bonnyrigg Rose to surprise people in League 2

The 36-year-old said: “I have known Calum since we played with Hearts at under-14s and under-15s.

“We have kept in touch throughout our careers.

“We have known each other a long time.

“I had a few other things and Calum approached me in the past and we kept in contact.

“I was pleased he did reach out. It was something that appealed to me.

“I know the type of guy he is and club Cowdenbeath are – it was a no-brainer.”

Smith, who works for SGN and stays in Newcraighall, finished Bonnyrigg Rose’s debut League Two campaign as top scorer.

The Midlothian club had come up to the fourth tier – at the expense of Cowdenbeath – and ended up finishing eighth.

The frontman, who also had spells with Leeds United, Sunderland, Wrexham and Notts County, felt that his experience had proven a useful attribute both on and off the park at New Dundas Park.

He said: “Robbie Horn [manager] understood at my age that I was not going to play every single game but I was there to help the lads that were there with my experience and things. When you are more experienced, the boys listen a bit more and take on those experiences.”