AI Identifies Three Ideal Summer Signings for Raith Rovers
Summer recruitment will be crucial as Raith Rovers looks to improve on a disappointing season and mount a serious promotion challenge next term.
Following the club's announcement today on which players have been retained and released, we've used ChatGPT to analyse player data, contract situations, and form to suggest three realistic signings for Barry Robson over the summer.
Each target offers immediate impact potential, aligns with the club's profile, and could play a key role in taking Raith to the next level.
Dipo Akinyemi – 27, York City (Striker)
Akinyemi is a powerful forward known for his goal-scoring exploits in the Scottish Championship.
He topped the Championship scoring charts in 2022–23 with Ayr United, netting 20 league goals and finishing as the league's top scorer.
In the 2024–25 season, he continued to find the net for York City (National League), showcasing his finishing ability despite playing in a struggling side.
At 6ft 2in, Akinyemi offers a strong physical presence up front and can hold up play and run in behind. His proven track record in Scotland – including being named Championship Player of the Month during his Ayr spell – suggests he could make an immediate impact at Stark's Park.
Given Raith's need for a reliable goal-scorer, Akinyemi's mix of Championship experience and predatory instincts would be ideal for a promotion push.
Akinyemi is in his prime at 27, has already excelled at this level, and could lead the line for Raith from day one. His availability and history in Scottish football make him a realistic signing to spearhead the attack.
Steven Bradley – 23, Hamilton Academical (Winger)
Bradley is a young, creative wide player who could inject pace and invention into Raith's attack.
A former Hibernian prospect, he had a breakout loan at Dundalk in 2022, where he burst onto the scene with four goals in his first three games, earning the League of Ireland Player of the Month award. In 2024–25, Bradley was a regular for Hamilton in the Championship, featuring in 32 matches and scoring two league goals despite the team's struggles.
Those numbers underscore his durability and the trust placed in him as a starter. Primarily a right winger, Bradley can also operate on the left or as an attacking midfielder, using his dribbling and eye for a pass to create chances. He contributed a few goals and assists for Hamilton, and his output could rise with better finishers around him.
Raith have released veteran winger Aidan Connolly, so Bradley offers a like-for-like replacement with room to grow. He aligns with the club's aim to lower the squad age while making an immediate impact, having already adapted to Championship level. Bradley is a realistic target – his contract situation makes a move feasible.
He initially joined Hamilton from Livingston and is reportedly out of contract in 2025, meaning Raith could snap him up without a hefty fee. His upside and creativity would add a new dimension to Rovers' attack, and at 23, he could develop further at Kirkcaldy.
Jack Baird – 29, Greenock Morton (Centre-Back)
Baird is an experienced central defender who would shore up Raith Rovers' backline and bring leadership to the squad.
A stalwart for Morton, he played 35 matches and scored two goals in the 2024–25 Championship, anchoring one of the league's sturdier defences. His teammates recognised Baird's consistency and influence – he was voted Morton's Players' Player of the Year for 2024–25. At 6ft 2in, he is dominant in the air and strong in the tackle, precisely the type of presence Raith need after the departure of veteran centre-half Euan Murray.
Baird also has top-tier experience from his time at St. Mirren, so he brings know-how of higher levels. Raith's promotion push will require defensive solidity, and Baird offers reliability and leadership in central defence. He marshals the back line well and is comfortable playing out from the back, which suits the modern game.
Regarding feasibility, Baird is highly attainable – his contract with Morton expires in summer 2025, making him available on a free transfer. Given Morton's budget constraints, a move to an ambitious Raith side would appeal to the player.
For Raith, landing Baird would mean securing a proven Championship defender in his prime years. His experience, durability, and immediate readiness would significantly strengthen the Rovers' defence.
Each of these three players offers immediate quality and fits within Raith Rovers' budget and profile.
Akinyemi would address the need for a goal-scorer up front, Bradley would add creativity and youth on the flanks, and Baird would reinforce the defence with leadership and Championship experience.
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