IAIN Munro has taken over as manager of Raith Rovers and pledged to guide the Kirkcaldy club away from the bottom of the premier division. The former Dunfermline, Dundee, and Hamilton manager met Raith's players at a morning training session and backed the current players to rescue the side from its miserable start to the season.

``There are quality players here but they have been affected by the uncertainty at the club in the last few weeks,'' said Munro.

``As far as I am concerned my job starts today and the five defeats are in the past. The first task is to get to know the players and have a look at what we have. It may be that my management style will get more out of some of them, but they will all get a chance to show me what they can do before I even think about bringing in anybody else.''

Munro admitted that the recent Taylor and Bosman rulings made it difficult for clubs like Raith to compete in the top league. ``Stark's Park is looking great now but because clubs have had to spend money on their grounds, they have none left for players, especially with Bosman getting rid of transfer fees.

``Apart from the top two or three clubs the league is tight, but I think we have to get a bit of spirit going, bring some stability to the place, and work hard to get ourselves out of this hole.''

Munro did not want to dwell on the controversy of last week when he seemed to turn his back on St Mirren after having agreed to become their manager, but did say that the whole episode had been misinterpreted.

``I think if people had known the facts from the beginning then the problems wouldn't have arisen,'' he said. ``I have no animosity towards anyone at St Mirren but it bothered me that a couple of the directors wanted Tony Fitzpatrick as manager and even told one of the players that he was getting the job.

``It really would have put myself and Tony in an unfortunate position as regards working together, and I felt strongly that, under the circumstances, it would only cause trouble so I decided not to take up the offer.

``I'm not having a go at anyone on the St Mirren board and I really wish the club well and hope Tony gets the backing he deserves. Anyway, I have to concentrate now on the job at Raith and it is great to be back managing at the top level. It is the best place to work.''