Raith Rovers defender Zak Delaney has described his injury-plagued spell at Arbroath as the toughest period of his career, speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend's reunion. The Irishman, who joined Raith this summer, is set to face his former club at Stark's Park on Saturday with both teams in the early promotion mix.
Delaney's move to Arbroath came after he was released by Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He said he felt pushed out by the then-manager before joining Arbroath, where he found great people. His time with the Lichties, however, was immediately derailed by a serious setback in his debut.
What happened during his Arbroath debut?
Early in his first game for the club, Delaney suffered a bad ankle injury. He recalled being sidelined for a lengthy period. The layoff meant he only managed a handful of games for Arbroath after returning. He admitted that during this period he was not playing at his best, struggling to regain his form and confidence after the physical blow.
Despite the difficult stint, Delaney retains a strong connection to the Gayfield Park setup, knowing the co-managers well. His departure in the summer saw him join Raith Rovers, where he now competes for the left-back spot and has received guidance from experienced defenders.
Where do both teams stand now?
The Saturday fixture pits third against fourth in the William Hill Championship. Raith Rovers have points from their opening matches, while Arbroath sit just behind in fourth place. Raith's confidence is high after a significant win away at Inverness Caledonian Thistle last weekend, a result that ended the hosts' long unbeaten home run. Their form has been mixed, though, with a recent derby loss.
What is the context for Arbroath's season?
For Arbroath, the focus quickly shifts beyond this weekend's match. Ian Murray's side, currently fourth, are behind the league leaders and have a balanced record. Their next assignment is a trip to face Ayr United. The squad will be looking to build on recent results as they aim to close the gap at the top.
Delaney's personal journey adds a compelling layer to a key early-season fixture. Having endured his career low point in Arbroath colours, he now returns as an opponent for a Raith side looking to solidify its top-three position. The match at Stark's Park kicks off this Saturday.
