Raith Rovers have defended their decision to sign David Goodwillie from Clyde after a day of intense pushback.
The Bully Wee's captain has scored over 100 goals for the club but steps back into full-time at the Fifers.
Goodwillie has previously been branded a rapist in a civil court and key Raith sponsor Val McDermid has pulled her sponsorship.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon has also supported McDermid's stand while several key club personnel have walked.
But Raith are defiant that they did the right thing in picking up Clyde's skipper - as it will help them push for promotion from the Championship to Premiership football.
A statement reads: "David is a proven goal scorer, and this will be his second stint with the club, having previously played for us on loan from Dundee United during season 2007-08.
"As with all new signings, the club has carefully considered our position as a community club and we completely respect the differing views among fans and stakeholders, many of whom we have spoken to directly in the past 24 hours and are continuing to engage with.
"As David has previously played for Raith Rovers earlier in his career, we consider him to be part of Raith Rovers Football Club. The management team is familiar with David’s career and background and – in particular – his footballing ability.
"That is our foremost consideration, and we believe that he will strengthen the Raith Rovers playing squad. Please be assured that as a community football club we fully acknowledge this signing has divided opinion amongst our loyal fans and commercial stakeholders; We aim to rebuild that trust.
While acknowledging the gravity of what happened ten years ago, as a club we fully support and encourage rehabilitation, and many factors influenced our signing. First and foremost, this was a football related decision."
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