Lewis Stevenson believes he can now play with more freedom at Raith Rovers, relieved from the pressures he faced at Hibernian FC. The defender left Easter Road this summer after an illustrious 19-year tenure, during which he made 600 appearances for the club.
Ranking fourth in Hibs’ all-time appearance list, Stevenson is unique in having won both the Scottish Cup and the League Cup with the club. Despite these highs, he also endured some difficult periods and felt the weight of expectations as a constant presence through various managerial changes.
Stevenson shared his thoughts on the transition, stating, “The expectation at Hibs was always high, and being the link between different regimes added to the pressure. I’m looking forward to playing with a new sense of freedom at Raith Rovers.”
At 36 years old, Lewis Stevenson has traded the pressures of playing for Hibernian FC for a new chapter with his hometown team, Raith Rovers. Some might find playing for their local club stressful, but Stevenson is relishing the chance to play with renewed freedom as he aims to inspire Rovers to success this season.
Stevenson’s Reflections on the Transition:
“It’s been good, I’ve honestly really enjoyed it,” said the left-back after Raith Rovers’ 1-0 friendly win over Inverness Caley Thistle, a match where Stevenson played a key role. “It feels like I’ve been here for so long and like I’ve known the boys for longer than I have. Being close to home and in familiar surroundings helps, but I was still nervous on the first day.”
Feeling More Freedom:
Stevenson described his experience at Raith Rovers as liberating compared to the pressures at Hibs. “Joining my boyhood club, I actually feel more freedom. At Hibs, the long tenure and constant pressure were overwhelming at times. Here, I feel almost free again. I’m really enjoying it and hope that continues throughout the season.”
Looking Ahead:
With a fresh start at Raith Rovers, Stevenson is focused on enjoying his remaining years in football. “I’m obviously at the end of my career, and I want to enjoy it as much as possible. This move is a fresh start, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.”
Lewis Stevenson, now 36, is enjoying a fresh start with Raith Rovers after nearly two decades with Hibernian FC. Despite the challenges of transitioning to a new team, Stevenson feels reinvigorated and is embracing the opportunity to reinvent himself.
Adapting to New Surroundings:
“I know players move around from team to team and it does feel like a different experience. You feel like a different type of footballer coming to a different team and almost trying to reinvent yourself at 36. I’m really enjoying it; the boys have been amazing. Hopefully, I can help them with little things and learn from them as well. It seems to be a good fit so far,” Stevenson shared.
Seamless Transition with Paul Hanlon:
What has made Stevenson’s transition smoother is having his close friend and former Hibs teammate Paul Hanlon by his side. Hanlon played a crucial role in Raith Rovers’ recent 1-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle, scoring the winning goal in the 86th minute.
“With Paul here, it makes the transition seamless,” Stevenson said. “We’re both really enjoying it, and there’s a good buzz around the place. Out of 600-odd games, he’s probably played inside me for 500 of them, so it does make it easier. Hopefully, he helps me and I can help him. He’s really enjoying it as well. He got his goal, although he was down as a trialist, so I told him it doesn’t count as it’s not under his name!”
Stevenson and Hanlon’s partnership is proving beneficial for Raith Rovers, and both players are looking forward to contributing to the team’s success this season.