Suffering a serious knee injury can be devastating for a footballer’s career, Raith Rovers forward Lewis Vaughan has experienced it on four separate occasions and is now fresh off his best season to date.
Despite last season ultimately ending in disappointment for the Kirkcaldy club, Vaughan returned to the pitch in emphatic form, completing 48 appearances and scoring 19 goals. The Edinburgh based attacker saw that form recognised by his peers in the division as he was nominated for PFA Scotland Championship Player of the Year.
Now entering his 14th year as a senior player at the club, Vaughan reflects on an important season for him personally, highlighting how he has managed to cope with consistent set-backs and ambitions for the club moving forward.
“I always said coming into last season it was just about getting as many minutes as I possibly could and I managed to do that – the goals were just a bonus. I felt we gave a good account of ourselves in the play-offs and we pushed Dundee United all the way, we want to go one better this season.”
It was a memorable year for Vaughan, not only did he complete the most appearances in his career to date and finish joint top scorer in the Championship, he also celebrated his testimonial year with Rovers. The club hosted a golf day for their longest serving player as well as a match against a Hibs XI which included some of his heroes – who have now joined the club this season.
“As a Hibs season ticket holder as a kid, its amazing to see Paul and Lewis come on board. We’ve made some strong signings this summer and I think that will help us over the course of the season. There are a lot of strong teams in the Championship this season, its going to be really competitive.”
The mental strength and resilience shown from Vaughan to continually bounce back from four ACL injuries is incredible and is not something that would be easy for any player. He underlines the importance of staying focused and positive throughout this time.
“It was amazing to be back playing again. I was delighted with the number of appearances I got last year and its about keeping that consistency. When I was injured, it was important to stay busy. I’ve taken up quite a few opportunities with PFA Scotland. I wanted to broaden my horizons and look at things away from football to take my mind off things.
I’ve done the tiling course, my coaching badges and also the PT course. I don’t really know what I want to do after football but it’s always worth preparing for that as early as possible.”
Despite the setbacks over the years, Vaughan is firmly now one of the senior players at Starks Park and says his mindset has develop over the years, something he is keen to pass on to the next generation.
“I definitely look at things differently now. I don’t take playing football for granted, it can all change in the click of a finger. My experience both on and off the park has helped me become wiser and help the younger players in the squad.”
There is no doubt that Vaughan is an inspiration to many across the SPFL and his performances in 2023/24 shows that he has no signs of slowing down just yet.
If you are like Lewis and want to consider your options for life after football, then you can get in touch with our Player Services Manager, Chris Higgins, or Women’s and Youth Development Officer, Heather Richards, for a chat about what’s right for you.
