Craig Levein recalls Gordon Brown’s role in Raith Rovers’ Marvin Andrews deal

Raith Rovers’ move for Marvin Andrews took an unexpected route when Craig Levein was collected by Gordon Brown for a visit to the defender’s church workplace in Kirkcaldy. Andrews had been released by Rangers and was considering the Raith offer when Brown, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, became involved in the recruitment effort.

What changed for the club

Levein had driven to a planned meeting in Kirkcaldy when three Range Rovers arrived rapidly in the car park. Brown then asked him to join his vehicle for the journey to meet Andrews, who was working that evening at the Zion Praise Centre.

The centre was led by Pastor Joe Nwokoye, Andrews’ spiritual mentor. Levein and Brown arrived during a service in which worshippers were being prayed over as the pastor sought to drive out evil spirits. Levein recalled seeing people fall backwards and others lying on the floor while he waited to speak with the former Rangers player.

Despite the unusual setting for a transfer discussion, Andrews completed his move to Raith Rovers. The defender said his faith had been central to his decision.

Competition context

Andrews joined Raith after leaving Rangers, bringing top-level experience to the Kirkcaldy club. Brown later became Prime Minister, but at the point of the meeting he was serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

• Andrews had been released by Rangers before Raith’s approach.
• The defender was working at the Zion Praise Centre during the negotiations.
• His relationship with Pastor Nwokoye formed an important part of the circumstances around the move.

After ending his playing career, Andrews became a full-time Christian preacher. He has continued to pursue that calling, including offering to help remove alleged spirits from haunted homes.

What is scheduled next

No future fixture or transfer decision was attached to Levein’s recollection. The episode remains a notable account of the circumstances surrounding Andrews’ eventual Raith Rovers signing, with his faith continuing to shape his post-football life.