St Johnstone v Raith Rovers: Where to Watch & BBC Radio Scotland Coverage with Rory Loy

Football fans across Scotland are treated to another intriguing Scottish Championship clash this Saturday as St Johnstone host Raith Rovers at McDiarmid Park in Perth. With both sides looking to strengthen their positions in the William Hill Championship table, the 3pm kick-off on December 6, 2025 promises to be a tightly contested affair. While there is no live TV broadcast on the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports or TNT Sports for this particular fixture, supporters can tune in to BBC Radio Scotland for full live commentary and match coverage, with former professional striker Rory Loy providing expert insight and pitchside reporting.

How to Follow St Johnstone v Raith Rovers

For those unable to attend McDiarmid Park in person, the best way to follow the action is via BBC Radio Scotland, which continues its long-standing tradition of bringing live Scottish football to fans across the country. The station’s coverage of the Scottish Championship remains a vital part of the football-watching experience for many supporters, particularly for mid-table and lower-table fixtures that don’t always make it onto terrestrial or subscription television.

Listeners can tune in on FM, DAB, online via the BBC Sounds app, or through smart speakers by asking for BBC Radio Scotland. The commentary team will bring live descriptions of every key moment, from goals and saves to red cards and late drama, while Rory Loy will be on the ground in Perth to provide pitchside updates, atmosphere, and post-match reaction.

Meet the Reporter: Rory Loy

Rory Loy is no stranger to Scottish football fans, having enjoyed a solid professional playing career before moving into media and punditry. Born in Edinburgh in 1988, Loy began his senior career at Falkirk, where he made over 100 appearances and scored 25 goals between 2006 and 2010. His performances earned him a move to English Championship side Millwall, where he spent two seasons, although first-team opportunities were limited.

Loy returned to Scotland with spells at Dunfermline Athletic, St Mirren, Dundee, and Partick Thistle, where he became a fan favourite for his work rate and eye for goal. Over the course of his career, he made more than 300 senior appearances and scored over 70 goals across the Scottish Premiership and Championship. His experience in both domestic leagues, combined with his understanding of the pressures and nuances of lower-division football, makes him a valuable voice on BBC Radio Scotland’s football coverage.

Since hanging up his boots, Loy has transitioned into media work, regularly appearing as a pundit and reporter for BBC Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland. His calm, articulate analysis and ability to relate to players and managers alike have made him a trusted figure in Scottish football broadcasting. For this St Johnstone v Raith Rovers clash, fans can expect insightful observations on tactics, player performances, and the broader Championship context.

St Johnstone vs Raith Rovers: The Championship Context

Going into this fixture, St Johnstone are sitting near the top of the Scottish Championship table, having built a strong start to the 2025–26 campaign. Under manager manager Steve Lomas, the Saints have combined solid defensive organisation with moments of attacking quality, making them genuine promotion contenders. Their home form at McDiarmid Park has been particularly impressive, and they will be looking to extend their advantage over the chasing pack with a win over Raith.

Raith Rovers, meanwhile, are in a more transitional phase. The Kirkcaldy-based side have shown flashes of promise but have struggled for consistency this season. Sitting in the lower half of the table, they will view this trip to Perth as a chance to pick up valuable points and climb away from the relegation zone. Manager John McGlynn will be hoping his side can match St Johnstone’s intensity and take something from the game, especially given the importance of away points in a tightly packed division.

Team News and Tactical Preview

St Johnstone are expected to line up in their familiar 4–2–3–1 formation, with a strong central midfield pairing and an emphasis on controlling the tempo. Key players to watch include midfielder Jason Holt, whose experience and passing range will be crucial, and forward Adama Sidibeh, who has been one of their most dangerous attacking threats this season. The Saints’ defence, marshalled by experienced centre-back Paul Hanlon, will be looking to keep a clean sheet and limit Raith’s opportunities.

Raith Rovers, on the other hand, are likely to adopt a more compact shape, looking to stay organised and hit St Johnstone on the counter. Midfielder Stephen Mallan will be central to their build-up play, while the front line will need to be clinical if they are to trouble the home side’s backline. Manager McGlynn may opt for a 4–3–3 or 4–4–2 system depending on the opposition and conditions, and fans will be watching closely to see how his side adapts to the McDiarmid Park atmosphere.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

Historically, St Johnstone have had the upper hand in recent meetings with Raith Rovers, particularly in competitive fixtures. In the 2025–26 season alone, the Saints have already beaten Raith in the Scottish League Cup, and they followed that up with a league victory earlier in the campaign. That said, Raith have shown they can compete with top-half sides on their day, and a draw or even an upset win would be a significant boost for their survival hopes.

Form-wise, St Johnstone come into this match on the back of a strong run, having won several of their last five league games. Raith, by contrast, have been more inconsistent, with a mix of wins, draws and defeats that leaves them in a precarious mid-table position. The Championship is notoriously unpredictable, and even a seemingly straightforward home fixture can turn into a real test of character and resilience.

Why BBC Radio Scotland’s Coverage Matters

While live TV coverage of Scottish football is often focused on the Premiership and cup competitions, BBC Radio Scotland plays a vital role in keeping fans connected to the lower leagues. Their coverage of the Scottish Championship ensures that supporters of clubs like St Johnstone and Raith Rovers can still enjoy live commentary, expert analysis, and local insight, even when their matches aren’t on television.

The station’s team of presenters, commentators and reporters – including figures like Rory Loy – bring a level of knowledge and passion that resonates with fans. For many, listening to the radio on a Saturday afternoon is as much a part of the football experience as being in the stands, and the build-up, live action and post-match discussion all contribute to a rich and engaging broadcast.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect at McDiarmid Park

St Johnstone v Raith Rovers on December 6, 2025 is shaping up to be a classic Scottish Championship encounter: a top-half side looking to maintain their momentum against a determined lower-table outfit fighting for every point. With the kick-off at 3pm and live coverage on BBC Radio Scotland, fans have the perfect opportunity to follow the action in real time.

Keep an ear out for Rory Loy’s pitchside reports, which will give you the atmosphere, team news and immediate reaction from Perth. Whether you’re a Saints supporter hoping for another three points or a Raith fan dreaming of an upset, this is one Championship clash that’s well worth tuning in for.