Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Return hope for McKenzie
Ex-Rovers skipper Jamie eyes up top job at Cliftonhill
Former Albion Rovers captain Jamie McKenzie admits he would be interested in becoming boss at Cliftonhill.
McKenzie, who enjoyed two spells in Coatbridge has been out of the game since leaving Airdrie junior side Gartcairn last December.
Harper left the League Two side after knocking back a new contract at the club on a reduced wage.
McKenzie, who has previously managed in the juniors with Forth, made history during his time with Cairn, leading them to the West Region League One title and back-to-back promotions.
The 39- year- old believes it would be the perfect fit for both him and the club as they look to the future after the Scottish football shutdown.
He said: “It’s a club where I have spent two spells and been captain; I know the club inside out.
“I want the chance to manage in the SPFL and to go to the highest level possible, so I plan on applying for the job.
“I think my best opportunity to get to that level might be to go back to one of my former clubs.
“I’m a confident boy and I’d back myself to go and manage in
League Two.
“There is a lot going on in football just now and a lot of changes so I think the club would be looking for someone who knows Albion Rovers well.
“I’m a local boy as well and don’t live far from the stadium as well. It would be one I would like to have a conversation about for sure.”
Despite former gaffer Harper being offered a pay cut and clubs across the country cutting their budget during the national crisis, McKenzie is confident he could build Rovers into a competitive side.
He added: “There will be guys going in for this job thinking it’s about money, but it wouldn’t be about the money for me.
“I’ve dealt with small budgets before and could do it again if they want to speak to me.
“There is a lot of good players out there that will be looking for a club and an opportunity once this is all over.
“I would be happy to give players a chance to go and make a name for themselves.
“This shutdown could be a bit of a leveller for clubs because everyone will have to cut their cloth.
“A small budget doesn’t bother me at all and I think I could make the club very competitive in that division.”