Modest Glen plays it down
Tippett plays key role in success
and the runners- up Hawick ‘ Quins in the semi- final. There is always next year, Gordon.
Newton Stewart will replace BT National 3 winners Dumfries who move into National 2, where another club from the west in the shape of Cartha Queen’s Park move up to BT National 1 from where Marr made a spectacular promotion challenge to gain BT Premiership status alongside Scotland’s leading club, Premiership winners Ayr.
It begs the question then, is there a common denominator here with so many clubs furth of the city ( with the exception of Cartha) doing so well?
Now modesty is not an integral part of your average Kiwi’s DNA but South of Scotland Schools and youth manager Glen Tippett, who still calls Taranaki home despite having been in Scotland for a lot of years, plays down the crucial role he has played in his 11 years in the post.
Tippett said: “From Inverclyde and Renfrewshire to Dumfries and Galloway, we have created partnerships with clubs and local authorities building a network of Development Officers and a structure to support clubs and schools.
“We have instigated programmes for clubs and schools which have been challenging but successful.
“However, it is essential that we keep that support for the clubs and schools in place, particularly those who have been active in the recently introduced Schools and Youth Conference Structure.”
The fruits of those years spent creating partnerships with the clubs, schools and local authorities has paid off in a big way as the burgeoning success of the clubs in the area has shown.
Glen concluded: “The great thing is that success on the park creates such a positive atmosphere so whether you are talking finance or facilities, you can point to where it has worked and hopefully will continue working from the youngest age groups in clubs in Regional Leagues up to the guys playing in the BT Premiership.”
The drive and passion which he has shown is a big part of Ayr’s success, both as a player and a coach, is something Glen brings to his day job and it doesn’t take long in his company to understand why his enthusiasm and commitment is without doubt the common