Three of five new bosses are in place
Managerial merry-go-round
Five managers have quit their posts in recent weeks, but two clubs have moved swiftly to replace them.
Towards the end of last week Tam Mcdonald told the Shotts committee that he was leaving, Iain Mccluskie called it quits on Friday after 10 years at Royal Albert, and on Saturday Murdo Mackinnon quit Blantyre Vics.
That added to David Lilley leaving Bellshill and Tam Mcgauley quitting at Newmains United, both of whom were in their first season with their clubs, following their last games around 10 days ago.
Shotts today (Thursday) appointed Kieran Mcguinness as manager, who spent Saturday afternoon as Cumnock assistant manager to John Mckeown, the former Wishaw boss, as they beat Shotts 3-0 at Hannah Park.
Mcguinness previously had a spell as manager at Thorniewood United, and plans to bring in former Shotts favourite Paul Finnigan as his assistant.
Right-back Paul, who has been playing with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, had a brief spell as interim manager between Tony Mcinally leaving and Tam Mcdonald arriving at Shotts.
Mcdonald, who is recovering from a major hernia operation, said: “After 35 years of three nights of football a week I need a rest.”
Newmains United have appointed former Hamilton Accies coach Kevin Muirhead.
Committee member Bill Carrigan said:“there has been a lot of interest, which is very heartening and encouraging.
“Now we’re very fortunate to have an excellent manager in Kevin Muirhead, a sports development graduate who has spent 10 years at Hamilton Accies, where he contributed to player and opposition analysis and general coaching.
“He is bringing with him Don Mckinlay, who has been coaching the under-20s at Accies for five years, and Alan Thomson, who is involved in the Ayr United Coaching Academy for their under-20s.”
Blantyre don’t expect to name their new manager until Saturday.
Club spokesman Jack Mcgilvray said:“murdo indicated that he had received promotion to vice-principal at his school, and the extra commitment would not allow him to spend the time he feels is required at Castle Park.”
Bellshill opted to make former coach Robert Sneddon their interim manager and, after beating Blantyre Vics 2-0, made that appointment permanent.