Campbell: Bye bye to the Brig
I’m going with a heavy heart, says Neilston gaffer
Neilston boss Martin Campbell admits he will leave the Brig with a heavy heart after handing in his resignation.
Campbell and his co-manager John Paul Dow will take charge of the Farmer’s Boys for the final time on Saturday, where they face Craigmark Burntonians in the first round of the West of Scotland Cup.
Club coach Derek Carson will then take the reins as caretaker manager until the Neilston committee make a permanent appointment.
Campbell and Dow became bosses in June 2016 and oversaw a dramatic reversal in fortunes for a side that had been down on its luck, following relegation back to League One.
A season of consolidation was followed by promotion back to the Championship last season.
A whirlwind start to the campaign saw Neilston trouble the Premiership promotion spots but recent poor form has seen the side slip into mid-table.
Campbell insists that he felt it was the right time to leave, as he prepares to take a break from football management after quitting on Tuesday.
He told Express Sport: “It was very much my own decision and I wouldn’t say it was anything to do with JP as he had already announced he was going.
“It is not a decision I have taken lightly, but I just felt the time was right.
“I was actually quite emotional when I went to the committee to tell them the other night. We have been through a great deal.
“I think they were disappointed with my decision, but they thanked us for everything we have achieved in the past two years and wished each other all the best.
“Neilston is a superb club and one that will be an attractive position for a manager.
“I can honestly say that I feel we have left them in a good place and with a platform to build on.
“The squad is brilliant and capable of pushing up that table and I hope whoever comes in is able to do that.”
Although he admits he will be taking a well-earned break, Campbell insists he won’t be a stranger from the Brig O’Lea.
He added: “The committee said we will be welcome back anytime, and we will be back to watch.
“But this will give me the chance to actually go and watch games for the first time in I don’t know how long.
“Part of me is looking forward to it, while the other part is apprehensive and sad to be leaving.”