McColl is new Lang boss
Former coach is new boss at Somervell Park
Cambuslang Rangers have appointed Paul McColl as their new manager.
Paul (46), who previously coached the side in the 2010/11 season, returns to Somervell Park after being selected for the job last Thursday night.
The former Cathkin High School pupil, and his assistant Willie Dobbins, were officially welcomed to the club by chairman Billy Miller on Monday night.
Former Cambuslang Rangers coach Paul McColl has returned to the club as manager, four seasons after leaving Somervell.
Paul, from Kirkhill, he will be assisted by ex-Stonehouse boss Willie Dobbins, as the pair look to get the club out of the Central League second division.
Paul was previously a coach at Somervell Park under Alan Wardlaw, as well has having played there. Willie is a former Glencairn player.
Before moving to Somervell Park, Paul had been assistant manager to John McKeown at Cumnock and Wishaw. The pair successfully guided Wishaw out of division two two years ago. Paul also successfully managed Kirkhill Amateurs.
Paul, who has strong family connections with the club with several of his relatives having played for the Lang, said: “It’s going to be a hard job, but I know the division, and hopefully I can start getting the players in that we need as soon as possible.
“I’ve played and coached here, so I’m delighted to be back and involved again.
“I know this division having played in it for about 10 years, and having been there with Wishaw a couple of years back.
“But it’s going to be difficult in the year ahead - some clubs will get a bit of investment, and we’ve got a new club coming in in the shape of Gartcairn, so we don’t quite know what they’ll bring.
“We like a challenge and we’ll be going all out to get promotion.”
With Paul coming into the club, one of his first missions will be to sort out the playing pool for the season ahead.
At present, he doesn’t know the playing pool which ended the season, and admits he’ll be speaking to other people to get some thoughts on the squad’s strengths.
He said: “I’m sure there will be some guys in the squad who would be good to retain, and I’d be silly not to look at them.
“I’d like to speak to them and find out what their thinking is, as I’m pretty sure there will be good players here.
“The first chance I’ll get to see them is in pre-season, so I’ll be speaking to other people to see what they think, and take it from there.
“I’m sure some of them will be looking to move on, so we’ll see what happens.
“In the meantime, there’s some guys I’ve spoken to who have indicated they’d like to come here and play for me.
“Because I know I’m going to be here, it means I can start planning now and building the squad now.
“I can’t say anything yet as they’re still with clubs, but I’m ready to get going.”
New assistant boss Willie, who comes from Blantyre, added: “I’m absolutely delighted - I’ve been at a few teams over the years, after starting out as a player with Glencairn.
“I’ve had management experience with Stonehouse United, and also worked with the Hibs under-15s for a spell, which I really enjoyed.
“There’s not a lot of teams I’d come back into junior football for, but Cambuslang Rangers is one of them - I’m really looking forward to working with Paul.
“I’ve known him for a few years, and he’s a good, football-minded guy.
“It’s a big challenge, but we’re both really looking forward to it - we’ve been speaking about different things we want to do do. The hard work starts now.”
Lang chairman Billy Miller said: “All of our candidates were very good, and it was very close, but Paul has plenty of experience of the junior game, and he knows the club well. We’re delighted to have him and Willie in place.”
Paul and Willie succeed John Doyle, who was sacked after the Lang’s AGM after the side failed to win promotion back to the Central League first division.