Bollan aims to stop the rot – and help lift Cowden up the table

New Cowdenbeath boss Gary Bollan met his players for the first time last night – and told them that he is at Central Park to get them off the foot of Scottish football.

The former Livingston, Airdrie and Forfar manager has joined a Blue Brazil side accustomed to losing and the 44-year-old is determined to change that and quickly.

The Fifers suffered successive relegations from the Championship to League 2 and only survived in the senior game last season by winning a penalty shootout against Lowland League champs East Kilbride.

After picking up only one win in the first 10 games Billy Brown resigned and Bollan, who parted company with Forfar in September four months after winning promotion, saw off the challenge from more than 40 other applicants to secure the post.

Bollan is out to make an impact as he explained: “I am delighted to be back in football after a couple of months out.

“I know there is a big job to be done and I am looking forward to getting it started.

“I met the players at training on Tuesday and have set the target of getting off the bottom of the table by defeating Annan this weekend in our rearranged league match.”

“That would be a huge lift to everyone and with Edinburgh City to face the following week it would set us up really nicely to stay off the bottom. I have secured four promotions during my career and whilst that is not the aim here just now I intend to hit the targets I have been set.”

Bollan is working towards bringing an assistant in with him. However, the appointment of former Dundee United coach Stevie Campbell has been described as ‘premature’.

Cowden chairman Donald Findlay explained Bollan impressed during his interview.

He said: “Gary has an absolute wealth of experience and great knowledge of the players and teams in our division and above.

“He also has a proven track record. He really impressed at interview by setting out clearly his plans for the club and his determination to succeed.

“With two-thirds of the season ahead, we now move forward with renewed impetus.

“I would simply now ask every Cowdenbeath fan to unite behind Gary and the team.

“There is hard work in front of us but your backing and support is vital as we tackle the challenges ahead.”

Gary Bollan has been appointed Cowden boss just two months after being dismissed by Forfar.