Easton up for boss bow in Irn-bru Cup

DUNDEE UNITED: New reserve team coach looking forward to shot at management

Dundee United reserve team manager Craig Easton is relishing the prospect of being in charge for the Irn-bru Cup.

Easton and under-18s coach Scott Robertson, both newly-appointed by the Tangerines, will be in the dugout as a predominantly second-string pool of players competes in the tournament.

The first round draw takes place today at 1pm at the People’s Palace in Glasgow.

A total of 48 teams are involved – the 30 from the Ladbrokes Championship, League 1 and League 2, the 12 from the Premiership colt teams and three each from the Highland and Lowland League. First-round ties will be played in the midweek of August 14 and 15.

Following Uefa approval, Sutton United and Boreham Wood of England’s Vanarama National League will join Bohemians and Bray Wanderers of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Irish duo Crusaders and Coleraine, and Welsh pair The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads at the second-round stage of the competition, which is scheduled for September 8 and 9.

Easton insists he can’t wait to face that challenge so soon after rejoining the club where he spent such a successful time as a player.

“I was aware of that when I agreed to take the job and it’s something that I am looking forward to,” said Easton.

“It will be something that the younger players should benefit from and I’m sure they will all be keen to see who we get in the draw.

“It’s all about them improving as footballers. This tournament should provide them with invaluable experience.”

iroache@thecourier.co.uk

“It will be something the younger players should benefit from. It’s all about them improving as footballers. CRAIG EASTON

SNS. Craig Easton is relishing the challenge of leading Dundee United in this season’s Irn-bru Cup.