Toshney awaiting new Adventure

Former Dundee, Dundee United and Raith Rovers defender hopes to embark on exciting new chapter in his career by leading Downfield JFC up the leagues. Alan Temple talks to Lewis Toshney...

Lewis Toshney is refusing to look back in anger. As a muchvaunted Celtic product and Scotland under-21 captain, he was considered one of the brightest young defensive prospects in the country when he made his Hoops debut in February 2011.

That, in itself, was a dream come true for the Dundee lad who used to possess a season ticket for Parkhead, roaring on his heroes every second week alongside his grandad, Dennis, who sadly passed away last year.

Then the injuries came. Most notably, the persistent knee troubles which date back to his teenage years with the Hoops. There were flashes of his undoubted promise at Kilmarnock, Dundee and Raith Rovers — but his body let him down in the end.

Toshney was sidelined for nine months at Dundee United before joining Arbroath, Brechin, Falkirk and, most recently, Inverness. A hip problem resulted in the centre-half failing to make an appearance for the Caley Jags this season.

The time had come to make the hardest decision any footballer will ever make. Last week, at the age of 29, Toshney announced his retirement and, to his immense credit, there is no bitterness — just enthusiasm about what the next chapter has in store.

“There were offers in the top division in Ireland and the Scottish Championship, but with the injuries I’ve had I said: ‘Do I really want to put myself through this for another year? Is it worth it?’,” he said.

“I hadn’t played all season at Inverness, then I was doing physio on my own in Dundee and my knee started to give me bother again. At some point you have to just accept that it’s time to hang up the boots — and look to the next stage of your life.

“I’m a massive Celtic fan and my Granda and I used to go to the games together. We had a season ticket from when I was six years old.

“So, signing for Celtic and then going on to make my debut at 18; that was the ultimate dream fulfilled.

“Being from Dundee and playing for both hometown teams was something else, too.

“Injuries hindered me — and I’m not one for making excuses — because I was the Scotland under-21s captain, then I did my knee and it was another lost campaign. That was a recurring theme.

“But, I gave my all, and anyone that does that can look back with pride.”

As he hung up his boots, Toshney picked up the cones.

He has been appointed manager of Downfield JFC as the ambitious Spiders embark on their own fresh adventure, with a reshaped committee in place and lofty aspirations to challenge the likes of Broughty, Lochee United and Carnoustie.

His former Dundee United team-mate Simon Murray will help him out during the initial training sessions (a fitness plan with a start date of May 10 has already been dispatched to his players) ahead of an anticipated start date of July 17 for the Premiership North season.

Toshney’s excitement is palpable.

“We are a brand new club in terms of the team and committee — but the ambition here is through the roof,” he continued.

“One thing I can promise is: I’ll be learning on the job and trying to better myself every single day.

“And I’ve told the committee that I’m not looking at this job as a stepping stone; I’m not thinking about doing one season then moving on. I’m here to get Downfield up the leagues. There might be an element of gelling in the coming season — dipping our toes in the water — but I know for a fact that this club is going places in the very near future.

“That pyramid system is a massive draw, with the lure of League Two, and we want to attack it.”

The move also sees Toshney delve into the wide world of the working man, as he trains to become a utilities worker in Dundee.

“My dad has already said to me: ‘welcome to the real world — this’ll open your eyes!’”

Toshney credits his time at Dundee United with igniting his passion for coaching. He is currently studying for his Uefa ‘A’ licence.

It may have been a tortuous period in terms of his fitness woes, but he was afforded a wonderful opportunity to work under Tannadice academy director Andy Goldie and youth coach Lloyd Gaffney.

And given Ray Mckinnon’s influence on Toshney’s career — signing him for Raith Rovers, United and Falkirk — it is no surprise to know that the Queen’s Park manager has already indicated that he’ll be on-call 24/7 for advice.

A less obvious revelation is that Toshney has signed Mckinnon’s son, Matt, to play in defence for Downfield.

“I’ve already spoken to Raymond and (long-time assistant) Darren Taylor and they’ve told me that their phone is always on if I need any advice or guidance,” Toshney said.

“That’s absolutely invaluable and I’m sure we’ll see them both down the Downfield when Queen’s Park aren’t playing.”

SPIDERMAN: Lewis Toshney is unveiled as the new manager of Downfield, left; Toshney, top, during his spell with Dundee United; former Raith Rovers and United boss Ray Mckinnon, above.