Young ‘has what it takes to go to the next level’, says midfielder

Scott Agnew reckons boss Darren Young is destined for a top job in Scotland, especially if he leads East Fife into the Championship.

Young has just hit the 250 games milestone as a manager – having previously worked wonders at Albion Rovers.

So it’s fitting he has claimed the Ladbrokes League One award for February after a terrific run of four wins out of five that has hoisted the Fifers into title contention.

It’s a double for the Methil men as Agnew was Player of the Month after taking his strike rate to 11 for the season with two goals in the period.

The midfielder said: “I think he has what it takes to go to the next level. He’s done incredibly well with us and with Albion Rovers before that.

“We don’t have the biggest budget but he has recruited well and I think our starting XI is up there.

“He’s worked wonders and I hope he gets an opportunity at some point – but not any time soon!

“I’m sure his time will come. People will surely take note of what he’s doing.”

Agnew, who runs his own fitness education company training people to be personal trainers or sports massage therapists, knows February has been fabulous.

He said: “It’s been tremendous – our only defeat was in a midweek at Falkirk – so we have hung in there and we’re in the play-off picture again.

“Other results have been going well for us, too, and we’ve got another massive game on Saturday at Airdrie so hopefully we can keep it going.

“I have been lucky enough to win promotion from League One with both Ayr and Dumbarton so I have had spells in the Championship and I would love to get there again.

“It would be some achievement if we could get there. We’ve got nine games to go and every one of them will be a cup final.”

Young said: “It’s nice to hit 250 games as a manager but I’ll just keep my head down and hopefully we can have a strong finish to the season.

“Our next three games are Airdrie, Montrose and Raith so they’ll take care of themselves.

“I can’t be more proud of them. We’ve got a point more than last season’s total already and we’ve still got nine games to go,” he said.

“We’ve got a good squad and we’ve got good experience, too, which has been a big help.

“Scott’s got a few goals and a few assists so he’s been great for us.

“I made him captain this season and he has grown into the role. He’s really enjoying his football and he’s an asset with the quality and composure he’s got on the ball and from set-pieces.”