Lee is about to have letters after his name
Angelo Alessio hasn’t had his troubles to seek at Kilmarnock.
The early Europa League exit at the hands of Connah’s Quay Nomads had fans clamouring for him to be removed from the Manager’s Office at Rugby Park.
Lee Mcculloch knows how that feels. Now back in full- time work and in a good place in his career, Lee Mcculloch reflects on his departure as Kilmarnock boss almost two years ago as the best thing that could have happened for him.
Of course, that wasn’t his view at the time. He was deeply disappointed and dejected that he couldn’t win games of football, and have the Ayrshire club higher up the SPFL Premiership.
But time is a healer.
It gave him the opportunity to reflect, go away to learn and return a more- rounded coach.
That’s why Robbie Neilson got him on to his Dundee United coaching staff last season on a part-time basis, and then promoted him in the summer to be his assistant.
On top of that, the former Rangers skipper is in the final stages of gaining a Masters Degree in Sporting Directorship from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Mcculloch told The Sunday Post: “When I got the Kilmarnock job, I was thrilled and determined to make the club successful.
“It was a massive disappointment that it didn’t go to plan, but it was right for all parties to part company.
“It worked out well for Killie because they appointed Steve Clarke as manager, and he had fantastic success.
“It was good to see a few of the lads I signed thrive and prosper under Steve’s guidance.
“On a personal level, the time out was probably what I needed, one of the best things that has happened to me. “I went away, studied at a few different clubs and also coached in Poland for a few months. “The time away has helped me develop and improve. There is no doubt about that.
“I’m now more experienced and better equipped as a coach.
“Part of the reason for that is the Masters Degree. I’ve been doing it for two years and it is hard work.
“I was never into my studies at school as football was always my priority. “So to be at university at 41 years of age – and referencing the worldfamous Harvard University in the United States for my work – is definitely out of my comfort zone.
“It’ s about leadership, organisation and other qualities. “It’s not only focused on football, either. “It covers many sports, from cricket to rugby and beyond.
“I have part of the course to complete, and that’s to hand in a final dissertation.
“All going well, I’ll graduate after that – and have letters after my name!
“It will be good to have and is all part of my development.”
Also hugely important to Mcculloch is helping the Tannadice club to promotion this season.
He stressed: “Robbie is a quality manager, and I’ve been very impressed with the way he goes about his business.
“He is tactically astute, and also great with the players on a one-to-one basis.
“It was my pleasure to be asked to help out on a part- time basis last season, and I was