West Calder clinch coaching coup as Scotland checks in
Former Trinidad and Tobago internationalist Jason Scotland has joined the coaching staff at West Calder United.
The club is undergoing something of a restructuring process at the moment with new gaffer, Craig
Chilton, bringing aboard his own staff, including former Dundee United and Swansea hitman Scotland
He explained: “A pal of mine was with Jason at Shotts and let me know he was available.
“He came down for a look around and was very impressed with the setup. At first, we asked him whether he would consider playing but he said he was only interested in the coaching side of things.”
JUNIORS
West Calder United have undergone a massive restructure in a bid to avoid ending the season without winning a game, writes John-Paul Clark.
The Cauther currently sit bottom of the East Region South Premier League without a point this term but they are hoping a new management team and a fresh contingent of players will give their season a boost.
The club appointed Craig Chilton as manager to replace the outgoing Crawford Bell and he brought with him a clutch of players and his own coaching staff. After a playing career at the likes of Armadale Thistle, Broxburn Athletic and Fauldhouse United, Chilton was forced to retire at the end last season due to an ankle injury but he has high hopes for his first job in management.
Speaking to the Courier he said: “It happened very fast. I first spoke to the president, Gus Lammie, on the Friday and by Monday I had been appointed as the new manager.
“We decided to bring in some new players because previously they had been struggling with only six or seven boys turning up on a Saturday and the club were having to bring guys in off the street.
“Before the injury I played last season with a good amateur outfit, Craigshill Thistle, and most of the new boys were brought in from there on amateur contracts so we don’t need to pay them. There has been no pot of cash to fund all this. The boys who were already here only get £20 a week, but we are hoping to change that and bring in some sponsorship for next season.”
With 19 defeats from 19 games, the new gaffer knows he faces an uphill struggle but he is not daunted and has called on the services of ex-international striker Jason Scotland to help with the coaching and believes they can push for a title next season.
Scotland brings a wealth of experience to Hermand Park, having been part of the Trinidad and Tobago squad for the 2006 World Cup and counts the likes of Swansea City, Ipswich Town and Hamilton Accies amongst the teams he represented in his playing days - alongside 41 international appearances.
Chilton added: “A pal of mine, Chris Coyne, was with Jason at Shotts and after he fell out with people at the club Chris let me know he was available.
“He came down for a look around and was very impressed with the set-up. At first we asked him whether he would consider playing but he said he was only interested in the coaching side of things at this stage of his career.
“We now have 21 boys turning up for training and games so we just want to consolidate and maybe get a few wins on the board before the end of the season. Next season I want us to push for the league, I am not here for mediocrity and want to be striving and pushing for the league.
“I have good contacts in West Lothian and have spoken to a good few guys already who are at other clubs but are keen to come here next season.
“We are hoping that we can attract the sponsors and also give the people of West Calder something to be proud about and get them turning up to cheer on their team.”
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Livingston will travel to Falkirk in the second round of the SWF Championship Cup after defeating Clyde 5-0 in a game that was abandoned at half-time.
Doubles from Mirren Rennie and Kelly Mochan, as well as a Rachel Walkingshaw strike, put the Lionesses firmly in command when the referee decided to abandon the game.
However, the SWF decided to award the tie to Livi rather than replay the tie.
It’s back to Ieague action on Sunday when they look to build on their impressive 12-0 victory over Edinburgh City from a fortnight ago when they travel to face Ayr United in an SWF Championship South fixture.
Meanwhile, Blackburn United got their season off to a perfect start with a 5-0 win over Murrayfield Ladies in their SWFL League Cup fixture. Ellis Barton grabbed a hat-trick while Nicole Smith added a brace.
On Sunday, United host West Park United at the Purdue Worldwide Community Stadium.