BRING IT ON Trio are ready to change the fortunes of Neilston

David Campbell

Neilston’s new comanager Derek Carson paid tribute to his predecessors as he prepares to take charge for the first time this weekend.

The Farmer’s Boys moved quickly to appoint Carson and co- boss Chris Cameron after the recent departure of Martin Campbell and John Paul Dow.

The duo will be joined by coach David Gordon and all three have long histories with the Brig O’Lea side.

Carson told Express Sport: “We have all played for Neilston so we know what the club is all about.

“Martin and John Paul brought me in as a coach a season and a half ago because I knew the club. I really want to thank them for that opportunity.

“We all have a good understanding of the club and what it’s about. We can’t wait to get started.”

The 39-year-old gas engineer says the trio had plotted a path into management and the timing of the Neilston job was perfect.

He added: “We had spoken about getting into the management side before and we thought about the Neilston job when it came up last time but the timing wasn’t right.

“But it has always been something we were aiming for and now we have the chance. We went for an interview on Monday and were told we had got the job that night.

“It happened quickly but we are really pleased.”

The team are currently sitting tenth in the McBookie Championship after a strong start to the season tailed off.

However, Carson says all the ingredients are there to have a successful season.

“I sat down with Chris and went through the playing staff, where people play and things and he was more than happy with the players we have.

“I think a fresh voice and face in the changing room will make a difference and hopefully we can get some positive results.

“All three of us only gave up playing fairly recently so we have either played with or against a lot of the players , so we know their strengths and weaknesses.

“We want to continue the good work Martin and John Paul had put in.”

Carson was in charge of the side on a caretaker basis for the 3-0 win over Kello Rovers last weekend.

“We took our first training session and it was really good. The boys listened to what we had to say and responded well,” he added.

Carson and Cameron face a stern first test when they welcome top- of- the- league Benburb to the Brig O’Lea on Saturday.

We went for a interview on Monday and were told we had got the job that night