McAnespie grateful for chance
He netted against the Old Firm and faced off against Ludovic Giuly in the UEFA Cup.
Kieran McAnespie will always remember his playing days at St Johnstone and will forever be grateful for the opportunities he received.
Now 40, McAnespie started his career in Perth and was with the club from 1995 to 2000 before signing for Fulham. He later returned in 2004.
“It was my education,”McAnespie said. “It is where I learned how to go about my business.
“The people at the club made it. I was a young lad going up at the age of 15 and was given the opportunity to play and express myself.
“The education I got with regards to my discipline and responsibilities off the pitch helped me for where I sit now as a young man.
“I reminisce and think how long ago it all was. It is quite scary to think that it was 1999 when we played in Europe.
“Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I didn’t really take everything in. I just trained and played football.
“I didn’t really think about what I had. Although I was quite switched on, I wasn’t the smartest cookie.
“I don’t regret anything, but I just wish I had appreciated the opportunities I had. Particularly, going to play Monaco.
“People ask me:‘Who is the best player you’ve played against?’I just think of reading the whole Monaco team out. They were all unbelievable.
“We were in very good form and had an incredible squad to get us that opportunity. I was very lucky as a player to get the opportunities I did.
“I possibly just didn’t take advantage of them or realise the opportunity I had to develop as a player and make a better career for myself.”
Remaining in football after his playing days was always the plan and, after being manager at Clydebank, he is now in the hotseat at Cumbernauld United.
“I’ve done my B-licence,”he said.“I have two young girls so will be waiting until they are a little older before doing my A-licence.
“And I’ve just joined the fire brigade so I’ll need to adjust to that as well.
“I’m enjoying being able to have the opportunity with Cumbernauld in the West of Scotland League. I like the pressure of coaching and being a manager.”