Golabek’ s experience can give Brora an edge

Stuart Golabek hopes his experience can help Brora Rangers enjoy more success. The former Inverness Caley Thistle and Ross County defender has returned to Dudgeon Park as assistant to manager Craig Campbell.

Golabek previously served the Cattachs as player and coach between 2011 and 2016; he was then appointed manager but had to resign a few weeks later due to work commitments.

Golabek, who works in the oil and gas industry, is pleased to be in a position to return to the Breedon Highland League.

He said: “I took a break from football having been really busy with work.

“But my work situation now has given me an opportunity to get back involved, Brora are local to myself and Craig was looking for a bit of help so it all added up perfectly for everyone.

“Craig has done very well, it’s a very difficult job.

“There have been difficulties and Neil MacDonald leaving was a blow so I’m here to try to help and provide some experience.

“I think experience is something I can bring and hopefully the lads might be able to pick up one or two things.

“I was very fortunate to play in four title-winning sides across Inverness Caley Thistle, Ross County and Brora.

“I’ve always believed if you have a good squad and a good dressing room you can achieve anything you want to.

“From what I’ve seen so far there’s a good togetherness at Brora and I think that’s massive for us.”

Saturday’s 3-1 win against Huntly provided Golabek with his first look at Brora’s squad and he was

impressed with what he saw.

He added: “Saturday was the first opportunity I had to see the players and it’s a good squad.

“I think everyone would agree we’re maybe two or three short in terms of numbers.

“But when we won the league previously with Brora we had a small squad and we were quite fortunate with injuries.

“My impression was that it’s a very good squad and hopefully they can kick on.”

Brora are just three points from the summit of the Highland League and

Golabek reckons they are well-placed to mount a title challenge.

He said: “I think there are a few clubs that can win the league, there will be important games between ourselves Buckie, Brechin, Fraserburgh, Formartine and Inverurie to come.

“It will be nip and tuck, November, December and January can be crucial because the pitches change and you have to dig in and grind out results.

“We’ve got the characters to do that and hopefully come the turn of the year we’ll be in a position to kick on for the rest of the season.”

DETERMINED: Stuart Golabek, left, makes a challenge on Fraserburgh’s Scott Barbour during his playing days with Brora Rangers.