A Renfrewshire school teacher has scored top marks in the world of football management as his pupils cheer him on from the classroom – and the stands.
Dedicated Murdo MacKinnon combines teaching at Gryffe High with bossing Glasgow-based West of Scotland League Premier Division big guns Pollok.
It has been an extra special week following ‘Lok’s dramatic 4-3 win over SPFL League Two strugglers Annan Athletic in the second round of the Scottish Cup.
The tie was beamed live on BBC Scotland – with Pollok landing a trip to Championship high-flyers Ayr United in round three.
Shaun Fraser’s early opener was cancelled out by Rob McCartney before goals from Darren Christie, Fraser Mullen and Stuart McCann put ‘Lok 4-1 up.
McCartney struck again for Annan with Cameron Williamson also netting but Murdo’s men would prevail in a seven-goal thriller.
Many of MacKinnon’s students have become invested in the Newlandsfield team since he joined the club in 2016 before taking over as gaffer two years later.
And that is a source of pride for the computing science and business teacher who is delighted to see the kids interested in sport with the Pollok link helping to build relationships during school hours.
He said: “Most of the pupils have now became quite invested in Pollok and it is something that we discuss quite regularly.
“That common ground that I have with them helps develop a positive relationship as we often talk about the football results when I come in.
“On Tuesday morning, some of the pupils said they were at the game and others had watched it on TV and congratulated me.
“I’ve been told that there is going to be some that will make the trip to Ayr to cheer on the team. I think that if they are getting invested in the sport, or any sports, it is only a good thing as it hopefully encourages those to take one of them up.”
MacKinnon touched on how it felt to win on Monday night as he hailed an impressive team performance with ‘Lok doing just enough towards the end to hang on for a famous victory.
He added: “There is no kidding about it that this will be a very tough game as Ayr are on a great run at the minute.
“We know that going into the game we are heavy underdogs for the tie, however, in the Scottish Cup, anything can happen.
“I believe that we can put up a tough fight and we believe that we are a good side. It is now just all about putting it together on the park as we have been training well.”
Pollok’s players and coaching staff can enjoy their Annan triumph a little bit longer given they are without a game this weekend due to derby-day opponents Arthurlie competing in the Scottish Junior Cup at Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.
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