New Harthill Royal boss Alain Davidson believes he’s the man to turn the club’s fortunes around.
The Royal have struggled to pick up the points in recent seasons. But the new gaffer – a physio by trade – is hopeful he can provide the healing touch and is up for the challenge of transforming the Gibbshill Park outfit.
Things have gotten off to a reasonable start under Davidson as he led the club to just their second win of the campaign when they defeated Livingston United 5-0 in their recent home game.
While he’s looking for short-term improvement at the club, he insists that he’s in it for the long haul.
Following a successful stint as a manager in the amateur game, the former Stenhousemuir physio felt the time was right to make the step up and he’s relishing the challenge.
Speaking to the Courier, he said: “I’ve been in football for about 20 years as a physio. I had worked with Stenhousemuir for a decade and I’m currently at Falkirk part-time.
“I really wanted to give coaching a go around seven years ago and worked through my badges. Personal circumstances at that time meant that Sunday amateur was really the way for me to go and I set up my own team in Falkirk. We had been fairly successful and then the opportunity at Harthill came about.
“Having spoken to the committee and been through the interview process, it felt like a great opportunity. It’s my first foray at this level and it’s a big rebuild.
“We’ve recruited seven or eight players already and we’re looking at bringing in a few more.”
He added: “There’s been a high turnover of players in a short space of time and especially just now, when weather dictates that you’re probably not training as much as you’d like, that can be challenging.
“We’ve shown progression but we’re not where we want to be yet. We’re looking to climb the table and get the basis and foundations in place for a positive season next year.
“The committee have been terrific and we’ve got an under-20 team in place for next season. I’m really pleased with that because I thought having that pathway was key for the progression of the club and we’ve also been able to bring a scout on board for the first-team.
“Everyone is really aware here that it is a rebuild project but there’s real potential. It was a bit of a blank slate when I came in and that was appealing.
“They’ve got lots of things in place off the field and now it’s about matching that on the field with results and performances. Hopefully we’re all now on the right path.”
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