New Neilston boss Kevin Muirhead believes he can breathe new life into the Farmer’s Boys and reignite their promotion push.
Paisley native Muirhead has replaced long-serving management duo Chris Cameron and Derek Carson in the dugout at the Brig O’Lea Stadium after his own significant spell in charge of Second Division side Muirkirk.
Despite an underwhelming start to their First Division campaign, by their own high standards, Neilston still sit just four points off a promotion spot.
And while Muirhead’s initial target is to steady the ship after a turbulent few weeks and months, he insists the East Renfrewshire club already have the quality they need in the dressing room to get back on track after watching them thump Kello Rovers 5-1 last weekend.
Speaking to Renfrewshire Live Sport shortly after his appointment, Muirhead said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be named Neilston manager and I can’t wait to get started.
“I was at Muirkirk for over five years, so I have left there with a heavy heart. I’m from Paisley so logistically this move makes a little bit more sense for me.
“I’m also well aware of the high esteem Neilston are held in at this level. They’re a bigger club and in a division above, so it’s a step up for me I couldn’t overlook.
“I’ve had great meetings with the board so far and I think my ambitions match theirs. They’re a very ambitious club and the aim is to get back into the top flight.
“I know there’s a lot of quality players already in this squad. I know that because I’ve tried to sign some of them over the last few years!
“I watched them beat Kello and I was very impressed, particularly in the second half when they got the ball down a bit more and tried to play more on the deck. They tore Kello apart and that bodes well because I want us to play with the ball on the ground too.”
Despite his announcement as boss, Muirhead will leave it to current caretaker manager Andy Whiteford to lead the team in this Saturday’s league clash with Rutherglen Glencairn.
Along with his assistant Mark O’Neill and coach Craig Bingham, he will be a keen observer on the touchline and in the dressing room as he assesses who he feels can push the Brig O’Lea side forward for the remainder of the campaign.
Muirhead said: “Andy will be in charge for the Rutherglen game because I didn’t feel it was right for me to have one training session with the boys and then go straight into an important match.
“I’ll be in about the dressing room during the game, though, and hopefully we’ll get a good reaction from the boys.
“A change of manager often brings about some fresh energy and new motivation. There’s maybe been players that have been in and out of the team, but for me everybody has a clean slate now. Everybody has a chance to impress and play their way into the starting 11.
“I actually went to school with Chris Cameron and we’re still very good pals. I’ll no doubt have a lot of discussion with him and Derek about the squad, but I do think it’s important for every player to know they’ve got a new opportunity to impress and become an important part of the team going forward.”
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