By Dylan Inglis
David Menelaws hopes to carry on the good work being done at Newmains United – beyond the end of the season.
The much-travelled striker landed his first management role this week after being named interim boss at Victoria Park.
His deal runs until the end of the campaign while the club go through the application process to find a permanent successor to outgoing pair Paul Davies and Craig Gupwell.
But ex-Bellshill Athletic assistant Menelaws – who had a brief spell playing for United two years ago – also wants to use the spell to showcase what he could do beyond the summer.
He said: “I’m delighted to get this opportunity. It’s my first role as a manager so I’d like to thank Paul and Guppy for giving me the opportunity.
“I definitely want to carry on after this season. I obviously understand the club and know what it’s all about after playing there. I understand the work everybody puts in and for me it’s probably the ideal opportunity to start my career in management.
“I’ve played the game for 20 years from junior up to senior so I’ve got bags of experience and lots of contacts.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do – so I’ve grabbed this opportunity with both hands.”
Menelaws doesn’t want to only continue the progress achieved by Davies and Gupwell.
Earlier in the season the club was rocked by the sudden passing of chairman Ken Davies, whose efforts transformed things off the pitch.
Menelaws added: “As I already know a good bit about the club I know about what’s been achieved there and I’d like to keep that going.
"But I also want to remember the hard work Ken did and I want to continue with that this season but also if I get the job full-time.”
Menelaws’ first game in charge will be this Saturday against Gartcairn at MTC Park. Kick-off is 1:30pm.
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