Cambuslang Rangers to revamp coaching set-up

Jul 1 2009 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

CAMBUSLANG Rangers manager Alan Wardlaw has given the club’s coaching structure a major shake-up.

There will now be a very definite line between the club’s management team and the coaching team, with the boss hoping the moves can push the side to more success in the new season.

The shake-up has been welcomed by assistant boss Tam Miller and coaches Stewart Taylor, Stevie Jack and Billy Campbell, as it means there is more responsibility on all of their shoulders.

Alan explained: “Previously, I was very much involved with hands-on coaching - I have my qualifications, but perhaps I was spreading myself too thin. We’re now going to have very clear demarkation lines between the management and the coaches.

“The coaches will now be 100 per cent responsible for for coaching and training sessions.

“Stewart Taylor will now be our head coach, with Billy Campbell and Stevie Jack as members of the coaching team.

“They will be in charge of each session, but beforehand we will discuss what I expect from each section of the team.

“A lot of what will be done will be as a reaction to the games that have gone, and we can see whether we need to sharpen ourselves up in front of goal, whether we need to work on stamina, etc. Whatever we see in the game before, we will react immediately to it.

“It means that before we go out to train, the coaches will know everything we need to do that night, and it needs to be done smoothly, which I think will work.

“Tam and I are the management team, and will direct the team and coaches. We will be speaking to the coaches about attendance, attitude and performance in training, and they will have an influence on the team.

“In the past, I’ve found I had a foot in both camps, which can create a situation where I’ve got pals in the team. For example, I’m very good friends with Graham Dook, from our first spell at Cambuslang, at Larkhall, and now back here again, and the same was with Garry Lynch.

“Last season I found I was trying not to be influenced by our friendship, and I found it difficult to make those decisions. This new structure will definitely help that.

“There are times when difficult decisions have to be made as no one likes getting dropped.

”There’s also been times on a Saturday when the noise coming from our dugout has been unbelievable, with several of us all shouting to different guys. That will change so it will just be the one or two of us giving instructions now, and not all four or five on the management team, plus the subs!”

Training under the new structure has been taking place over the past week, and all’s gone well so far.

Alan said: “Our first pre-season traiing session took place beside the Sun Inn in Cambuslang, and the second was at Strathclyde Park.

“We want to keep everything fresh, whether it’s the surroundings or what we’re actually doing at each session.

“On Saturday, the players were given an absolute pummelling, as something we have to do is step up on the stamina side of things.

“The attitude from the players has been absolutely incredible.

“We had 27 at the first training session on the Wednesday, and had another 22 along on Saturday - and it would have been more if it wasn’t for some work commitments.

“It’s astonishing, and it shows there’s a real hunger and desire there from the players. I couldn’t be happier with that.”

One player whose Lang career looks certain to be over is forward Kevin Ogilvie.

Earlier this month the Cambuslang boss revealed the striker had been transfer listed, but the player came cap in hand to the manager saying he wanted the chance to prove himself and stay with the club.

But Wardlaw revealed: “Kevin Ogilvie has not shown up to training, and has not had the decency to contact myself or Tam and the door is now closed for a return.

“I understand through others he took offence after reading what I’d said about his situation in the Reformer - I said he’ll be back with us in pre-season, and wanted to show myself and the management team that he’s worth keeping, so the ball was in his court now.

“But he’s taken offence to that as he doesn’t feel he has to prove himself to us as he’s done it all before. The odd thing about my comments is I was actually quoting Kevin himself.

“Yet he’s not had the courtesy to speak to me about it or answer the phone calls when I tried to speak to him in person. There was no doubting his quality but we had to ensure he was committed to the club and the training levels which are required.

“Cambuslang Rangers are beyond being held to ransom by the one player. Yes, he’s a good player, but there’s no room for egos any more. He can go and find his niche somewhere else, what the guy really needs is a reality check.

“He disappeared at the end of last season without any communication with any of the management team, it was then we decided, it would be time for him to move on.

“Against all advice from the rest of the management team I personally decided to give him a second chance and he has thrown this back in my face, that disappoints me greatly.

“However I genuinely wish him all the very best.”

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed the dates of several home pre-season friendlies, with Kilburnie on July 18, Shettleston on July 22, and Irvine Vics on July 25.