New Golspie Sutherland boss says he is up for the challenge
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MARK McKernie says the opportunity of becoming manager of Golspie Sutherland was too good an offer to turn down.
The former Brora Rangers, Clachnacuddin and Strathspey Thistle player has been officially appointed as the manager of the North Caledonian League club.
The 32-year-old from Conon Bridge, who previously played at Golspie, has been playing for league rivals Loch Ness this season.
He says the opportunity of becoming the new manager of Golspie Sutherland is something that he is relishing and believes there is not much required to be added to the squad to make them title contenders next season.
“I previously played at Golspie for a season and a half and I know a lot of the boys and the committee.
“They were really positive about the future of the club and that helped me make up my mind.
“The squad is in not too bad a shape and doesn’t need a big overhaul.
“Playing for Loch Ness, I was quite impressed when we came up against Golspie. They have some good young boys playing for them.
“I might look to add a bit of quality to the squad, but looking at them already, I don’t think that they are too far away.
“They came up short at the end of this season, but they were still thereabouts for a lot of the campaign.”
It has also been confirmed former Thurso player Nigel Mackenzie will be joining him in the dugout as assistant manager.
McKernie has also been coach for the under-20’s squad at Brora Rangers and coached at under-16 and under-18’s at Ross County.
However, he says he will not be looking at taking up a player/manager role at Golspie.
“The time has come that I need to make a step up to become a manager,” said McKernie.
“I would rather take a back step and give the opportunity for younger boys or local footballers the chance to play in the team rather than myself.”
