Pre Season Interview with the Coach

Q . What have you done since moving into post?

A.  Well I have had a number of meetings with both the President and Vice President to discuss everyone’s needs, before the pre season starts. I have been checking out with players their availability for the coming season and also speaking to potential new players. This mixed in with looking at kit and trying to link in with the Youth Section makes it a busy time.

Q. Many people will be wondering if we can expect to see new faces at the club this season, can you tell us anything at the moment.

A.  Things at the moment  are looking positive,  I don’t wish to say much more than that but you have to remember that the Club has a wealth of talent already coming through its ranks and already playing, so its really harnessing all that and bringing it to the fore. 

Q. How do you see the Association with Ayr working, have we anything to fear

A No No quite the contrary this will work for both Clubs. I have the utmost respect for Craig Redpath and the Committee at Ayr and I know there has already been a meeting between both committees. Both Clubs have tremendous youth sections and historically produced some great talent, Paul Burke, Colin Shaw and Pat McArthur to name a few at Ayr, whilst Whitecraigs have produced Eddie Kalman, Stevie Swindall and Ross Gillies. The association will provide a platform for the talent to learn their trade at National level, whilst exposing them to Premiership rugby. I have already identified talent for the future at the Club but our goal must be to move out of Division 3.

Q. You were here at the Club before, what were your memories from then and any highlights.

A.   Probably moving to West Lodge with the new facility. Our first big name coach, Kevin McKenzie being appointed, I met him last year when Ayr travelled to Falkirk to play them in the Cup, he still hadn’t lost any of his bite, they have built a good team up there. My fondest memory is the U18 game under flood lights against S.A. schools Paarl Boys, unbelievable rugby. They were a touring side and Whitecraigs put out a team with names such as, Ross Gillies (Capt), Eddie Kalman Stevie Swindall, Paul McDonald, Ally Little, Ryan Moffat, Chris Dickinson, Stuart Henderson, Phil Nicol, Nicol Smylie, Colin White all now playing at a high level it was brutal in its ferocity and yet the fastest rugby I ever saw, magnificent with Paarl just getting the win. These were great nights at the Club and I aim to bring them back and I am already looking at the Academy and have a couple of ideas. I want to bring back as many of our players who I see as being out on loan to other Clubs

Q.  Can the players expect a tough pre season.