Alan Kernaghan Appointed Manager
Clyde today announced the appointment of Alan Kernaghan as the new manager. Kernaghan, who joined the Club last September as a player coach, has had a distinguished playing career in England, most notably with Middlesbrough and Manchester City, making almost 300 first team appearances for the two clubs.
As a Republic of Ireland internationalist, he was capped 26 times for his country and was a member of the squad for the 1994 World Cup Finals in the USA.
Kernaghan has impressive coaching credentials, holding the UEFA A Licence, and has been appointed on a full-time basis. He has signed a two year contract initially and the club will retain the existing management trio of Kernaghan, Billy Reid and Andy Millen. Reid will become Assistant Manager while Andy Millen’s role as player coach will remain unchanged.
Chairman Billy Carmichael said:-
“Going back almost four years ago our judgement was questioned when we brought in the new management team from Maryhill Juniors, but our belief in their leadership qualities was justified. Ronnie MacDonald, Allan Maitland and Denis McDaid lifted the club and we thank them for their work in restoring the club’s fortunes.
“However relations had become a bit strained over the past months as usually happens after four years at a football club. We felt a change would be beneficial to both sides. In Alan Kernaghan, we clearly see leadership qualities. He captained his country on three occasions and was club captain at Middlesbrough. The players have responded well to recent upheavals and are delighted with the appointment.
“At last night’s board meeting we reviewed proposed plans for the fourth stand along with an adjoining state of the art sports hall and we are hopeful that this will provide a 10,300 all seated stadium by the end of next season. It’s an exciting time for the club and we’re now about to launch our Clyde 2k project to boost our home attendances. We need to emulate those First Division clubs who currently attract three times as many fans for home games and, although we have the most loyal fans in the country, we just don’t have enough of them.
“There are exciting times ahead for the club and I’d ask all Bully Wee fans to get right behind their team for the important games that lie ahead.”