Upton Returns

Alan Upton has been appointed as Operations Manager for Clyde’s Youth department. This appointment marks a return to the Bully Wee for Upton who had previously been employed within the club’s Pro Youth Structure, before he left to work with Gordon Wylde at East Stirling as reserve team coach.

Director John Ruddy commented, “Alan is experienced in all aspects of coaching youngsters and he will assist the club greatly in co-ordinating and supporting in practical ways our committment to youth football.

“The Youth Department works with pre 5s to 15-year-olds in the School of Football to our Pro Youth structure that works with youths up to the under-19 level. The work is based in Cumbernauld and the west and south side of Glasgow so it is an extensive operation and Alan’s knowledge will help us greatly.

“The job’s remit will entail everything from the organisation of games, administration and fundraising to liaising with the SFA and the SFL to ensure player’s registrations are accurate. The latter is a vital element of his role, as players at this level are eagerly sought after; at the moment we have a number of youths who are watched regularly from top clubs North and South of the border. We need to ensure that our investment in youth development is protected. 

“Alan will work with Head of Youth Gary Bollan and School of Football coach Peter Smith. His arrival will enable Gary and Peter to concentrate on working directly with the kids.

“All of this is further evidence of us building up the infrastructure at Clyde further so that we can go from strength to strength and start producing youngsters on a regular basis for the first team.”