Let's get Ironing...

Traditionally, of course, New Year’s Day is a time for looking forward. In view of the recent changes at Ochilview this is especially appropriate. I must begin, however, with a tribute to our recently departed (and in my view legendary) manager John Coughlin. When JC joined us in 2007, we were second from bottom of the Third Division, and generally in crisis. Notwithstanding our recent rough patch, he leaves us in a wholly more positive position - in a higher division, and with a talented squad of players in place - one which is more than capable of hauling us to safety in 2011.

After a few weeks of intrigue, of course, we now know the identity of the man who will be leading the team for the battles ahead - Davie Irons has arrived at the club, and I hope he receives a warm welcome at Ochilview tomorrow. He has clearly impressed the Board, having emerged successful from an extensive interview process (nine candidates, apparently, made it to the interview stage). Prior to his appointment I wasn’t aware that he had applied, so - when the announcement was made - it was necessary to conduct some hasty internet research, in an attempt to ascertain what style of football he favours, etc.. The fruits of said research were the following:

• In a Q&A session soon after taking over at Cappielow, he stated that he had no particular preference for a given formation per se, but that he would choose the formation to fit the players he had, not vice versa. This led him to play 3-5-2 after taking over in 2007-08, before using 4-4-2 at times during 2008-09 (his one full season).
• In comparison to the teams around them in the middle of the First Division - Irons' Morton team both scored and conceded fewer goals (40 of each during the 2008-09 season) - this suggests a defensive mindset.
• Another useful indicator as to the style of football is whether or a manager uses a six-foot-plus striker. For what it's worth, it appears to me that Irons did not.

Before I sign off, a quick word for Kevin McGoldrick and Graeme Robertson, who spent a spectacularly uneventful spell in caretaker charge (three weeks, eight million feet of snow, no matches) prior to Davie’s appointment - at least they were unbeaten! Whilst Graeme has returned to his role as Head of Youth, Kevin will now be combining his U19 duties with the Assistant Manager role - here’s hoping he and Davie enjoy a fruitful partnership.