John McGlashan

Karen Fleming talks to new boss John McGlashan about his appointment and his hopes for the rest of the season

KF How does it feel to be in charge at Gayfield?

JM “It feels very good.  I'm delighted to be given this marvellous opportunity.  Throughout your career certain clubs leave their mark on you and Arbroath was like that for me.”

KF After leaving in the summer did you ever think you’d be back so soon?  

JM “No.  I was convinced that Arbroath would be at the top end of the table.  I was watching the results and was really surprised, although having spoken to people; I had been told that the team was unfortunate to lose a few of the games.”

KF You’ve had the chance to watch the team in a couple of training sessions and the Queens Park match. What are your first impressions?

JM  “I was pleasantly surprised.  I felt the players rolled their sleeves up and they played some neat football at times at Hampden.  What was most pleasing for me was that when we went 2 – 1 down, they worked hard to get it back to 2 - 2.  Hampden is a special place in football and a lot of players are overawed by it, which wastes a lot of their nervous energy.  Although we had a few players making their debut at Hampden none of them appeared to let it affect them.  Also it’s a big pitch and teams can tire easily.  Everyone lasted the 90 minutes so fitness levels are obviously quite good and that was pleasing too.”

KF After playing alongside some of the players last season, how have they reacted to you taking over in the hot seat?

JM “They’ve been fine.  Training was sharp and there was the right level of controlled aggression, there were no complaints.  Most understand the situation regarding myself, and what I expect.  It's actually a bonus knowing around three-quarters of the squad as I know what they are capable of.  I've seen them have good games and I've seen them have bad games. 

I think not getting the job last year was probably the best thing that could have happened to me as being in charge at the Violet has given me that little bit of experience and I haven’t gone straight from being one of the boys in the dressing room to becoming their manager.”

KF You face a challenge getting Arbroath FC back to where we belong.  What are your ambitions for this season?

JM “Top 4 definitely.  At my first training session I asked the players to raise their hand if they didn't honestly believe that we should finish in the top 4.  I’m pleased to say no one did.  The team is quite low on confidence at the moment.  They have to get their belief in themselves back.  Players thrive on confidence, they try things and a confident team often gets a bit of luck too.  We won’t get that confidence back overnight, but I'm sure it will come. “

KF Much has been made of the importance of the new manager being local.  How do you see this being an advantage?

JM “Well, if you are successful you can live anywhere but I do think there are benefits in living locally.  I'm close at hand to speak face to face to those running the club.  I've got the opportunity to see youth team games.  I think it’s important just to be seen and to be available to deal with anything, which may arise.”

KF Do you foresee training continuing in Perth or will that become more local too?

JM “At the moment we train on Astroturf in Perth twice a week.  We will have a look at that, discuss the situation and see what comes of it.”

KF I know it’s early to ask you this, but do you foresee bringing players in at the January window?

JM “Yes it is early, but I think the players we have at the moment are more than good enough to get us out of this division.  I will only look to change things if I don't get the reaction from players that I expect.  We have to all pull together, as a team, to achieve our aim of getting Arbroath FC out of the third division.”