THE INTERVIEW – NEIL INGLIS

Where did you go after being released by Arbroath?

I went to Bellshill Athletic for one season then hung up my boots.

You are now the goal keeping coach at Dunfermline Athletic, are you enjoying your new role?

I’m thoroughly enjoying it and it keeps my hand in.  When Stevie Woods left the club to go to Celtic full-time, Dunfermline were looking for a new, part-time coach and I decided to accept the position.  I’m supposed to work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, however, some weeks it ends up being more than that.  Until now I’ve been working with the U19, reserve and first team keepers.  I haven’t had the chance to work with any of the youth keepers yet.

How does it fit in with your day job with the SPFA?

I left the SPFA in September when I came to Dunfermline.  I have a Private Healthcare Franchise that I had been trying to build up while I was at the SPFA.  When the Dunfermline job came up I decided to concentrate on that and the Healthcare business.

I believe you’ve even made an appearance on the bench this season?

Yes, I was on the bench against Livingston earlier in the season.  Our first choice keeper was injured and the club had tried to sign Paul Gallagher but his clearance hadn’t come through from the SFA in time for the game so I ended up on the bench.  I had a panic when our keeper was crocked about two minutes into the game and I thought I’d have to go on but he recovered and was able to finish the game.

What is your career highlight?

That’s really difficult.  Being part of the Rangers squad that made it to the semi final stages of the Champions League was a great experience but I don’t suppose it really counts as I wasn’t playing; I was on the bench for that, so I think I’d have to say it was my Premier League debut for Rangers against Hearts at Tynecastle.

And any low points?

Probably toiling on through injuries, especially at part-time, smaller clubs.  Often fans don’t realise that maybe you have an injury, you haven’t trained and that you are not at your best.  Also, leaving clubs where I’ve made good friends is also a low point; Arbroath was one of those clubs.

Is management something you’d like to get into?

It’s not really something I’ve thought about to be honest, but probably not.  I enjoy coaching and being involved with the team, but I don’t think I’d like to be in charge.  After I left Arbroath I had offers from several clubs asking me to go and coach.  After he left Arbroath and returned to Annan Athletic, Harry Cairnie asked me to go down there as a player coach and I wish I had done it instead of playing junior for that one last season. 

Karen Fleming