As preparations for the new season continue, we can confirm the appointment of Gordon Marshall as our goalkeeping coach and Robert Kielty as a consultant sport scientist and head of fitness. The latter is in collaboration with the University of Stirling which will also open an opportunity for the club to engage in a programme offering work experience to students.
As a former international and someone who has played over 100 times for both Celtic and Kilmarnock as well as a spell at Motherwell, Gordon is a recognised goalkeeper. While Robert has had football experience in his field with Dunfermline and Raith amongst others and was also head of Sports Science and Performance at Blackpool. He has been Executive Director of Properformance Sports since 2003 and is currently a lecturer at the University of Stirling.
Manager Willie Gibson said “Both Grant and I feel that we are assembling a squad to give ourselves the best opportunity to get out of League One, however we also believe that it’s not all about the players and that the back room staff are key to that too.
Gordon brings a wealth of experience and will be a big help to us as well as the goalkeepers. He is a big name and well known in football, so we are delighted he has become part of the team.
It is beneficial for players to have their own programmes so we get the best out of them and they get everything they need., by bringing in Robert we can do that. Like Gordon he has experience, he is an expert in sports science within football and is someone that both Grant and I know well”.
Gordon added “I am looking forward to the challenge, it’s a fresh start with a new club and I have a spring in my step. I’ve been in for a couple of weeks now and I’m excited about what we’ve done so far. The players have been great and Wullie and Grant are different class so I can’t wait for the season to start”.
Robert said “I would like to thank the club and the University for this opportunity. I know the management team well and I look forward to working with both Wullie and Grant again”.