New Bearsden AFC manager Kevin McGroarty eager to get players back together once safe to do so

New Bearsden AFC manager Kevin McGroarty is working hard to prepare his side for next season amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
New Bearsden AFC manager Kevin McGroartyNew Bearsden AFC manager Kevin McGroarty
New Bearsden AFC manager Kevin McGroarty

The 27-year-old took over last month having previously been assistant manager at Colville Park and manager at Kilsyth Rovers prior to that.

It’s uncertain times for everyone involved across all levels of Scottish football at the moment but particularly for a new boss taking charge at an amateur side.

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McGroarty has been in communication with his squad and has set up a group chat for the existing players and new individuals he has brought in to ensure they are able to stay in touch with each other and check in on their wellbeing.

He has also set up a training and nutrition programme for all the players to follow to ensure they are in the best condition when the new season begins.

Unfortunately though, with no date set for things to get underway, the club remain in limbo as do all other amateur teams across the country.

“It’s very difficult to propose anything as we have to wait on our League Committee coming up with what is best for the players and clubs going forward,” said McGroarty.

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“Ideally we want to make sure that all wellbeing is taken into consideration before any games take place going forward when we get the all clear to play.

“Being able to plan anything for the following season is very difficult at the moment as we don’t really know what’s happening.

“The club is currently sponsored by The Station Bar in Bearsden and we have a really good relationship with them so in terms of finance side of things we are as any other amateur club is at the moment, we’re OK but we are always on the lookout for other sponsors to come on board and help out.

“It’s just frustrating for everyone involved at the club as being at training and on the field is exactly why we get involved in the sport, as well has having the laughter and stuff within the dressing rooms and also at training and things like that, it’s the little things you miss.

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“On the other hand of being the manager it’s difficult to prepare anything for next season as everything has just been put on hold.

“So we have to wait on our League Committee making the decisions before we can do anything.”

The new gaffer also touched on how social distancing impacted his players compared to how it would on professional or part-time footballers.

“Social distancing could be easier for amateur players as it gives them more time to concentrate on fitness and improving as well as getting more time with their families,” he said.

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“Whereas on the flip side it could be harder for players who are potentially on furlough from work and don’t have the routine of knowing when their training and games are.

“Sometimes being able to come to training and match days is a relief to some players as well to take their mind of things happening in their lives.

“That is why I have introduced the training programme to install some kind of routine into my players’ lifestyles in this difficult time.”

Bearsden AFC will be competing in the Fosters Central Scottish Amatuer Football League Championship potentially going forward, this has not yet been set in stone by the league committee.

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At this time it is unclear exactly how the league will shape up.

“It will be a brand new league with two previous leagues of 1A and 1B combining,” the boss added.

“There isn’t a clear favourite to win in my opinion, it could be anyone and there may also be an opportunity of playing a local rival within this league but again nothing has been put in place 100 per cent yet.”

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