Ex Rangers and Hearts star steps into first managerial gig with ninth-tier club at start of 'exciting new era'
His appointment comes just a week after Ibrox cult hero Nacho Novo was handed the reins at Scottish Cup giant-killers Darvel
A former Rangers and Hearts star has taken on his first job in management in Scottish football’s NINTH tier - but with an added responsibility that will him retain playing duties.
There have been a number of ex-Light Blues stars that have moved into coaching since retiring from the game, with Ibrox cult hero Nacho Novo the latest to do so after being named as manager of Scottish Cup giant-killers Darvel in the seventh tier last week.
Novo spoke about using the lessons he learned from legendary boss Walter Smith in the dugout and someone who could also lean on the experienced manager’s he worked under will be new Glasgow United boss David Templeton.
The 36-year-old, who signed for Rangers under Ally McCoist in 2012 in the same year the Govan giants were consigned to the old Third Division following liquidation.
Templeton worked under McCoist, Kenny McDowall and Stuart McCall during a four-year spell, while at Hearts he was managed by Jim Jefferies and Paulo Sergio and briefly had Nigel Clough (son of Brian) in charge during a stint at Burton Albion.
He left Drumchapel United as a player earlier this year to join Glasgow United in the West of Scotland Football League Third Division.
And he will now look to juggle responsibilities of playing and managing after replacing Tony McNally, with the Shettleston-based club currently sitting ninth in the table but with four games in hand on teams around them.
Templeton’s first match in charge will be in early December as he also keeps himself available for on the pitch duties, should his side still require his services.
Who is David Templeton manager of?
A statement posted by the club on social media reads: “CHANGE AT THE TOP - Glasgow Utd FC are today pleased to announce our new management team.
“Taking the reins will be David Templeton as player-manager, Kevin Nicol as assistant player-coach and Iain Orr as goalkeeper coach. All three look forward to the remainder of the season as they go to work with the group.
“This is an exciting new era for the club with the aim of promotion very much still in sight. The first game for the new management team will be away to Port Glasgow on December 6.”
Shamed ex-Scotland international David Goodwillie is also on the books of Glasgow United along with former Celtic and Hibs defender Efe Ambrose.
How did David Templeton fare at Rangers?
Templeton was snapped up by Rangers from Edinburgh rivals Hearts for a fee of approximately £700,000 and went on to make 86 appearances, scoring 27 goals in total during his time at Ibrox.
He scored a brace on his debut against Elgin City and enjoyed a successful first season. However, injury started to limit his game time thereafter and the wide man was released once his contract expired after making just three appearance in his final season.
David Templeton on his Rangers career
In an interview with the Sunday Mail earlier this summer, Templeton summed up his entire playing career in one word.
“Frustrating,” he admitted. “I did well but I feel like if I didn't have the injuries, I probably could have had a better career.
“Maybe I went to Rangers at the wrong time as well. Dropping down the leagues when I should have been wanting to stay in the top league. But I was getting forced out at Hearts because they were needing money.
“I was hoping Rangers were going to win three titles in a row and then my last season we would have been in the Premier and I’d get a new deal. But obviously that never panned out.
“The main frustration is the injuries. I only played 300-odd games my full career which is horrendous considering I made my debut at Hearts at 20.
“Only playing 300-odd games when there's maybe about 50 games in a season. You're talking about seven seasons’ worth of games missed. I’ve probably had about seven years’ worth of injuries, which is crazy.
“Looking back maybe I should have done more at Rangers in terms of more gym work and looked after myself better. But it's not until you're older that you have these regrets. The worst part is the mental part in terms of the rehab.”