'Gow boss Billy quits

Billy MacDonald has sensationally quit as Lesmahagow Juniors manager after just five months at Craighead Park.
Billy MacDonald has quit Lesmahagow Juniors (Pic by Sarah Peters)Billy MacDonald has quit Lesmahagow Juniors (Pic by Sarah Peters)
Billy MacDonald has quit Lesmahagow Juniors (Pic by Sarah Peters)

Billy resigned after Saturday’s 4-1 Central Division 1 thumping at St Anthony’s, a game in which ’Gow had led 1-0.

“I was hitting dead ends with the job and things came to a head on Saturday,” Billy said.

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“As people the players are excellent, nice guys, but as footballers there is a wee bit missing.

“We were winning 1-0 against St Anthony’s at half-time.

“I have been in football for 25 years and I would never have imagined what then happened in the second half.”

Although MacDonald’s overall record in his 10 games as boss reads as just two wins, one draw and seven losses, he stressed that ’Gow had led in a handful of the matches they ended up losing.

“I was unable to instill a hunger, desire and team ethic into the players,” he added.

“There is not a leader in the dressing room.

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“The St Anthony’s game was embarrassing because at half-time I thought we were going to win four or five nil.

“The defeats were hurting me and badly affecting my health. I was feeling sick from one Saturday to the next.”

Three days before the St Anthony’s debacle, ’Gow had lost 3-2 to St Roch’s in a home league match last Wednesday night.

In their first game post-MacDonald, they lost 3-2 at home to Larkhall on Monday night and remain dangerously close to the relegation places.

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Former gaffer Robert Irving took charge for that match and has agreed to remain in the role on a permanent basis.

“I wish Robert all the best,” Billy said. “I definitely think there is enough quality in his side to get away from the relegation zone.”

Billy will do his ‘A’ coaching licence in May and hopes to manage at a higher level.