Interview with new Lesmahagow manager Robert Irving

Robert (43), who would have taken charge of Lesmahagow for the first time on Saturday had the home game against Blantyre not been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, worked as Sandy's assistant for seven and a half years.

"I was totally devastated when Sandy resigned," Robert told Gazette Sport.

"But being 'Gow manager and working for a taxi firm six and a half days a week was taking its toll on him.

"I'd noticed that he was looking a bit under the weather since just before Christmas.

"When Sandy does something it is 100 per cent or nothing and he was doing a lot for 'Gow behind the scenes. He never stopped.

"As well as picking the team, he was sweeping the floors, getting the strips washed, sorting out training and getting training equipment and new footballs.

"Sandy was putting things in place to make the club look even more professional next season. No-one at Lesmahagow Juniors can ever fault what Sandy did for this club.

"Out of all the guys who played football in the Junior West Region before becoming managers, Sandy was the most successful.

"In the future, I will stay in touch with Sandy and look to him for advice."

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