Former Scotland age-grade footballer, Chris Geddes, is to take on player-coach role at Lowland League side.
University of Stirling FC has announced that one its longest serving players, Chris Geddes, will become head coach for the 2017/18 season.
Speaking of his appointment, Geddes said: “Having been a part of the football programme here for a number of years, I know first-hand what the University has to offer and I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to test my coaching at a higher level.
Geddes’ appointment follows the departure of Shelley Kerr, who will take over as Scotland Women’s National Coach after this summer’s European Championships in the Netherlands, with the Deanston native operating in a player-coach role for the students.
Having come through the ranks at Stirling Albion FC, Geddes represented Scotland at youth level before embarking on a career across numerous clubs in the professional and semi-professional leagues.
The striker joined University of Stirling FC in 2011, scoring 50 goals in his debut season and has since gone on to deliver an average of 24 goals per year for the Lowland League side.
As well as an impressive playing CV, Geddes boasts a UEFA B Licence and has spent a number of years honing his coaching skills in various locations including a season in Australia with Central Queensland as well as stints with the Forth Valley Football Academy and numerous University squads.
He went on to say; “There is an excellent ethos within the club and, with a lot of talented players, it is in a really strong position which I’m excited about taking forward.
“There has also been some positive recruitment activity going on behind the scenes and with pre-season only a couple of weeks away, there is a great buzz about the place with the boys looking forward to getting started.”
Kerr, who leaves Stirling after three years in charge, added: “Chris has been an important player for the team and, during his time on the pitch, has built up a respect and rapport with the boys that will be extremely helpful as he moves into the coaching role.
“I’ve watched him develop as a coach over the past few years, culminating in him helping the U20’s secure an impressive third place finish in their first ever season, and I’m delighted the University has given him the chance to show what he can do. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on results!”
The University of Stirling’s Director of Sport, Cathy Gallagher, added: “With one of the UK’s strongest university football programmes, we were looking for someone who could build on the current success. Chris’ understanding of both the student and semi-professional games made him the ideal candidate to take the team forward.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Chris to kick-start his senior coaching career and we’re excited to see what the season brings.”
The clubs twitter account also announced that Mark Adams will fulfill the assistant mangers role, working alonside Geddes.
CLUB NEWS |
We are delighted to announce that @marksadams11 has accepted the Assistant Managers role to work alongside Chris Geddes.
— University of Stirling Football Club (@StirlingUniFC) July 3, 2017
They went on to say “Mark has a wealth of experience which will prove vital in an important season for the club, most recently managing league rivals BSC”
We, at Brig, wish Chris and Mark every success in the forthcoming season which begins with a home fixture against Vale of Leithen on Saturday, 29th July.
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