McGonigal: It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride

Aug 3 2008 by lynsey richardson, Sunday Sun

BERWICK Rangers’ new boss Alan McGonigal is making no rash predictions as he launches his career in senior management.

But he is absolutely clear about one thing — “I want to finish as high up the league as possible” — and if he was to achieve a top four spot that would be a real bonus.

McGonigal, 44, who had been in charge of the successful Camelon Juniors before moving to Shielfield Park with his No 2 Martin Mooney, has already had experience as an assistant manager with Forfar Athletic, Dumbarton and Stenhousemuir.

His end of term appointment, which saw the Borderers relegated back to the Scottish Third Division, followed the dismissal of Michael Renwick after a brief six-month reign which started when John Coughlin quit to move to Stenhousemuir.

“I am optimistic,” admitted McGonigal adding: “It is going to be something of a rollercoaster though and it will just take a little time for everyone to settle in.”

The manager has virtually rebuilt the Berwick squad bringing in 12 new faces and he has been reasonably well satisfied with the pre-season build up.

Among the new signings are former Camelon striker 27-year-old Jim Lister, who could well play a key role this season, as well as keeper Marc Lunn formerly with Livingston and ex-Whitehill stopper Ryan McGurk; defender Graham Guy from East Fife and midfielder Steve Bonar and front man Darren Gribben are both from Stranraer.

“There have been some good displays although we are a little inconsistent at times and I think we could do with bringing in a defender with experience to tighten things up at the back,” said McGonigal

“We have shown we can play football and I have no doubt we will pose threats. I am focussed on the positives and I am not looking at any negatives.

“I hope the fans will bear with us because we are still trying to find the right balance but we will get there and we will go out and perform.

“The aim is to get the best out of the players and to that end I don’t get too high when we win and I don’t get too low when we lose.”

Chairman Robert Wilson, who has been at the helm for five years and was recently elected a member of the Scottish Football League Management Committee, said: “We have a new management team in place, new players on the books and I would like to think we could bounce right back up to the Second Division but we know perfectly well that it will not be easy.”

Wilson is hoping a few good early results might encourage more fans through the Shielfield turn styles.

And the chairman is also urging local people to take advantage of the decision to make an additional 50,000 £1 shares available taking the club’s share issue to 350,000.

“Shares can be purchased in small quantities and I would like to think that more people in the area might take up the option and become shareholders,” said the chairman.