John McGhee is named Forth boss

Jun 25 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

FORTH Wanderers have appointed John McGhee as their new manager, following the departure of Paul Anderson to Larkhall Thistle.

McGhee, a former boss of Coltness United and Perthshire, was sacked by St Roch’s when they missed out on promotion early last month.

He was keen to get back into the game and was one of several interviewed by the Kingshill Park club.

Forth match secretary Jim Kelly said: “John intends to bring with him as his assistant Steve Findlay, who holds the SFA coaching certificate.

“We have held back on re-signing talks until the new manager met with the players on Monday night but have already lost Steve Ferguson to Carluke and two others are attracting attention from other clubs.”

l Lanark are still without a manager, although match secretary Tam Anderson is optimistic that the new man will be named this weekend.

He said: “We have spoken to the players but most of them are waiting to see who is coming in before re-signing.”

Derek Brown, who took charge of the side for their successful play-offs against Glenafton, was interviewed for a second stint in the dug-out but “talks are ongoing” without a commitment made from either party.

l Thorniewood United are already two weeks into pre-season training as they bid to bounce back after being pipped for back-to-back promotions.

Co-boss John Fallon said: “Our pre-season is going really well. The boys are ready to go even now!

“We look like losing defender Darren Murphy but we’ve got two good players coming back to us for next season. Midfielder Terry Markey is now back after working down south and playing in the Vauxhall Conference League, and striker Chris Lafferty is looking fit again.

“We signed young Chris from Forth Wanderers two seasons ago, but in his first game against Lanark he severely tore muscles, which led to a spinal injury.

“We’re also promoting two from our under-21 side in sweeper Brian Morton and striker Frankie Murray.”

l Shotts Bon Accord’s new manager, ex-Lanark boss Tony McInally, has transfer-listed goalkeeper Andy McCondichie.