The club are delighted to announce that Paul McDougall has been named as the new manager of Saint Anthony’s FC following the departure of Martin Montgomery. Paul has a mass of experience as a player at the level having played for the likes of Rutherglen Glencairn, Petershill and Rob Roy, there was even a couple of game stint at McKenna Park towards the end. Paul was part of the Beith Juniors background staff under Chris Strain that won the WoSFL Premier Division back to back in 2022/23 and 2023/24.
He brings with him assistant Joe Reid, who himself is no stranger to the club or the level, again having massive amounts of experience at clubs like Vale of Clyde and Ballieston. Joe played a few games for us as well as well as at Amateur and was most recently involved as Assistant Manager at WoSFL First Division side St Roch’s.
Speaking to the Ants website Secretary Martin McKenna was hopeful that Paul and Joe can turn around the clubs fortunes after a slow start to the season. “Paul had impressed when he interviewed for the role last year and was in the final shortlist before we decided to appoint Monty. As soon as we had parted ways with Monty we got in touch and were delighted that he agreed to come in. He brings a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch and has great contacts to help with player recruitment. I know how much he wants to make a success of this and i’m buzzing to see how we go under his leadership”
Paul was delighted to accept the post in a whirlwind last 24 hours. “When I spoke to Martin on the phone on the Sunday I was excited at the prospect of taking on the job at what is a well known and respected club in the WoSFL. I feel that although it’s my first Management role, the learning curve I’ve been on both through working as part of a successful Beith backroom team as well going through my coaching badges have prepared me for the main job and I can’t wait to get started” he continued “Having someone like Joe in to assist me is ideal with his knowledge and we’ll look to impart that on the talented young squad that we have, Obviously there has been a bit of player turnover which is a natural part of a manager leaving but hopefully we can bring in one or two players to help build the squad back up, inject a bit of confidence in the boys and see how we go but I really am relishing the challenge and can’t wait to get started”
Paul’s first match in charge is this Saturday at McKenna Park as we face Knightswood in the WoSFL Third Division with a 1:30pm Kick Off
