Ambitious McGlashan looks to his next move

Last updated : 20 October 2009 By Fargone

(From The Courier) FORMER ARBROATH boss John McGlashan revealed last night how he hopes his absence from the managerial ranks is a brief one.

McGlashan quit the Gayfield hot seat on Sunday because he reckoned he'd taken the Lichties as far as he could and was risking being typecast. He certainly didn't resign because he'd lost his passion for management.

In an exclusive interview with The Courier, McGlashan admitted he will be pursuing another job as soon as a suitable vacancy arises.

"There was nothing behind the scenes at Arbroath which prompted me to go," he stressed.

"But at the end of September I realised I had been four years at Arbroath and started asking myself—do I see myself being manager of the club for another four years or should I make something happen?

"And between believing I had taken Arbroath as far as I could and the possibility of being pigeon-holed as the manager of Arbroath I reached the conclusion that moving on was the right thing to do.

"I think Arbroath have reached their level in the second division.

"A good season would see them finish in the top half of the table but I don't believe they can go any further.

"I wasn't sure I could do any more, hence this decision. I feel I've left them in good nick. My one regret is that I have left them in the lurch.

"But hopefully they'll find the right replacement for me and if he takes them further than I did then no one will be more delighted than myself."

McGlashan insisted he has nothing in the pipeline.

"In my four years at Arbroath I placed great emphasis on loyalty," he said, "so I never applied for other jobs.

"I heard rumours that other clubs might be interested in talking to me and was told by people that if I applied for certain vacancies then there was a good chance I'd get the post.

"But I remained 100% committed to Arbroath.

"However, fresh challenges get my juices going and I'm now free to seek one out.

"Hey, nothing may come along now. I think my CV is a decent one but I recognise I may never get another chance to be a manager.

"But I wanted a fresh start.

"I'm not weary or looking for a break from the game.

"I'll reflect on things over the next wee while and if and when a job I feel is right for me comes along I'll throw my hat in the ring."

Meanwhile, Arbroath are keen to fill the vacancy created by the manager's departure.

"We are starting with a blank sheet of paper as far as finding a new manager is concerned," said chairman John Christison. "Nothing is being ruled in or out.

"But I would like to think anyone interested in the job would show their hand quite quickly so we can perhaps start interviewing people early next week.

"We don't want to be without a manager any longer than we have to.''

Assistant manager Robbie Raeside was yesterday asked to take charge in the short term.

Former Montrose manager Jim Weir is the early tip to replace McGlashan