‘Gers Under 20 Set-Up Revamped
Berwick Rangers are delighted to confirm their coaching set up for the SPFL Development squad ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.
Club vice-chairman John Bell will remain as Director of Youth Football, whilst Myles Allan, who spearheaded U20 coaching with Neil Oliver last season will also stay at the club to assist in several areas.
Berwick Rangers U20’s – 2016/17:
Derek McKenzie (Head of Youth Coaching): Following a spell of great success with Amateur and Junior teams, Derek made the switch to pro youth football as Head of Youth Development at East Stirlingshire working under Gordon Wylde, Jim McInally and finally under John Coughlin during a 7 year spell at the club.
During his time with Coughlin, Derek also doubled up as manager of East Stirlingshire’s youth sides and Reserves. Derek is an experienced coach who recently completed the UEFA Elite Youth Licence, and is currently awaiting assessment on part of this.
Neil Oliver: Neil requires little introduction to ‘Gers fans. A former player, Neil has experience of football at the highest level with Blackburn Rovers (after moving from the ‘Gers) and Falkirk.
Neil, who this Summer began studyng for his UEFA A License, has been heavily involved with the ‘Gers Under 20’s squad over the past two seasons and knows the local scene well after spells in charge of numerous local sides.
Daniel McKenzie: Daniel joined his father Derek at East Stirlingshire, working alongside him as a youth coach whilst also helping out with the admin involved in the youth department.
A Sports Studies graduate from the University of Stirling, Daniel earned his UEFA B Licence in 2014 and has since completed an introduction to his UEFA A Licence Introduction alongside Neil Oliver this summer at St Andrews University.
Mark Taylor: Mark joins the coaching staff for this season after carrying out an incredible amount of scouting for the club at U20 level over the past six months.
Mark has covered games in every area of the country for the ‘Gers, and the club hope the fruits of his labour will be seen in this years squad.
Fergus Myer: Fergus completes the coaching staff, providing coaching and sports science support – which he is currently studying at University.
Fergus attended the UEFA B Licence course last month and will spend the next year building towards the assessment next June.
