‘Gers confirm new manager

Berwick Rangers Football Club is excited to confirm the appointment of Stuart Malcolm as first-team manager.

Stuart, 41, was most recently with Forfar Athletic and also has experience of successfully managing in the Lowland League having led East Kilbride to a title back in 2019. 

A defender during his playing days, Stuart enjoyed an esteemed career on the park which included spells at Ross County, Drogheda United, Dublin City, Alloa Athletic, Shelbourne, Finn Harps, Arbroath and Stenhousemuir amongst others. 

His tenure at Forfar represented a fourth spell at Station Park, having already been with the club as a player during three different spells and establishing himself as a fan favourite.

Club Chairman, Brian Porteous said: “Myself and the Board of Directors are delighted to welcome Stuart to the club.

“When conducting the search for a new manager, we knew the importance of finding someone who could make the most of the support that we offer them as a board; a leader that would match the club’s ambitions.

“We were looking for someone well-respected in the game, and someone who can get the best out of the playing squad with plenty of contacts in the game to help further strengthen the playing squad, push us towards better performances and achieve progression on the park. 

“We were extremely impressed with Stuart’s thoughts and ideas when speaking to him, and we’re confident that he fits this bill. We believe he’ll fit in brilliantly at Shielfield Park, and are proud to have him lead the club.”

New manager Stuart Malcolm said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the opportunity to build, progress and evolve the club and cannot wait to get started.

“Berwick should be and need to be fighting higher up the league table, which I have been brought in to do with my experiences of this league.

“I’m looking forward to the league starting and getting time to work with the players through pre-season to implement my style of play.”

Stuart will work to confirm his backroom staff over the next few days, and will be at Shielfield Park to meet the squad and take his first training session this Tuesday evening. Unfortunately this session will not be open to supporters.

As the club continues to liaise with Northumberland County Council however, it is hoped that another Shiefield session will take place ahead of the club’s golf day on June 12th (entries for which are still open!). This should allow supporters a first chance to see the gaffer in action. Further details of this session will be released as soon as more clarity on the possibility of supporter attendance is gained. 

Plans are also underway for a special Club 1881 open event, giving all fans a taste of the perks of Club 1881 membership by granting access to all for one time only at the next quarterly ‘Meet the Manager’ event. Further details will be confirmed on this soon.

The new gaffer’s first match as manager will take place on Friday 25th June, when the ‘Gers play host to Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian at Shielfield Park (7:00pm kick-off). Hospitality tickets are still available for the match – just drop Craig Forsyth an email on craig@berwickrangers.com for more.

Finally, supporters can also show their backing for the new man in charge by boosting his playing budget via purchasing tickets for the club’s monthly Transfer Draw.

All at the club wish a warm welcome to Stuart and look forward to the coming season under his leadership.