Published: Tuesday, 25th August, 2009 1:00pm

ACADEMY COACH JOINS GLENAFTON MANAGEMENT TEAM

by Stewart McConnell

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JOHN Stewart, the Assistant Head of Youth Development at the Ayr United Football Academy has stepped into the world of junior football management by agreeing to become the new assistant manager of Glenafton Athletic.

However the new Glens' number two will combine his new role with his current role as No.2 at the Academy.

"I have always been a Glens' man and when the offer to become Derek Ferguson's assistant was made it was one that I couldn't refuse," said Stewart, who established the Glenafton Athletic Boys Club in 1998.

"Derek has asked me to join him due to my knowledge of the local football scene and I am delighted to assist him and Glenafton in any way I can to help them get back into the Premier League.

"However I am also fully committed to the Ayr United Football Academy and will continue to contribute to the development of young local talent for Ayr United. I joined the Academy at its' inception four years ago and the strides we have made in youth development since then has been exceptional but there is still unfinished business on that front."

Stewart revealed that he will be stepping down in the coming weeks from his role as the manager of the Under 19's but will be keeping on his other roles within the Academy. "Once the Academy have sourced a new coach for the Under 19's I will step down from that role but will still carry out the duties required to assist Mark Shanks while also continuing to head up and develop the Academy's Sports Science programme which I believe to be one of the best in the country."

And John Stewart joins the Glenafton management team with the blessing of the Academy. "John Stewart has been a driving force within the Academy and I am fully confident that will be a great assistant to Derek Ferguson as they attempt to turn around the Glens' fortunes" said Academy Head of Youth Development, Mark Shanks.

"But I know his commitment to the Academy is also strong. Both jobs carry a very strong work ethic which John has and I'm sure he'll continue to revel in both roles."