This is your first opportunity to manage a football club. How does it feel?

I am absolutely delighted to get this opportunity and am raring to go. I have been at Central Park as a coach for four years coaching at various youth levels. I believe I have served my time and am more than ready for the challenge. I am looking to build on the success that Mixu has achieved and make Cowden as successful a team as possible.

What is your ambition for the team this season?

We must look to achieve safety first. If we can do that we can then start to look at the play-offs and the possibility of promotion. The team showed at the start of the season that they are capable of competing with the best in this division but in recent weeks everyone has found out the reality of how tough this league is.

I have been at the last three home games and know most of the players well but will assess things over the next two or three weeks before deciding if I need to strengthen the squad. It is not a great time as the transfer window is shut but If I feel it is necessary I will use my contacts to look at bringing in players either on permanent deals or the loan system.

What is your football philosophy?

My football philosophy is to play good attractive football but also ultimately to win football games. Anybody who has watched my youth teams will know this. I want players who will work hard and push themselves. I want people with character and the right attitude and spirit who aspire to play at the highest level possible. I am sure that is exactly the type of players at Central Park and I will do my best to get the best out of them for the benefit of Cowdenbeath Football Club and to help them realise their ambitions.

Tell us about the manager's you have worked under?

I have played for many great manager,s - such as Jim McLean, Ivan Golac, Alex Miller, Jim Duffy and Alex McLeish - and it would be very careless not to have learned from guys of that calibre. Jim McLean's knowledge of the game is astounding and is top drawer - a genius. But Ivan Golac's man management skills were first class and he certainly knew how to get the best out of me.

Will the regime of full-time training established by Mixu continue?

I run my own taxi firm but will be at Central Park everyday and the regime of full-time training will continue for those players without other commitments during the day. In addition, we have a number of young players in the youth set-up who have now left school who I will be looking to bring in to benefit their development.

You have worked with the youth set-up for the last four years. Do you have high hopes that some will progress to the first team?

We have some real quality prospects coming through the system at the moment who will hopefully progress to the first team over the coming years. The club has worked hard to attain performance league status and is real credit considering we are the only part-time team to do so.

What has been your highlight in football?

Winning the Scottish Cup, scoring in the semi-final with Dundee United and being on stand-by for the natioan team are great highlights. But scoring in the play-offs to save Dundee United's premier status sticks out - think it was voted the most important United goal ever!

What about biggest disappointment?

Having to retire earlier than I would have liked through injury. I was out of football for two years and fell out of love with the game. My invovlement at Central Park has helped to restor my determination and need for the game.