Development Team News

Cowdenbeath FC can now announce some changes to coaching arrangements for this part of our set up.

Firstly, Craig Winter has decided to step down from managing the side as he was finding it difficult to juggle his various commitments to allow him the time he really would want to devote to his role. The role is indeed a demanding one time wise as it also involves observing Fife Academy matches on behalf of the club. We discussed matters and Craig felt, ‘I think I should just step down as work, family and other commitments are taking its toll a bit but thanks ever so much for the opportunity to get back involved with the club that means so much to me’.

Our grateful thanks do indeed go to Toorie for stepping in and agreeing to assist us and it was good to have him and all his enthusiasm back at Central Park if only for a brief period. We wish him well and hope to see him cheering on the Blue Brazil as a fan when he has the opportunity.

The structure of the club is such that overall Management responsibility for our Under-20/Development set up comes within Club Manager Colin Nish’s ambit. Derek Nicholson is charged with looking after this aspect as well as our key links with the Academy as Head of Youth reporting to Colin. The club is now pleased to confirm that Brian Nelson has agreed to join our set up to run our Under-20/Development side reporting to and working with Derek.

Brian was capped for Scotland schoolboys and was an S-form signing with Dunfermline Athletic and played at reserve level with Raith Rovers. From the age of 16 he concentrated on the Wiel Coerver method of coaching. In more recent times, he worked for Elite Sports Analysis covering all Heart of Midlothian matches. He has coached at Dunfermline Athletic including at all levels from under 14s to under 17s. He has also been assisting Cowdenbeath on an informal basis over the last few years.

Head of Youth Derek Nicholson said, ‘Brian is a very capable coach with a good technical knowledge of the game. He is very focused and works hard to ensure training is of a high standard at every session and expects the same standards from the players in training preparation and games. He is always open and honest with the players’.

Dean Ewing, the club’s Community Coach, will also assist Brian.