Neil McGrath is the Team Manager of Millbank AFC in the Central Scottish AFL. Here's Neil's On the Bench...
G: How long have you been in your current role?
N: 3 years
G: When did you first get involved in amateur football and what were you doing?
N: 15 years ago and playing
G: What amateur teams have you been involved in and in what capacity?
N: Clydebank U21’s – Player, Kilpatrick AFC – Player, Anniesland AFC – Player, Clydebank Supporters – Player, Millbank AFC – Player, Millbank AFC – Team coach, Millbank AFC – Team Manager.
G: Do you feel the amateur football scene has changed since you first became involved with it?
N: I feel the lack of grass parks and changing rooms from councils is shocking, but on a good front the standard of teams has grown very well.
G: Do you have a favourite amateur team and why is it your favourite?
N: Millbank AFC, my current team due to the commitment that is put in is second to none.
G: What’s your most memorable moment in amateur football?
N: Winining the League 4 years ago.
G: What do you think about the quality of amateur football?
N: I feel the standard is very high in some leagues and professionalism
G: Which team provided the best post-match hospitality? (who served the best pies?)
N: Mearns (Central Scottish)
G: What was the last game you watched?
N: Drumchapel Vs St Joes & Millbank Vs Cumbernauld Clyde
G: If you had 3 wishes, what would you change about Scottish amateur football?
N: (1) Photo ID’s; (2) More money from the SFA to help amateur teams; (3) Parks being built etc; (4) Free courses to help out coaching and sports injuries etc.
G: What do you think about summer football?
N: It has to happen or even a winter shut down.
G: Have you any views about the relationship of the professional game to the amateur game?
N: Feeder clubs should happen Pro to Junior to Amateur
G: What do you think the future holds for Scottish amateur football?
N: A very strong and long life, if teams get the right help.
G: Have you any views on superleagues? Do you think they are a good idea? N: Not sure it would work, to many leagues with their own ideas. And to be honest it may already exist in the Fosters Scottish Central League premier division G: What do you think about Community Hubs (NB not Community Clubs)? N: Not sure, as I don’t know enough about them. G: Have you any comments on grounds and facilities? N: Councils are shocking. G: Do you think there is adequate provision of development courses & funding for them? N: No G: What do you think about the SAFA Select team – how do you think it could be developed? N: It should be run on a year-to-year basis, best people for the job. G: Are there any other comments you would like to make? N: (1) The web site for the SAFA is top class, a great job has been done on this thank you.
(2) This country needs better playing surfaces, much like the Hamilton sports ground in every town, they more than make their money with their services and it helps everyone.
Thanks very much, Neil. Lots of things to think about there. |