Thomson appointed U19s coach

May 29 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

QUEENS Jim Thomson has described his appointment as Under-19s coach as a “wonderful opportunity”.

The Queens captain has added the new job to his growing CV which also includes a community liaison post, and of course, his first team duties.

A new U19 team is being set up, with trials taking place in Dumfries and in the central belt.

The new team will also give the current U17 team another level to rise to.

And Thomson hopes his efforts will bear fruit and bring through youthful talent.

Thomson said: “It’s very exciting because I’ll be starting from scratch. It’s a brand new team, and I’ll be holding trials to fill the places.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me, and I’ll be putting my all into it.

“But I know the pressure will be on me - I’m sure the boss will be looking for some good players coming through to the first team.

“A few years ago we had Paul Burns, Scott Robertson and Willie Gibson all coming through and that was great. It would be fantastic to have that happen again.”

Thomson has been preparing hard for the new role, earning coaching badges that have brought him up to level three.

And in July he will be hoping to move up to level four.

But the Queens centre back was eager to point out that he’s still a first team player at the club.

“Although I’m taking on this extra role, I’m still a player.

“It just means I’m going to be very busy!

“I don’t stop during the summer - it’s always pretty hectic!”

But it’s not only Jim Thomson who is pleased to have taken on the coaching role – Chairman Davie Rae also thinks it’s a good move.

Rae said: “Jim’s quite an icon at the club and it’s great news that he’ll be in coaching the younger lads.

“He’s a real professional and a great captain, and his sheer wealth of experience will make a big difference to the younger lads.

“He’s a figurehead and a real ambassador, and if he can help bring some of the younger lads through to the first team, it would be great.

“There’s nothing better for a football club than when you bring a local boy through and turn him into a good player.

“And in the history of the club, quite a few players have done just that.

“But the youth system must work at all levels.

“The work starts when they’re 10 or 11, and they’re groomed over six or seven years.

“Hopefully Jim will be a great addition and be very successful.”

Thomson will be casting his eye over potential additions to the team during trials between the end of June and middle of July.