Grangemouth Stags name Craig Deacons as new Glensburgh chief

Former Stirling County player Craig Deacons has taken over the reigns at Glensburgh, and he says he can’t wait to get hands-on experience at the Stags.

“At Stirling it’s semi-professional, so there is a lot of managing involved with the players. Here, it’s a smaller set-up and will be more be about coaching and I’m looking forward to that. I get on well with players, I always have.

“In rugby terms it’s a step down from Stirling County, but it is a progression. I will be head coach here, rather than a coach at County. I’m hands-on, that’s the way I work.”

Deacons spent 17 years at Stirling, the last two as a coach but has made the switch to the Stags having played with the likes of Al Kellock and under Bob McKillop, Henry Edwards and Eddie Pollok.

He said: “I think I can take a lot from their coaching and use it going forward.

“I look at this job as a long term role, coaching players, making them better, making the teams better and making the use of the excellent facilities here at Grangemouth. It’s a big picture outlook. I want to see improvements and Grangemouth moving back through the leagues.

“I have no ties, no connection with the club. I am looking at it fresh so all the players have to work hard to earn a place in the team – it’s a blank canvas.

“I spent 17 years at Stirling County since under-18s in 1999, it’s a change for me and I’m excited.”

Away from the pitch Deacons runs the family glassware firm in his hometown of Crieff.

He added: “I’m a businessman. I like to lead, rather than be led, so I’m looking forward to leading Grangemouth into the new season.”