
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.”