Craig McPherson explained

Craig McPherson
Fullname:Craig McPherson
Birth Date:27 March 1971
Birth Place:Greenock, Scotland
Currentclub:Rangers Women (assistant manager)
Position:Left Midfielder
Youthclubs1:Gourock Amateurs
Years1:1994–2000
Years2:2000–2001
Years3:2001–2002
Years4:2002–2006
Clubs4:Falkirk
Caps1:158
Caps2:3
Caps3:39
Caps4:122
Goals1:6
Goals2:0
Goals3:4
Goals4:2

Craig McPherson (born 27 March 1971) is a Scottish former professional footballer, who is currently assistant manager of Scottish Women's Premier League team Rangers. He played as a left-back or left-sided midfielder for clubs including Greenock Morton and Falkirk before retiring in 2006.

Playing career

McPherson started his career with his hometown club Greenock Morton, where he played mainly on the left hand side of midfield, occasionally being played as a full-back by then manager Allan McGraw. McPherson then played for Clyde and Airdrieonians. He followed manager Ian McCall in moving to Falkirk after the Airdrieonians club closed in 2002. He won promotion with Falkirk in 2005 and retired after one season in the Scottish Premier League.

Coaching career

McPherson returned to Falkirk, in 2009, as academy technical director.[1]

In 2014, McPherson became assistant manager of his old club Morton,[2] and signed a two-year extension in May 2016.[3] After leaving Morton following Jim Duffy's sacking, McPherson became first team coach at Scottish League One side Dumbarton in September 2018,[4] but left the club following Stephen Aitken's sacking. He then returned a fortnight later as assistant manager following Jim Duffy's appointment as Aitken's successor.[5]

McPherson began working with the Rangers Women's team in July 2021, as an assistant to manager Malky Thomson.[6] Police Scotland opened an investigation in March 2023 after McPherson appeared to headbutt Celtic manager Fran Alonso following a match between the two clubs.[7] The Scottish FA charged McPherson under its rules regarding violent conduct for the same incident,[8] and subsequently banned him for six games.[9]

Honours

Airdrieonians

2001–02[10]

Notes and References

  1. News: Academy bairns are the future at Falkirk Stadium. Chris. Tait. The Herald. Herald & Times Group. 14 November 2011. 15 November 2011.
  2. News: McPherson seals assistant's deal. Greenock Telegraph. 2 June 2014. 2 June 2014. Jonathan. Mitchell.
  3. News: McPherson: Assistant agrees to stay at Morton. Greenock Telegraph. 23 May 2015. 23 May 2015. Jonathan. Mitchell.
  4. Web site: 'HAGI' JOINS COACHING STAFF. Galloway. Andy. 8 September 2018. Dumbarton Football Club.
  5. Web site: HAGI RETURNS AS ASSISTANT. Galloway. Andy. 22 October 2018. Dumbarton Football Club.
  6. News: Oliver . David . Jermain Defoe role confirmed as Rangers re-shuffle coaches and backroom team changes . 28 March 2023 . The Scotsman . 2 July 2021 . Edinburgh.
  7. Web site: Police probe after Rangers coach reportedly headbutts Celtic boss . BBC News . 28 March 2023 . 29 March 2023.
  8. Web site: Rangers coach cited for alleged headbutt on Celtic boss in SWPL derby . BBC Sport . 29 March 2023 . 29 March 2023.
  9. Web site: Rangers: Coach Craig McPherson banned for six games after derby headbutt . BBC Sport . 13 April 2023 . 13 April 2023.
  10. Web site: Airdrie retain Challenge Cup. BBC Sport. 14 October 2001. 14 April 2020.