Edinburgh South seek a manager after joining East of Scotland League

Edinburgh South are looking for a head coach.

Edinburgh South FC are recruiting a head coach for their new senior team after joining the East of Scotland Football League.

The Capital community club will begin assembling a senior squad for next season having been accepted into the EoS set-up at a league meeting on Thursday.

They are to enter the seventh tier of Scottish football in a historic move for all concerned. A groundshare arrangement to use Dalkeith Thistle's King's Park for matches is already in place and work is afoot to find a manager over the coming weeks.

Based at Inch Park, Edinburgh South have been operating in the Capital's south east since 1969. They run 62 teams including children's football, youths, girls, ladies and amateurs.

They represent more than 800 players and around 180 volunteer coaches and officials. The step up into the senior ranks is one of the biggest moves in their 51-year existence.

"This is definitely the biggest development in recent years. We've had mergers with local teams but progressing into the seniors is a massive milestone for the club and we are all really proud," said Joe Sneddon, a trustee on the Edinburgh South board.

"We have zero players in the senior squad and we don't have a manager lined up, so that's why we have the advert for a head coach out there. This is a completely new set-up so everyone is welcome to apply, even people coaching our amateur or youth teams.

"We can't put up any barriers at Inch Park because it's a community facility. That is our base and that would be our preferred location but it doesn't meet the East of Scotland League's requirements, so we will groundshare with Dalkeith.”

Edinburgh South's policy is to take on anyone who wants to play football regardless of age and ability. That has led to a dramatic swell in numbers in recent seasons.

Consequently, there is demand for more facilities but also an acceptance that the youngsters at the club require an end goal.

"We are the biggest community club in the east of Scotland now and just seemed like the next logical step to join the seniors,” added Sneddon.

“It gives the kids something to aspire to – a full pathway right the way through. Some choose to play for a kickabout with their mates, and others have an ambition to play at senior level.

"This is a great pathway for the club and for all the kids under our umbrella and that's why we chose to apply to the East of Scotland League.

“It's a vital part of our progression. We have set up a separate management committee to run the senior side. They will set the agenda, starting with a new head coach.”

The full advert for Edinburgh South’s head coach vacancy reads: “Edinburgh South FC are delighted to have been accepted into the EoSFL for season 20/21.

“At this stage we would like to accept applications for the role as first team Manager/Head Coach to take us into our inaugural season.

“We would be keen on Uefa B standard / SFA C licensed applicants, but we will also accept applications from coaches/managers that have senior football experience and know the leagues and players.

“To apply for the post, please email [email protected] with football CV and covering letter. Closing date is 5pm on Friday May 8. Interviews will be carried out via a online meeting.”

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