Hibs legend John Brownlie returns to former club in coaching capacity

Legendary defender begins third spell with The Shire

John Brownlie looks on from the touchline during his time as Berwick Rangers boss

East Stirlingshire have bolstered their backroom team after former Hibs and Newcastle right-back John Brownlie agreed to return to the club as part of Derek Ure’s coaching staff.

The 68-year-old had a spell managing the Falkirk-based club in the late Nineties and also took temporary charge of the team in 2008 after Gordon Wylde’s resignation.

Ure said: “I’ve been trying to get John to become part of my team for a couple of years now, and we are delighted he has finally agreed to come on board for next season.

Brownlie pictured at Easter Road ahead of the 1974/75 season

"His knowledge and experience is huge, and I am delighted to bring him in to be part of my team.”

Brownlie made more than 300 appearances for Hibs, and was a key part of the team that won the League Cup in 1972 and runners-up medals in the 1972 Scottish Cup and 1974 League Cup finals.

After hanging up his boots in 1987 following spells at Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Berwick Rangers, and Blyth Spartans – and a brief period managing a hotel – Brownlie was named manager of Cowdenbeath, leading the team from 1988 until 1992 and winning promotion with the Blue Brazil to the First Division in 1992.

Next up was a brief spell in charge of Meadowbank Thistle before joining Clyde as Alex Smith’s assistant.

After his first stint with East Stirlingshire, Brownlie became Arbroath boss in the early Noughties after a period of time overseeing Raith Rovers’ youth teams.

Repeating the earlier success he had enjoyed with Cowdenbeath, he led the Red Lichties to promotion to the First Division in 2001.

Brownlie returned to management after a 16-year hiatus in May last year when he was appointed manager of his former club Berwick Rangers.

The Shielfield Park outfit had finished dead last in League Two and faced Highland League winners Cove Rangers in the relegation play-off, and Brownlie was replaced by Ian Little when Cove won the two-legged tie and consigned the Wee Gers to the Lowland League.