Paget quits Whitehill after digesting defeat by leaders

The Whitehill Welfare manager, Rab Paget, has resigned after ten months in charge of the Rosewell club, saying: “I felt that I had taken the team as far as I could.”

Paget took over from Paul Cavanagh at the end of March last year and Whitehill finished the season in fourth position in the Central Taxis Premier Division. This season they trial Spartans by 16 points after losing to their arch rivals 4-1 on Saturday. Paget guided Whitehill to the Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup Final which they lost 3-2 to Edinburgh City.

“I gave this decision some serious thought after we were beaten by Spartans and I hardly slept that night,” said Paget. “I asked myself what was more important, my family or football, and for the first time ever in my life I decided that my family came first.

“I would like to thank the Whitehill Welfare committee who have been magic to work with and they have done everything I could possibly have asked of them. I need a total break at the present moment.”

Whitehill secretary, Peter McGauley, said: “It came as a terrible shock. We were all a bit down after losing to Spartans but we did not expect this. We have enjoyed having him here at Whitehill and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Whitehill have appointed Paget’s assistant, Grant Carnie, as his replacement. Carnie, aged 30, who played for Cowdenbeath, Craigroyston and Edinburgh City, said: “I was shocked when I heard the news about Rab. When Peter asked me to take the job I said I was happy and I have confidence in my own abilities. It has all happened so quickly.

“We have a big game this coming Saturday against Civil Service Strollers and there is still a lot to play for.”