Spartans opt to appoint Samuel boss

Spartans have appointed former player Douglas Samuel as manager, as they bid to realise their ultimate objective of playing in the SFL.

Samuel has been Edinburgh University’s head coach for the past nine seasons after finishing his playing career with Spartans. In his first season in charge of the students in 2002-2003, Samuel led them to First Division title glory and promotion to the Premier Division, where they have remained ever since. Their highest placing was in season 2007-2008 when they finished second to Whitehill by just one point.

The students also lifted the Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup and the King Cup under his charge, while they have recorded notable success in the early rounds of the Scottish Cup. Spartans’ executive committee met Samuel on Monday night and offered him the position vacated by Sam Lynch and Mike Lawson a week previously.

Spartans chairman Craig Graham said: “Douglas outlined his plans to our executive committee and we were delighted to select him and his team to help move us forward over many seasons to come. Neil Irvine will be Douglas’ assistant manager. Neil was also a player with us before supporting Douglas at Edinburgh University. We have ambitious plans over the next five years and Douglas will spearhead our on-field developments.”

Edinburgh University Football Club president Alan Chainey thanked Samuel. He said: “Douglas has shown a wonderful level of commitment and embedded himself within the University system. To keep us in the Premier Division for the past nine years is tremendous.”

Edinburgh University are now seeking applications for the role of head coach/first-team manager. Interested parties should contact the University via email on [email protected] or telephone chairman Stewart MacKinnon on 0131 663 8290 or 07710 769550.