Rugby: Macnaughton set to revive Stew-Mel

STEWART'S MELVILLE director of rugby Craig Docherty is tipping new coach Bruce Macnaughton to build a side capable of a swift return to Scottish Hydro Premiership Division One. Moreover, he believes Macnaughton's experience can ensure the Inverleith men remain in the top flight.

"We are looking to have a structure in place to ensure that if we go up we will stay there and avoid becoming a yo-yo club," said Docherty, before revealing substantial interest was expressed in succeeding Graeme Moffat. "I was taken aback by the number of applicants for the job, several of them from overseas.

"There were a number of credible candidates but Bruce was the one who ticked most of the boxes," said Doherty.

"Bruce knows the Scottish club game inside out, he knows who we are and he gets what we are about. He understands that the club has a different dynamic because of the way we try to bring through young players."

Macnaughton's CV features spells at Currie, Murrayfield Wanderers and Peebles, where he recently ended a five-year spell in charge, as well as national age group experience.

Docherty has stepped up from his position as seconds coach to assume the director of rugby role.