Published: Thursday, 8th July, 2010 10:04am

Pro to teach budding talent

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BUDDIES legend Ricky Gillies is hoping to inspire the next crop of stars after finally hanging up his boots.

The former under-21 Scotland captain, who is from Neilston, became a hero at St Mirren during his 11-year stint with the club and also turned out for Aberdeen and Partick Thistle.

But at the age of 33, Ricky has now set up a soccer academy which he claims will offer budding footballers a real insight into the life of a pro.

Ricky, who was at Brig O'Lea for two seasons, told Barrhead Sport: "When I left football behind I had to completely re-think what I was going to do with my life.

"At first I went and tried to get a trade by doing a tiling course.

"But at 33 it was difficult for me to break into the trade because doing something like that you only learn by years of experience.

"So I have gone full circle and ended up back at football because that is the trade I've got and it's what I've done since I left school.

"I made my debut for St Mirren at the age of 16 so what I can bring to the table is my experience from throughout my playing career.

"When I do my camps it will be geared towards advice for in-game situations.

"I feel you can do as many drills as you like but it is the actual match scenarios that are important for being a professional."

The final chapter of Ricky's playing career was in New Zealand where he picked up vital coaching guidance from former Wales manager Bobby Gould.

And having returned to home shores Ricky has enlisted the help of many of his former team-mates to kick start his academy, Soccer Innovations.

Along with Ricky, youngsters will receive coaching from former Rangers and St Mirren star Paul McKnight, former Jags midfielder Darren Brady and St Mirren goalkeeping great Ludovic Roy.

The coaching camps will focus on the competitive side of the game with Ricky looking to provide information and advice to players for use within match situations.

Ricky said: "I hope I can now pass on bits and bobs to youngsters about how to play the game and how to go about being a professional footballer. And I would also like to give parents advice about what path is open to their children if they want to try to make it in the game."

The camps will run throughout July at the Paisley Campus of the University of the West of Scotland.

For more information visit www.soccerinnovation.co.uk or email Ricky at ricky@soccerinnovation.co.uk.