Barrhead Sport’s Craig Ritchie took time to catch up with the new gaffer and find out a bit more about his past and ambitions for the club ....

CR: Firstly Craig, congratulations on the appointment.

CM: Thanks, I’m really looking forward to it.

CR: You are quite young for a manager, what age are you?

CM: I am 37-years-old.

CR: I’m sure the fans would like to know, what are your ambitions for Arthurlie?

CM: I just want to make this club a success. I want to get Arthurlie back up the table and where they belong. They are a top of the table side and one that deserve to be right up the top end of the league. That could take a while but we will take the time to assess what we have here and look to improve the current standings.

CR: What clubs have you played for?

CM: I have played for a number of clubs throughout my career at both senior and junior level.

I started at Clyde, moved to Raith Rovers and then on to Ayr United. I then went to Dumbarton for a spell before Brechin City and Stenhousemuir — after which I turned junior. From there I was at Linlithgow Rose, then to Pollok and finally at Glenafton ... So it would be fair to say I have been pretty much everywhere!

CR: Who is the toughest opponent you have ever come up against?

CM: Toughest opponent? There has been a few to say the least but I’ll probably get slated for blowing my own trumpet. There was a few of the Old Firm boys that spring to mind, probably Pierre Van Hooijdonk and Jorge Cadete. You could probably say Brian Laudrup too, he was a handful to deal with.

CR: What about toughest opponent in the juniors?

CM: Once again there are a few. The first ones that spring to mind are the boys at Talbot, they are always a very organised outfit that never give you a moments peace. The likes of James Latta and Whitey especially.

CR: What is your biggest achievement in the game so far?

CM: I have won leagues and cups at a few sides, and I played in the CIS cup semi-final with Ayr United and was there for the final. But the thing I hold most dearly would probably be my international success.

I managed to play for Scotland 19 times at under-21 level and there is no greater honour than playing for your country so, yeah, I’d say that.

CR: Obviously, you have been open about your ties with Pollok, you prepared for a bit of slagging?

CM: (laughs) I’ve been given pelters everywhere I have been — for a number of reasons. I am old enough and ugly enough to expect it from fans. It is part of the game and I’ve been called hopeless and slaughtered all around the country. It isn’t going to bother me, I take it with a pinch of salt and as a bit of a laugh.

CR: Thanks Craig, good luck for the weekend.

CM: My pleasure, anytime.