SATURDAY signalled a new era in the history of Arthurlie.

Craig McEwan took his spot in the dug-out for the first time — alongside his back room staff of Stevie Kerrigan and Craig Potter as they watched their 10 man side draw with Clydebank.

Ian Gold’s last minute leveller may have spoiled the trio’s debut — but McEwan reserved praise for his new side, insisting he has settled in well to his new role.

He told Barrhead Sport: “The past week has been very whirlwind but I can’t fault anyone it has been very good.

“I’ve had very little time to stop and think about it in all honesty — I am very proud of the way we played on Saturday and despite losing a goal late on we had the chances to win the game.at the end.

“Going forward it is a clean slate for everybody. Everyone has the opportunity to prove what they can do and hopefully we can restore this club to what it once was.” Some doubts had been raised over McEwan’s appointment having had no previous managerial experience before taking the reins.

However, he insisted he isn’t fazed by any criticisms aimed his way — also revealing he has been offered managerial roles in the past.

He added: “There is always going to be doubters in terms of the juniors.

“I believe I am more than ready to make this step and it is something I have been considering for a while now.

“I actually got offered the Glenafton job a couple of seasons ago but I had to say no because it just didn’t feel right.

“I say to those who doubt me, why not me? Look at what the likes of Stephen Swift and Mark Crilly have done at Kilbirnie, Tommy Sloan at Auchinleck Talbot — all these guys had little experience so give me a chance.”