New Rhu Amateur boss Gordon Brodie says he feels ‘incredibly proud’ to be appointed manager of the club’s Caledonian League side.
Former gaffer Stewart Maule has resigned for post-Covid health reasons, while coaches Stewart Fraser and Craig Straton have also stepped aside.
Brodie, who was previously club captain, had played at Rhu for several years before a spell in junior football with Ardeer Thistle.
His appointment to the role was announced by the club on Hogmanay.
Speaking exclusively to the Advertiser, he paid tribute to the outgoing management team and said his only regret is that his late father, Rhu icon Tony, who died in October 2020, isn’t around to see his son take the reins.
READ MORE: Rhu legend Tony Brodie immortalised in tribute at club's home ground
He said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Stewart Maule, Stewart Fraser and Craig Straton for the unbelievable job they have done in the last few years. The transformation in the club is remarkable and we now definitely have our local team back.
“To be given the opportunity to be one of the managers at this great club is an unbelievable honour. I am incredibly proud and relishing the challenge.
“The only regret is that my dad isn’t here to see it. He would have loved it.
“We have a great group of players. We have been going through a bit of a rough patch recently but by working together along with our Greater Glasgow team we can turn it around and start to bring success back to Ardenconnel.”
Maule was manager for four years, after serving for many years as a player, committee member then club president, and has transformed the way the club operate on and off the park with success on the pitch and a much-improved relationship with the local community.
Paying tribute on the club’s Facebook page, a spokesperson said: “Rhu had lost its way for a few years before Stewart Maule pushed the club back towards a local club for local boys, ultimately ending his tenure with 60+ local players registered to the club with two teams running, compared to the six registered players in total when he took charge.
“Through old photographs and Facebook posts, Stewart has helped to re-engage old players and fans and introduced them to a new Rhu with the same values of old, while also giving old players a way to contact pals they might have lost touch with.
“Stewart will always be a part of the club and welcomed down when the time suits him to make a return in any aspect – or even just to pop down and say hello.
“Stewart Fraser was also key in the journey to where we are today. He stepped up when nobody else would to give Stewart Maule a badly needed helping hand and someone to bounce ideas off of when they first started their journey.
“We wish Stewart Fraser all the best as well and hope to see him back at the club soon in any capacity.
“Craig stepped up this season to help take the team on a few occasions, most memorably getting our first away win in Rothesay for a long time.
"Craig was also important in helping the club get back to where we are, especially this season. We thank him for all his efforts and hope to see him back soon in some form when he feels it’s time.”
Brodie’s tenure starts this Saturday, January 8, when Rhu’s Caledonian League squad travel to Finnart in the Douglas Smith League Cup. Kick-off at Glasgow Green is at 1.30pm.
The club’s Greater Glasgow Premier League outfit also return to action this Saturday after the festive break with a trip to Erskine AFC. Kick-off is at 2pm.
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