Bruce Aitchison to stand down at end of season

On: 2010-03-23 21:41:46

Watsonians head coach Bruce Aitchison is to step down from the role at the end of the season.

The news comes with the first XV in the Scottish Hydro Premier One relegation zone, but with a chance of survival after a hard fought win away to Boroughmuir on Saturday.

Aitchison told the players of his decision after that 23-19 victory at Meggetland and his last two matches at the helm will be away to Glasgow Hawks on April 3 and then away to Melrose on April 17 as he looks to steer the team to survival.

He said: “Having played for Watsonians and now been involved at Myreside for two and a half years in a coaching capacity it is a club that is close to my heart.

“I have really enjoyed the challenge of being a head coach, but I now feel it is time for me to move on and let somebody else try and get the best out of what is undoubtedly a talented group of players.”

A former stand-off at the club the 29-year-old PE teacher has been at Watsonians in a coaching capacity since December 2007. He previously had a spell as assistant to Ian Rankin at Dundee HSFP.

At Myreside he assisted Cammy Mather as backs coach for half a season and the side earned plaudits as they finished second in the league and reached the cup semi-finals.

When Mather stepped down Aitchison took on the top role for the start of the 2008/09 campaign and the team got off to a good start before falling away and eventually finishing in eighth spot.

This term has been a tough one for ‘Sonians after a promising start that saw them beat West of Scotland, Heriot’s and Edinburgh Accies in their first three away matches.

Only three other wins have come since then in the league while Aitchison has had to use 48 players in the first XV this season due to a raft of injuries and unavailabilities.

Despite the struggles Aitchison has helped a number of young players, like recent school leavers Jamie Forbes and Grant Somerville, progress and his enthusiasm and commitment have never been in doubt.

Last year he was also at the forefront of a national campaign to get Bill McLaren knighted and had gained great support before the Voice of Rugby sadly passed away earlier this year.

Watsonians president Brian Drinkwater said: “We are very sorry to be losing Bruce. His thoroughly professional approach has been instrumental in developing an equally professional approach in the players. He has also been instrumental in recreating a strong ‘club’ atmosphere at Myreside.”

GH