Gregg Carrol yesterday added the final piece to the Huntly management-team jigsaw by appointing former Deveronvale full back Steve Dolan as his new joint assistant manager.
Dolan, 41, who made more than 600 appearances in 17 seasons at Vale, an all-time club record, became Scott Anderson’s Banff assistant for two years after hanging up his playing boots.
Dolan will work alongside long-serving Huntly midfielder Mark Gray as Carrol’s joint number two.
Carrol said: “I have known Stevie for years. He played under me at Deveronvale and, after a long and successful career, his knowledge of the game is fantastic.”
Carrol confirmed that his move to Huntly was far from planned.
He added: “I had no intention of getting involved at Huntly, but director Billy Walker and I got talking and I was most impressed by their corporate hospitality set-up.
“I later met the chairman and secretary for a chat. I told them that I certainly wasn’t going to apply for the job, but if they wanted to take it any further I would be happy to talk to them.
“It is an exciting challenge. I have won four titles, two with Deveronvale and another two with Buckie Thistle. We are currently 12th in the table. It will take a bit of time, but my ambition has got to be that fifth title, this time as manager of Huntly.”
Carrol will watch his new charges from the Harlaw Park stand tonight as Huntly visit Inverurie Locos for their Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield semi-final. He will leave team affairs to Mark Gray and Martin Stewart.
Gray said: “We will definitely go into the semi-final as underdogs as we have already played Locos three times this season and they’ve beaten us on each occasion. A wee bit of revenge would be nice, but as long as we go into the game with the right attitude and believe that we have a chance I will be happy.”
Locos co-manager Kenny Coull is taking nothing for granted.
He said: “Gregg Carrol coming in as the new Huntly manager certainly adds a bit more spice.”
Last night’s scheduled Aberdeenshire Shield semi-final between Cove and Turriff at Allan Park was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.