A FORMER Largs Thistle keeper is delighted to be returning to Barrfields to spearhead the club's new under-20 development squad.


Ian Nixon, 38, featured for Largs at the start of the 2000s as deputy to Kenny Meechan under the management of Frank Lovering and George Wall before returning to play for Thistle again under Sandy MacLean.
He says the chance to return to work with the next generation of stars was something he couldn't turn down.
Nixon added: "The opportunity to build a development team and a pathway for players to really progress and potentially move into the Largs first team is very exciting.
"Winning games is important for the boys and they will have the opportunity to train with the first team squad during the week. It will be great to see them improve and progress with the ultimate goal of being in the first team.
"The platform is there. It is an opportunity for players to prove themselves and progress."
Nixon said the Friday night fixtures will be something the players can relish.
He added: "The games will be played at Inverclyde Sports Centre and as a keeper who has played under the floodlights, nothing beats it.
"Hopefully we will also get the opportunity to play at Barrfields. It will give the players a lift and some pride to go out and perform well, and I dare say that there will be scouts from other clubs watching. The first team boss, Stuart Davidson, will be looking for an opportunity to bring these players into the first team. It is a chance to showcase your talents and catch the eye to show the gaffer.
"Due to the current Covid-19 situation, everyone is just desperate to get back playing football."
Nixon finished his playing career at Greenock Juniors where he caught the coaching bug from manager and former Largs Thistle player Thomas Malloy and his assistant Sean Dillon.
He said: "I have been friends with Tom since we were kids. Coaching was never something that I truly considered but later in my playing career I spent time with the younger players at Greenock and watched how Tom and Sean motivated them.
"Seeing how they approached and interacted with the younger and experienced players gave me a taste for it.
"I want to instil an enjoyment in training as well as a strong work ethic. The boys need to be prepared to commit to hard work, and if they can do that and enjoy it, I am sure we can work with the aim to constantly improve and give Arnie some options for the first team going forward."
Early in his playing career, Nixon was signed with Greenock Morton and worked with some of their top keepers David Wylie and Ally Maxwell.
However, a goalie gaffe earlier in his career for Morton reserves at Hampden Park taught Nixon a valuable life lesson.
He said: "I was very young and nervous and had a bit of a rush of blood. I charged out of the box, caught the ball and gave away a free kick. Frank Connor was taking the reserve team and I thought I was going to get slammed for the error but instead he said, 'Only one guy in history never made a mistake and they hung him on a cross'.
"It stuck in my mind - everyone makes mistakes but it is how you recover from them that is important. It is a good life lesson as well.
"One of my most memorable games came playing for Greenock High School when we won the West of Scotland Amateur Cup final and we had a great squad of boys and a terrific management team.
"Everyone knew their roles and played their part. We ended up beating two of the best amateur sides in Scotland - Colville Park and Hurlford. Our team included Jamie McDonald, who featured for Largs Thistle.
"We had a great spirit and winning mentality and that is something else I hope to instil in the new under-20s development squad."
To register, contact Ian on 07714 879320 or email iannixoni@gmail.com
All players aged 20 on or after 1 January 2001 are welcome to take part in a forthcoming trial.