Willie Hill leaves Bathgate after 31 years

Dec 24 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

WILLIE Hill has called for full-time on his Bathgate Thistle career after 31 years with the club.

The Thistle boss joined as a player in 1977 and since then he has moved into the dugout where he steered the club to the Junior Scottish Cup.

But after three decades with the junior heavyweights he has walked away from the club in a decision he admits he struggled with for a long time.

“It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation as manager and departure from the club,” he announced this week.

And he continued: “The demands on my time required for my family and my business mean that I can no longer commit the time required to Bathgate.

“I've been trying to sort out an orderly exit from the club for some time after 31 years of service.

“This will be my last season of unrestricted sponsorship of Bathgate.

“Discussions are ongoing as to my continued level of financial support for the club.

“I sincerely hope that all of the lads at Bathgate have a great second half to the season.”

Coaches Paul Jack and Alan Lawrence will take over the running of the side until the end of the season.

For a full interview with Willie Hill and for a walk down memory lane with the popular boss on his 31 year career with Bathgate, see the special feature which will appear in the Courier in the New Year.

END OF AN ERA: Willie Hill, pictured with the Scottish Cup, has announced his resignation from Bathgate Thistle.