Linlithgow Rose name new boss

Dec 22 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

MARK BRADLEY has vowed to restore Linlithgow Rose to the top of the Superleague after being unveiled as the new manager of junior football giants.

The 35-year-old midfielder joined Rose in 2007 and helped the club to two Scottish Junior Cup final wins.

He was appointed caretaker boss after Dave Baikie was sacked following a poor start to the season.

However, after leading Rose to wins over St Andrews and an 8-0 hammering of Kirkcaldy, Bradley has been given the chance to lead the West Lothian giants back to the top of the Junior game.

He told Courier Sport: “It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m determined to repay the club for their faith in me.

“Linlithgow Rose are a massive club and the focus is always on winning the Scottish Junior Cup and the Superleague. That will be my focus too.

“As we’re out of the Junior Cup, the important thing now is to concentrate on getting back up the table and getting the club back on track.”

Bradley knows he has big shoes to fill after his predecessor filled the Linlithgow trophy cabinet with six cups during his tenure.

And the new manager believes he owes a big debt to the man he is replacing at Prestonfield Park.

He said: “Davie was great with me when I broke my leg in 2010.

“He really helped me through it and extended my contract.

“If he hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be with the club now or be taking over this position now.”

Bradley will hang up his boots to focus on his managerial responsibilities.