Kevin Thomson has full faith in his decision to take up the reigns at Kelty Hearts as he sets out on his own journey into senior management.
The popular Gers fan-favourite is adamant that he had to leave the club now and his position as ‘B’ team coach, in order to create a path to allow him to come back one day to take the manager’s job.
Having sought counsel from outgoing Kelty boss Barry Ferguson – now at Alloa – as well as Gers gaffer Steven Gerrard, the Edinburgh man is content that the jump is a risk worth taking.
He was speaking to the Courier:
“This is not a decision I took lightly,” said Thomson.
“I’ve left a wonderful club that were incredibly good to me and, in turn, I’d like to think I was a good ambassador for Rangers.”
“But ultimately, if I want to be the Rangers manager in the future – or a manager at the top level – then Kelty Hearts is a brilliant place for me to learn my trade.”
“The manager (Gerrard) was brilliant with me when we spoke and he understands that I’ve got my own journey.”
“His own journey was a huge step and a difficult thing for him. He left Liverpool, a club he loved and was close to his heart.”
“He never knew anything different from Liverpool but still walked away from an academy job there for an opportunity elsewhere.”
No fear
Thomson was also a regular on RangersTV in recent times, alongside the likes of Clive Tyldesley and Tom Miller.
Over the last season, he has relished getting close to the action as Gerrard’s Champions charged to the title in style.
‘Thommo’ often offered insights and gave some indication as to how he sees the game and his interpretation on tactics and game situations.
Now he will aim to demonstrate that with SPFL League 2 side Kelty, following the good work of Ferguson in getting the club promoted from the Lowland league set-up.
Thomson added: “It’s a risk but everything is a risk in life – and I’m a risk taker. I’m not scared of that.”
Time will tell how this foray into management works for KT but just like in his playing days, it won’t be for a lack of effort, attitude or endeavour.