Kelty Hearts: Kevin McDonald rejoins as assistant manager
Kevin McDonald will return to New Central Park as their assistant manager, just over a year after departing the club.
The 37-year-old initially arrived at Kelty in the summer of 2021 as assistant boss to brother-in-law, Kevin Thomson, following his appointment as manager.
🔙 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬
Kelty Hearts FC are delighted to announce the return of Kevin McDonald, as the club’s new Assistant Manager!
Welcome back @kevmac8🙌🏻
Full story: https://t.co/4jZyIhZ37y#onecommunityoneclub pic.twitter.com/0HsxVm1KnV
— Kelty Hearts FC 🇱🇻 (@KeltyHeartsFC) June 7, 2023
Thomson was recruited from Rangers, where he had been working within the academy, to succeed Barry Ferguson, who resigned after guiding the team into SPFL League Two after victory over Brechin City in the pyramid play-off final.
In their sole season at the club, Thomson and McDonald led the ‘Maroon Machine’ to the League Two title, finishing 21 points clear of runners-up, Forfar Athletic.
However, following that success, Thomson, who had been interviewed by Kilmarnock prior to them appointing Derek McInnes as successor to Tommy Wright, resigned from his post, with McDonald leaving alongside him.
John Potter subsequently took over and consolidated the team’s League One status, with Kelty finishing eighth in the table.
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Following his departure to Raith Rovers, where he has taken up the role of technical director, Tidser, the team’s captain, was announced as his successor.
The 33-year-old is set to combine playing and managing next year, and has moved to bring ‘Geordie’ back to the club as his right-hand man.
Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, McDonald’s senior playing career began at Hibernian, before he went on to play for Airdrie United, Alloa Athletic, Berwick Rangers, Bonnyrigg Rose and Musselburgh Athletic, the latter of whom he also managed.
As well as working together at Kelty, McDonald is a coach at Thomson’s football academy, and has recently been coaching within Hibernian’s academy.
He will now work with Tidser for next season, and will join David McGurn, who remains as goalkeeping coach, on the backroom staff, alongside returning kitman, Calum Wood.