Newmains United 'shop window' plan to help young players forge a career

Newmains boss Davie Menelaws says his side will provide a 'shop window' for young players on the way up, because that can benefit both parties.

Menelaws makes no secret of the position Newmains United are in as they sit 14th from 15 clubs in the West of Scotland League Conference B table, but reckons they're punching above their weight anyway.

Former striker Menelaws, who counts Alloa, Stenhousemuir, Queen's Park, Shotts Bon Accord, Carluke Rovers and Cambuslang Rangers amongst his former clubs, says giving young stars a platform to shine will only improve the team.

And he wants to create an academy and forge closer links to the community.

Menelaws and assistant David Morgan took over from co-bosses Paul Davies and Craig Gupwell, who stepped down at United before moving on to Carluke Rovers.

"It's about having a different outlook at Newmains," said Menelaws. "I've played at every level, so hopefully I can pass on that experience and turn us around to have a more winning mentality and be a harder team to beat and pick up points.

"I want to make us competitive, and to hold our own, to push to be winning a lot more games than we'll be losing.

"I want to provide an opportunity for young guys who have maybe been released by clubs, put them in the shop window, make them better, and eventually move them on to bigger and better things.

"That's what football should be all about - giving boys opportunities.

"If they come and play with me, we get better, they get better, and they move on. One goes and another comes in, and it's about giving guys the experience to do that.

"We're also looking at bringing in an academy and bringing in more commitment from the community.

"James Wynn, who is managing director and head of community, has