Craig McPherson

Craig McPherson (born 27 March 1971) is a Scottish former professional footballer, who is currently assistant manager of Scottish Women's Premier League team Rangers. He played as a left-back or left-sided midfielder for clubs including Greenock Morton and Falkirk before retiring in 2006.

For the American politician in Kansas, see Craig McPherson (politician).

Craig McPherson
Personal information
Full name Craig McPherson
Date of birth (1971-03-27) 27 March 1971
Place of birth Greenock, Scotland
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Position(s) Left Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Rangers Women (assistant manager)
Youth career
Gourock Amateurs
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–2000 Greenock Morton 158 (6)
2000–2001 Clyde 3 (0)
2001–2002 Airdrieonians 39 (4)
2002–2006 Falkirk 122 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Playing career

McPherson started his career with his hometown club Greenock Morton, where he played mainly on the left hand side of midfield, occasionally being played as a full-back by then manager Allan McGraw. McPherson then played for Clyde and Airdrieonians. He followed manager Ian McCall in moving to Falkirk after the Airdrieonians club closed in 2002. He won promotion with Falkirk in 2005 and retired after one season in the Scottish Premier League.

Coaching career

McPherson returned to Falkirk, in 2009, as academy technical director.[1]

In 2014, McPherson became assistant manager of his old club Morton,[2] and signed a two-year extension in May 2016.[3] After leaving Morton following Jim Duffy's sacking, McPherson became first team coach at Scottish League One side Dumbarton in September 2018,[4] but left the club following Stephen Aitken's sacking. He then returned a fortnight later as assistant manager following Jim Duffy's appointment as Aitken's successor.[5]

McPherson began working with the Rangers Women's team in July 2021, as an assistant to manager Malky Thomson.[6] Police Scotland opened an investigation in March 2023 after McPherson appeared to headbutt Celtic manager Fran Alonso following a match between the two clubs.[7] The Scottish FA charged McPherson under its rules regarding violent conduct for the same incident,[8] and subsequently banned him for six games.[9]

Honours
Airdrieonians

References
  1. Tait, Chris (14 November 2011). "Academy bairns are the future at Falkirk Stadium". The Herald. Herald & Times Group. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
  2. Mitchell, Jonathan (2 June 2014). "McPherson seals assistant's deal". Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  3. Mitchell, Jonathan (23 May 2015). "McPherson: Assistant agrees to stay at Morton". Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  4. Galloway, Andy (8 September 2018). "'HAGI' JOINS COACHING STAFF". Dumbarton Football Club.
  5. Galloway, Andy (22 October 2018). "HAGI RETURNS AS ASSISTANT". Dumbarton Football Club.
  6. Oliver, David (2 July 2021). "Jermain Defoe role confirmed as Rangers re-shuffle coaches and backroom team changes". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  7. "Police probe after Rangers coach reportedly headbutts Celtic boss". BBC News. 28 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  8. "Rangers coach cited for alleged headbutt on Celtic boss in SWPL derby". BBC Sport. 29 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  9. "Rangers: Coach Craig McPherson banned for six games after derby headbutt". BBC Sport. 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  10. "Airdrie retain Challenge Cup". BBC Sport. 14 October 2001. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
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