(This story first appeared in The Herald in September 2008)
SCOTTISH international team manager wanted. Must be a previously-capped player with in-depth technical skills and endless enthusiasm. Naturally gifted sports psychologist with a talent for team building and motivation. Closing date for applications: October 24.
Think you fit the bill? If you happen to be a keen loch-style fly fishermen with qualifications to match and the confidence to take charge of the best trout anglers in the country, there’s still time to dust off that CV and apply.
There are snags, of course. No pay: the job is voluntary and you’ll have to give up a minimum of two weeks a year of your own time for competitions.
You’ll also will be following hard on the heels of one of the best in the business. John Ross who stood down at the end of last season due to work and personal commitments, was one of Scotland’s most successful, bringing home seven gold medals among a total haul of 14 during his seven years in office.
Now the Scottish Anglers’ National Association has taken the unusual step of advertising the post publicly. Competitions secretary Tom MacTaggart said:
“We wanted anyone who is qualified to have the chance to put their name forward. Realistically we think there are about 10 individuals who could fill the post and we’ll be happy if we get four or five applications.
“John was hugely influential in improving the results and standing of the Scottish team and will be sorely missed. Team building and motivation are very important and the post is demanding but enjoyable.”
The manager has responsibility for picking two teams of 14 from the 28 qualifiers for the two matches in the home international series each year.
On the plus side there is, of course, enormous satisfaction from the chance to beat the English and the two other home nations in the round robin of matches. Contact: www.sana.org.uk
The Scottish team, under caretaker manager Jock Kettles, were in action on Friday on Llyn Trawsfynydd in Wales, in the IFFA autumn international but were well beaten into third place behind England and Wales.
Results: 1st, England – 41 fish (65lb 12oz); 2nd, Wales – 39 (65lb 5oz); 3rd, Scotland – 31 (49lb 7oz); 4th, Ireland – 26 (40lb 7oz). Heaviest fish fell to Andy Dunn (Scotland), 3lb 3.5oz.