13-06-2025
Wishaw FC head of recruitment aims to 'bring spark back' to club after back-to-back relegations
Neil Rowatt will work closely with gaffer Paul Wright for next season
Wishaw are making moves for next season after appointing a new head of recruitment to work alongside boss Paul Wright.
And new recruit Neil Rowatt hopes he can bring the spark back to Wishy.
The Beltane Park side were relegated from the West of Scotland Third Division last season after a miserable campaign saw them finish rock bottom, inflicting back-to-back relegations on the club.
Wright came in midway through the season to take the reins from Martin O'Neill after he moved upstairs to be the club's general manager.
The club have now strengthened their operations with the appointment of Rowatt to run their recruitment.
He will work closely with Wright and his No. 2 Alan Robertson to assist with player recruitment and youth development, while also working closely with the club committee to help implement strategic plans to assist with rebuilding the club on and off the field.
Rowatt, formerly co-boss at Bellshill Athletic, said: 'I am delighted to accept the role of head of recruitment at Wishaw.
'Since stepping away from a successful period as co-manager of Bellshill Athletic in late December, the batteries have been recharged, and I've taken in a lot of games at many levels and with a lot of engagement with some old friends, coaches and players brought me together again with long time friend and ex-teammate Martin O'Neill.
'We decided to talk football. A lot of the things he highlighted were the same details as I had encountered in my previous role at the start up.
'So straight away the contact was daily between us and, well, here we are.
'From the outside looking in, Wishaw has lost its spark, and back-to-back relegation isn't just rewards for the loyal and caring committee at the club who, when truth be told, have made huge personal sacrifices to keep the club afloat in the past.
'It wasn't so long ago I watched Wishaw compete in the semi finals of Scottish Junior Cup and they were a whisker away from the final.
'The club needs to be back to this sort of level and then on top of the hard-core support those who have drifted away will hopefully return.
'With a lot of discussions happening off the park in terms of sponsorship, the ongoing ground improvements strategy, the youth development pathway being rebuilt.
'There is a lot to be positive about however the main thing we are all involved in football for is three points on a Saturday and a good cup run.'
Division Four is set to be a highly competitive league this season and the club discovered a new rival this week when former Amateur side East Kilbride YM announced they have been accepted into the division from next season, having won the Caledonian Premier League last term.
Rowatt added: 'I've had plenty of discussions already about dropping into Division Four and how competitive a league this is going to be.
'A lot of local derbies are also on the cards so it's an exciting league.
'The management and players will be given the tools to prepare and be ready to go come the big kick off in what will be the start of a new and positive era in the history of Wishaw juniors.
'I look forward to seeing as many locals get down and support it.'
Wishy gaffer Wright, the Kilmarnock legend and ex-striker, is thrilled to have Rowatt by his side for the forthcoming campaign.
He said: 'I'm looking forward to working with Neely ahead of the new season.
'Neely is someone with a wealth of knowledge of the junior game and comes with an extensive contact list, which will undoubtedly help the club both on and off the pitch.
'I am very enthusiastic about the about the condition Wishaw FC finds itself in moving forward.
'Bringing Neely into this role only strengthens these views. It is a very positive move and the club have acted so quickly to get him on board.'
Meanwhile, the club has confirmed their pre-season schedule for this summer, with friendlies kicking off on Saturday, July 5.
Their fixtures are as follows:
July 5 (H) 2pm - Larkhall Thistle
July 9 (H) 7.30pm - Thorniewood
July 12 (H) 2pm - Knightswood
July 14 (H) 7.30pm - Kilmarnock FC
July 16 (H) 7.30pm - Afroscots United
July 19 (A) 2pm - Fauldhouse
July 21 (A) 8pm - Caledonian Locomotives.
