Features: Where Are They Now? - Sandy Stewart

SANDY STEWART is the latest famous figure to turn back the clock to his time at Newlandsfield Park.

What brought you to Pollok?

I was playing for Pollok U21’s at the time and they had an affiliation with the Juniors. My manager Bruce Livingstone recommended me to Dickie Brock. At the end of the season three of the boys played for the Juniors in a couple of games and I was asked to sign.

What are your favourite memories of playing for Pollok?

I loved playing there. The team had good quality players, the coaching staff were great and there was a fantastic spirit in the dressing room. I remember the crowds and the atmosphere they created at Newlandsfield, especially the banter the older guys created on the terraces. The ultimate accolade that season was winning the league and the West Of Scotland cup courtesy of a George Rattray hat-trick.

Any funny stories to tell from your time at Pollok?

After a game at Newlandsfield the manager Dickie Brock and Mick Hepburn had words. Michael took exception to this and the two of them started rolling about the floor, after a couple of minutes the players had to break it up.

Who were the best players you played with, both at Pollok and throughout your Senior career?

Although only being there for fifteen months, I think I struck up a good partnership with Dougie Arnott who went onto play for Motherwell for many years. Davie Jamieson was also a very talented player, but to be honest I could go through the whole squad as they were all good.

What is it about Pollok that made you travel all the way from Lancashire to our Centenary Match in 2008?

I have worked in the Lancashire area for four years now but my wife and family live in Glasgow. I am in Glasgow most weekends and I still love to play football so when I was asked I jumped at the chance to meet and play with some of my old team mates.

Would you say your spell in Junior football prepared you well for the step into the Senior game?

It was a good grounding and helped toughen me up for Senior football. It also helped that I played with very good experienced players.

Were you tempted to go into management again after Owen Coyle left St. Johnstone?

After Owen left St. Johnstone for Burnley, Geoff Brown the Chairman indicated that he would like me to stay on as Manager. Although St. Johnstone was a fantastic club to work for, it was already in my head that I wanted to try England. I managed St. Johnstone for one game and won the Challenge Cup Final. I thought it was better to leave with a 100% record. I also had the opportunity to manage Burnley when Owen left for Bolton. I had already told Owen I would join him at Bolton and I was not going back on my word. It would have been tempting though, as our first game was against Manchester United at Old Trafford. I enjoyed being a Manager and I would never rule anything out in football.

Do you ever manage back to Newlandsfield for matches?

Usually I manage two or three games a season.

Sandy is of course at this moment in time working hard to keep Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League. We wish him well with this, and all at Pollok would also like to wish one of his charges, Fabrice Muamba, a full and speedy recovery after his recent on-field collapse.