Thursday 26th October, 2023 at 11:34am
The Thistle Weir Youth Academy (TWYA) can today announce that Mark Wilson has been appointed as the Academy’s new under-18s head coach.
Following Craig Dargo’s appointment as Academy Director, Wilson joins the academy coaching team in an important position where he will be responsible for the development of the under-18s squad and help players prepare as they strive to make the step up to senior football.
After a stellar playing career which included international recognition for Scotland and numerous trophy successes at club level, Mark began his coaching journey almost ten years ago as a reserve coach at Alloa Athletic. A successful spell at Airdrieonians followed, leading the club to a promotion play-off place, before moving to Brechin City.
More recently, Mark has excelled as coach and programme manager at the Andy Robertson charity, AR26, combining it with a position as head coach during the PFA Scotland summer exit trials, aimed at developing released footballers and giving them an opportunity to break back into Scottish club football.
A holder of the UEFA “A” Licence, Mark arrives in Maryhill to play that key role within the TWYA overseeing the final stages of the Academy pathway to help produce graduates capable of making the step into first team football in Scotland.
New TWYA under-18s coach Mark Wilson said: “I am delighted to join the Thistle Weir Youth Academy and have really enjoyed the first couple of weeks getting to know the players out on the training pitch.
“When I first had conversations with Craig about the position I knew this opportunity was one that really excited me. The pathway here at Thistle is one that has been established over a number of years and when you look at the players who are breaking into the first team squad, such as Ben Stanway, Zander MacKenzie, James Lyon and Ricco Diack, then they should be an inspiration to the players currently at under-18s level and below.
“I’m highly motivated and look forward to working with the wider coaching team to help continue the development of these youngsters and give them the tools they need to reach their potential and enjoy a successful career in the game.”
TWYA Academy Director Craig Dargo said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Mark to the Thistle Weir Youth Academy, I consider it a coup for the Academy that we have managed to secure his services.
“Mark knows exactly what it takes to play his part in developing young talent and, alongside his own extensive playing experience, he will be someone who the players can both learn from in terms of good habits off the pitch as well as learning from his technical skillset on the pitch.
“Mark will be an asset to the strong coaching staff we already have in place, who are all equally passionate, skilled and invested in player development and the future of the Academy. It’s clear that all of our players are excited to learn from the experiences of our coaching staff and I’m delighted Mark is the latest addition to the team.”
