Tommy Coyne
Manager Profile

Biography

Tommy Coyne was well known to Clydebank fans when he was appointed manager of the club in August 2001. He had started his senior playing career at Kilbowie in 1981 scoring 41 goals in under 100 appearances. This earned him a £65,000 move to Dundee United and a long playing career ensued with Dundee, Celtic, and Motherwell amongst others.

When Tommy returned to the Bankies the club were already in turmoil due to Dr John Hall's failed attempt to relocate the club to Dublin. With the club playing out of Cappielow Park and just been relegated from the First division with only one league win all season, Coyne had his work cut out.

The Bankies did reasonably well initially under Coyne in the Second Division despite all the problems, but the writing was on the wall when the club was placed into administration by Hall. The administrators took the decision to sack Coyne in February 2001 at the behest of preferred bidder of the club David McGhie, just six months into his tenure. The club were sitting in fourth place at the time, but were well off the promotion places.

Tony Fitzpatrick who had been operating as a consultant for the club was placed in temporary charge alongside Fraser Wishart. Coyne was unfortunate to start his managerial career at a club in such a tumultuous state. He went on to manage Junior side Bellshill Athletic and is still held in high regard by Clydebank supporters.