Deveronvale first team coach Kevin Stewart 'gutted' as he steps down
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KEVIN Stewart admitted he was devastated to make the decision to quit as Deveronvale’s first team coach and head of youth development.
Work commitments forced Stewart to announce he was stepping down from his positions at Princess Royal Park.
He will continue in his role as chairman of the Deveronvale Community Football Club charity but will no longer be in the dugout alongside his brother, ’Vale’s first team boss Craig.
“It’s something I’ve been dwelling on for a few weeks now and I had to make the horrible decision to step away,” he said. “I’m gutted to be leaving.
“It’s one of those things. I’ve got the club at heart but I have to give 100 per cent or none at all, and my situation with my work meant that I couldn’t give it everything any more.
Stewart, whose son Max plays in ’Vale’s first team, is able to quit his role with the club’s youth development section on a high, after Deveronvale’s under-18s won the Highland League title after a play-off win against Clachnacuddin last month.
“I’m proud to have been involved with the young lads at the club and it was an incredible achievement from them to win the league," he added.
“It was a nice way to finish off. Those lads have come through and pushed themselves so hard, they would run through a brick wall for you.
“Some of them have already featured for the first team and I’m hopeful that a good number of them can do well. Eight or nine have been training with the first team in pre-season and three have signed pro contracts, so it is working out well for them and for the club.”
Stewart also served as ’Vale’s child wellbeing and protection officer, having joined the club in 2015.
Chairman Jim Mair said: “Kev will be sorely missed and, on behalf of all at Deveronvale, I’d like to thank him for all the work he has put in on both first and youth team development over a number of years. “
