David Syme insists Bonnyton Thistle shouldn't be written off as West of Scotland League whipping boys on Kilmarnock legend Alan Robertson’s watch.
Former Killie kid Syme reckons his old Rugby Park mentor - now manager at Thistle – is up there with the best coaches in Scotland.
And he believes Robertson’s know-how and experience can help Bonnyton cope with a step-up in class.
They will mix it with some of the best ex-Junior teams in the country next season after moving across from the much-maligned South of Scotland set-up.
The East Ayrshire outfit have already been tipped to struggle in a brand new 20-strong top flight that will include Kilwinning Rangers - Syme’s current club.
But 22-year-old defender Syme has 100 per cent faith in his old gaffer ensuring Bonnyton put up a real fight.
“With someone like Alan at the helm, and Paul Wright by his side, the only way is up for Bonnyton," said Syme.
“He is a real football man and, for me, the best coach in Scotland.
“He’s one of those coaches players will give their all for because of his attitude and the way he goes about things.
“I’m not sure how Bonnyton will get on in terms of paying players now that they are in direct competition with the Junior teams.
“But I’m sure they will have a few tasty players and Alan will make sure they are a good addition to the league.
“He won’t be able to live with himself if he doesn’t have them competing well.”
“I hope they do well, except when they play Kilwinning!”
Syme was on the books at Kilmarnock when Robertson was head of the youth set-up.
Under his guidance, he rose through the ranks, reaching the dizzy heights of the first team.
The pair were so close that Syme used to come in for some serious ribbing from his teammates.
Ironically, both mens’ time at Killie ended in 2016. Robertson prematurely announced his retirement while Syme headed to Glasgow to kick-start his career with Partick Thistle.
And although a lot has changed for the pair in the last few years, Syme has never forgotten or lost contact with his old mentor.
“Alan was the first person I phoned after the West of Scotland League line-up was announced,” he said.
“We’ve kept in touch over the years and I love to see him doing well.
“I had a great relationship with him at Killie. He knew how to get the best out of me.
“Some of the players used to wind me up, saying he must be my dad because they thought I was his favourite. I'm not too sure about that though!
“It’s fantastic to see him still in the game.
“I'm really looking forward to the chance of going up against him.”
