There has been a reshuffle within our women’s pathway this week, with Gerry Gallacher, the first, and so far only, women’s first-team manager at the Rock, taking up the role of Head of Women and Girls Development.
In this new position, Gallacher will oversee the development of our girls pathway from Under-10 level upwards – with youth sides from Dumbarton United, now joining the Sons system.
As part of the restructure, Gallacher will step aside as manager of our SWFL Central-West women’s side, with assistant Kenny McInnes stepping up to take charge. Gallacher will remain with the squad in the role of first-team head coach.
Assistant’s John Dempster, Michael Logan and goalkeeping coach Steven Pasifull will continue as part of the coaching staff under McInnes.
Speaking about his new role, Gallacher said: “I am taking a small step back from my women’s team position to spend more time developing the new Dumbarton FC girls’ youth set-up.
“My new role with the women’s team will be first-team head coach, with Kenny stepping up as first-team manager.
“I expect busy days and challenges ahead, but I am looking forward to them and to the future of our women’s sector at the Rock.”
McInnes was keen to praise the work Gallacher has carried out in building the women’s team over the past few years.
“Gallacher has done a fantastic job with this group of talented local players, developing their skills and giving them the confidence to step up to senior women’s football,” he said.
“He does so much away from matchdays that goes unseen, and his commitment to all our players – from the Under-10s through to the women’s team – is remarkable.
“The club and our players are privileged to be able to draw on his experience and dedication.”
On stepping into the manager’s role, McInnes added: “I am honoured that Gerry has asked me to take on this responsibility.
“I fully expect he will remain a permanent fixture at training and on matchdays, and we will all continue to benefit from his experience.
“We have high ambitions for this group of players, who have shown at youth level that they can compete with the best teams in the country.
“Our coaching staff will do everything we can to help them fulfil their potential.”
Gallacher will take charge of the side for the final time this Sunday when we face Cumbernauld United at Guy’s Meadow, before McInnes assumes full responsibility from our home match against Drumchapel United at Mountblow on 1st March.