Gary Cardle: a study in success

After his triumphs with Herriot-Watt and Napier’s University football teams, Gary Cardle has become a great success managing Queen Margaret’s men’s side.

It was a huge challenge for Cardle, as he revealed some of the changes he has brought to the club, propelling them to the top of the table with three games to go.

“It has been a real learning experience for me”, he said. “When I came to the club I knew Queen Margaret was a mainly female University, so I knew it would be a big challenge to put together a men’s football team.”

This was not the only challenge Cardle had when he arrived, as the team’s affairs were in a shambolic state: “There was no organisation before I came. The boys used to train once a week on a seven-a-side pitch—and there were 20 of them! They also had never had a proper pre season training before. We started off by organising trials at the Freshers Fayre and we had 40 people turn up for one team.”

A huge transition like this usually calls for time to settle, but QMU have got their heads down and done their talking on the park. However, Cardle doesn’t feel he should be in the limelight:

“I don’t like taking the credit; the players deserve all the credit. We sit top of the league and we’re in a good position, but there’s a long way to go and it will be hard work.”

Confidence is high at the university, but Cardle prefers to keep his feet on the ground. “I would never say I expect to win the league, because it can come back to bite you. All I can say is that we’re in a strong position with two home ties. Everyone wants to beat us just now.”

Up next for Cardle’s boys is a game against St Andrew’s and despite losing 4-1 to them earlier this season, he is not out for revenge. “There’s a lot to prove against them. We’ll be up for it. We’re at home so we’ll be going out there to win. I like to stick to my philosophies which are to keep the ball on the deck and create chances, rather than sitting back.”

There has been a slight disappointment this season for QMU through their performances in the cup competition. However, Cardle believes it has only made them more determined to win the league; “It’s always an objective to win the league and it’s down to consistency; the most consistent team become champions. We need to be focussed.”

Cardle is full of praise for his players and could not have more respect for his team. “Our goalkeeper Robbie How has pulled off some fantastic saves to win games for us. Greg Duncan scores a hell of a lot of goals, and gets them from anywhere, while Sean Pollock has established himself at the heart of defence. Struam Barclay has real potential, and our new captain, Steven Gettel, brings dig to the team. Up front, Alex Winter scores goals, and Seve Sullivan brings something different to the team, despite his English not being the best!”

Cardle’s praise for his players is admirable, but it seems unlikely that the QMU side would be in the same place without him. His University Football record says everything about his managerial abilities: Played 41; Won 29; Drawn 5; Lost 6. That is the sign of a champion.