Andrew Clark Appointed New Musselburgh Senior Men's Head Coach

Andrew Clark has been named as the new head coach of Musselburgh's Senior Men's Team ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Clark will take over from Derek O'Riordan who stepped down after the 2024/25 season, with whom Clark has spent the past three seasons as Assistant Coach.

"The club is a big part of our family life having played here since mini rugby and managing to play in the same 1st XV as my father. I have had the odd sabbatical here and there but the club means a lot to me. I’m hugely appreciative to the Board for giving me this opportunity and I only hope I can do all the members proud."

"When I first came back to the club, I was coaching the 2nd XV with Graeme Bowman and Dave Flynn, which was great. We had a really good season and I ended up moving on to help with the 1st XV under Graeme Paterson.."

"When Graeme moved on from the club, Derek and I both interviewed for the head coach role. Derek was successful in the interview process, but to his credit appointed me as the attack coach. It took me a little time to process this, but I can say now that I agree with the decision the club made at the time. Working with Derek over the last three seasons has given me an insight to the level of professionalism and planning that is required to be a head coach at this level and I’m thankful for his guidance."

Looking to his coaching setup, Clark has appointed the following:

"George Taylor will move over to the attacking side of the ball and I think the level of detail he will bring will develop this part of our game. George was obviously a pro with Edinburgh and you can see that professionalism come through in his delivery, I’m very happy he has agreed to stay on."

"Andrew Binikos returns to the club’s coaching team, which I feel is a great addition. Not only does he bring a great knowledge of the game, he knows both the young and more experienced players and I feel there is a real respect for him. 

"Max Outram has accepted the position of forwards coach and we are excited about the energy and new ideas he will bring to this position. Max will be supported by Robin Hislop who will continue with his role as Scrum coach at the club. The standards Robin demands from the players really lifts our sessions and the players love his input." 

"It’s not all about the 1st XV. Callum Gould has also returned to the club as head coach of the 2nd XV.  Having worked closely with Callum before, this is a big win for the club as his delivery and understanding of the game is first class. Club Stalwart Sandy Galashan will also continue to work with the 2nd XV; Sandy’s will to win along with what Callum brings will be a good match."

"Having such a high quality coaching team and squad of players will allow us to play some exciting rugby next season."

Clark will start his role next season in Arnold Clark Men's National 1, to which he is looking forward to building on what the club already has in the squad.

"National 1 next season will be a competitive league and we are looking forward to the challenge. We have talented players at the club and if we work hard over the summer I see no reason why we can’t do well in this league. As a coaching group we will do our best to develop our squad and continue to build on the foundations Derek has put in place."

President Blair Stewart spoke on Clark's appointment:

"I’m delighted that we have been able to put together a strong coaching team so early in the process, which means we can plan well ahead for what is sure to be both an exciting and challenging league next season. Derek has left a strong coaching structure which affords us the benefit of some continuity, as well as the injection of fresh faces in the form or Andrew Binikos and Max Outram. We’re lucky to have such a talented coaching team in place to work with an equally talented group of young players. There is a buzz of excitement about next season, which I guess is unusual for a team that has been relegated."

"Andrew is an established coach and he is respected and liked by the players and the Board. He also has experience working with inter-district squads both with the South and Edinburgh. He and his family are club-people and we’re all proud to see him appointed as head coach of Musselburgh RFC. He has waited patiently in the wings and now fully deserves his chance. We’re all right behind him."