FORMER SPL star David Bingham has become player/coach of East of Scotland League First Division side, Tynecastle.
The 37-year-old, who played for Dunfermline Athletic, Livingston, Inverness Caley Thistle and Gretna in the top flight, admits he is in the twilight of his career, but he feels he still has something to offer on the pitch as well as off it.
Bing
ham said: "I am more than happy to coach but if another chapter begins and I maybe wanted to pull on my boots then good and well.
"I am reasonably fit at the moment, although I was out for about 18 months when I was with Gretna suffering from chronic fatigue.
"The opportunity to coach at Tynecastle came along two weeks ago. I currently coach the Dunfermline Athletic under-17s and now I can complement that with coaching Tynecastle at senior level. I appreciate the opportunity Tynecastle have given me. I have held my A coaching licence for two years and I also coached the Gretna under-17s, which I thoroughly enjoyed."
Bingham began his career at St Johnstone in 1991 before moving to Scottish Second Division side Forfar Athletic in 1992. He played in 99 matches for the club, scoring 44 goals and helping them to win the Third Division in 1995. He was then signed by Dunfermline Athletic for £100,000 and, after three years at East End Park, he moved to Livingston in 1998.
He scored 50 goals in 148 appearances for Livingston before he moved in 2003 to Inverness Caledonian Thistle where he won the First Division Championship.
He then moved back to the Third Division with Gretna where he scored 30 goals in 54 League games to help them move up the divisions in consecutive seasons.
Although Bingham has clearly enjoyed a decorated career in full-time football, he is no stranger to a part-time scenario similar to that at Tynecastle.
"I was at Forfar Athletic for three years and that was part-time with a lot more travelling than there is at Tynecastle," said Bingham. "This is not unfamiliar territory to me and it's nice to get home on the same day I actually leave for training!"
Bingham's knowledge of the East of Scotland League has been limited but already he is taking a more than keen interest.
"I have taken a few training sessions and watched Tynecastle in their opening two games," said Bingham. "I have been impressed as they play some really good football which proves to me what they are capable of doing.
"My aim is to raise their standards and then it would be nice to culminate with promotion to the Premier Division. I have been fortunate enough in my career to have been a member of a team which has won championships. I have been over the course before and I know what it takes to win promotion.
"It is up to the ambition of the players and there are some very capable players at Tynecastle. I am, in fact, surprised at their standards and the signs are very positive for the future."
Bingham was an unused substitute for Tynecastle against Easthouses Lily on Saturday and has not yet ruled out performing for them at some stage this season.
"I am more than happy to coach," added Bingham. "Hopefully I can influence them from off the park but I will continue to train and play if the need arises."
Keith Summers, the Tynecastle manager, is delighted with the signing of such an experienced player.
"My assistant, Murray Balloch, was at a barbecue which David was at and that chance meeting set the ball rolling," said Summers. "We then invited David for a chat and he accepted a player/coach role.
"He coaches us on Tuesdays and Thursdays and comes along on a Saturday and although he has not made his debut yet, he will play at some stage.
"He has been fantastic for the players and the buzz about the place is different class. He really is a breath of fresh air with his different training routines. Basically, he is really into coaching and he wants to go further in the professional game. At Tynecastle we are helping him to get his feet on the ladder.
"David still has loads of ability and, hopefully, he will help us challenge for promotion."
The full article contains 737 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
