Name: David McColl
Role: Assistant Manager
Team: Steins Thistle Sunday
Match: Steins Thistle Sunday 7–2 Castlemilk FA
Competition: Brothers in Arms Trophy Final
Steins Thistle Sunday’s 7–2 Brothers in Arms Trophy Final win over Castlemilk FA brought plenty of headlines on the pitch, but behind the scenes it also marked the end of an important chapter for assistant manager David McColl.
Having helped build the side through the early years, league changes, setbacks, and last season’s final defeat, Friday night’s win carried extra meaning for somebody who has been there from the beginning.
Speaking to Frank Sideline after the final, McColl reflected on the journey, the squad mentality this season, and why he believes Steins are only moving one way as a club.
David, what was your immediate feeling after the final whistle on Friday night?
“After the final whistle went on Friday I just felt a sense of relief to be honest.
Steff and myself have always had belief in the squad of players we have and have known that we have a squad more than capable of challenging for titles and silverware.
We lost out in the final last year to a good North End side and it was brilliant to win it this year and see all the lads step up to the challenge.”
Castlemilk led twice during the first half. Did you always feel Steins would find a way back into the game?
“Although Castlemilk took the lead twice in the game I always had belief in the boys turning it around.
We had plenty of the ball and play and were creating chances, but Castlemilk took their two chances really well and got two goals out of it.
Going into half time managing to claw it back and go 3–2 up, I felt the boys were going to go out and perform in the second half as they weren’t happy with their own performance from the first half — and they did just that.
They took real control of the game, gave nothing away at the back and created lots of chances going forward.”
“The biggest changes I have noticed is the boys are really buying into what’s being asked of them and are willing to put in the hard work on the park.
There’s healthy competition within the squad as well and minutes are not guaranteed to anyone, so putting in the work and listening to Steff and doing what is asked of them with and without the ball does not go unnoticed.”
How important has the balance been between lads who’ve been there from the start and newer additions coming into the group?
“I think that balance has been really important this season because the boys who have been here from the start have gone through the ups and downs throughout with us and were deserving of winning something for their hard work and commitment throughout.
The guys that have come in are looking to win every match as well and hit the ground running, so it built up a good winning mentality.”
“Personally, it is nice to finish up this season winning something and I’ll always look back on my time here with great memories — it’s been some journey.
I will be sad stepping away but I’ll get along and watch as much as I can. Steins and Steff will always have my full support and I am confident that the team will go on and try and win every game going forward.
The team have an excellent manager in Steff and he is fully invested in the team and hardly takes a minute to himself week in, week out.
Sometimes it’s easy for the squad to forget that as they all have their own things going on, but I fully believe if the squad played with the same commitment and belief over 90 minutes that Steff puts in, they can go on and win numerous trophies.”
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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