28-05-2025
Kelty Hearts chance was too good to turn down, says ex-Albion Rovers ace
Michael Paton is assistant manager at the League One club
Michael Paton says leaving Albion Rovers was difficult, but an assistant manager's role at Kelty Hearts was too good to knock back.
Paton, 36, left a player-coach role at Cliftonhill and hung up his boots after a three-year spell in Coatbridge.
The opportunity came up to join Tom O'Ware at League One Kelty, utilising experience gained from a seven-month spell as Brechin City boss in 2020-21, and former Aberdeen and Dunfermline midfielder Paton can't wait to get started.
He said: 'It was too good a chance to knock back.
'It's no different from a footballer – if an opportunity arises at a higher level, you're going to take it.
'Me coming towards the end of my playing, it was a really good opportunity, and I'm just really looking forward to the season starting, now.
'I fully understand the pressures of management, because I've been in it myself at Brechin, and I know how important it is that you've got someone at the side who takes the responsibility, so he can focus on playing on a Saturday.
'I think he knows I understand the process, and I know the parts that I need to take away from him, so he can fully focus on the game on Saturday.
'I have a lot of playing experience in this league, I've won it twice, so I know what's required to get up the top of the table.'
Paton added: 'I've got a great connection with Albion Rovers. I was there the last three years, went as a player to being on the management team and helping the success and development from there.
'We were building a squad nearly every season and trying to get somewhere with Rovers – I have a real connection with the board, management team and fans.'
Midfielder Kai Kirkpatrick has also joined Kelty Hearts, while Paul Kennedy moved to Lowland League rivals Linlithgow Rose, amid some serious financial hardships at Rovers that will see them expenses only next season.
Paton said: 'It's a shame what has happened, but they have a lot of good people at the club who want to make this right, so I have no doubt you'll see Albion Rovers turn the corner in the next year or so.
'I thank them for everything I did for the last three years, but now my full focus is on progressing with Kelty.'
