Lochee United appoint Hibs first team scout Kevin Harper as new manager

Dundee junior football side, Lochee United have today announced that ex-Pro footballer, and current Hibs first team scout, Kevin Harper, will take up the position of Manager, as the side continue their ambitious push to reach the pro leagues.

Harper, who is unveiled as the new club manager after a short search following the departure of long-standing manager, George Shields, joins Lochee United as the club continues on its five-year plan to become Dundee’s “third” team.

The appointment of Harper, a former professional best known for his time as a winger at Hibernian, is seen as a coup for the Dundee side, with the new manager having previously led Scottish League Two side Albion Rovers from November 2018 to May 2020.

Like Lochee, who have ambitions of breaking barriers by entering the professional pyramid system of Scottish Football, Harper is no stranger to breaking the mould. When signing for Hibernian he became the clubs first ever black player, and in taking the managers job at Albion, become the first black football manager in over 15 years.

Speaking of his appointment Kevin Harper commented; “Having been around Scottish football for many years, I was aware of Lochee United as one of the top Junior teams in the country. Having only recently started a new position at Hibs, I wasn’t looking for another management position but when I was told by a third party about their ambitious plans to climb the pyramid into the professional leagues, I agree to meet. I was impressed by what the club has already achieved as part of their plans and immediately bought into the vision for the next three years. I am excited to get started and looking forward to supporting the club’s goal of using football to improve the lives of the local community.”

Club Secretary, Marc Stanton, who led the search for a new manager added; “We are delighted to have secured a manager with the experience of Kevin. Not only has he played at the highest level of Scottish football but has experienced the topflight of the English leagues as well as the FA and UEFA Cups. Our search for a new manager was extensive and we met with many great individuals but Kevin’s passion for the game, and his quick understanding of our vision made it an easy choice. We have ambitious plans, and the appointment of Kevin is a signal of our intent to push the club to new heights. I wish him all the best for the remainder of the season, as we continue our push to top the league.”