Martin Lauchlan enters Finn Harps managerial race

Former player Martin Lauchlan has entered the race to become the next Finn Harps manager.

The 42-year Scot submitted his application ahead of last Friday's deadline.

Glasgow-born Lauchlan was recruited by Felix Healy in 2005 and the midfielder played under Healy and Anthony Gorman before leaving for Elgin City.

Following the departure of Ollie Horgan, after nine seasons at the club, Lauchlan – who currently manages Petershill FC - believes he is a good fit to take over.

“Finn Harps job is one that I have always been interested in,” he told Donegal Live.

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“The club has done terrific over such a long period with Ollie Horgan in charge.

“It feels like a new era and a new project and, having done similar at my previous clubs introducing youth early and providing a pathway from the academy, I feel I am a perfect fit for the club.”

Lauchlan has maintained contact with people at Harps who he got to know during his playing days at Finn Park.

He said: “I watch a lot of football and take in a lot of games at all different levels watching players and potential signings for my next job.”

Kevin McHugh, now the Head of Academy at Finn Harps, was a team-mate of Lauchlan.

Youth is something that Lauchlan is keen to promote wherever his next job takes him.

He said: “It’s important we keep all the best talent in Donegal and Finn Harps must give young players the opportunity to play. These players are the future of the club and it is important year-on-year we have an array of talent coming through.

“It’s a blank canvas and it allows me to use my contacts and bring players that will be assets to Finn Harps and help to get in to the top flight, where the belongs.

“The club has so much going for it. Sometimes, you need a fresh outlook and I am a young, energetic, positive manager and I like my teams to play on the front foot.”

Martin Lauchlan after winning the Conference league title in May with Petershill

Lauchlan played for St Johnston in the Scottish Premier League and his career also included spells at Partick Thistle and Stenhousemuir.

His first job in management was at Rossvale Juniors where he took them to the Central League Championship in record time.

During his memorable tenure at East Kilbride, Lauchlan's team, in 2016, broke Ajax's 42-year record of 26 consecutive wins. Lauchlan's side defeated BSC Glasgow 3-1 for a 27th consecutive win.

Lauchlan's East Kilbride won four trophies and the club;'s first ever League title before losing to Cowdenbeath with a chance to get into League 2.

Lauchlan took over Petershill, who he played for previously. Having been relegated, Petershill picked up under Loauchlan and won promotion to the West of Scotrland League Premier Division, clinching the Conference C League title on the last day of the season.