MILESTONE: Tommy Sloan takes charge of his 1000th game as Auchinleck Talbot boss against Renfrew (Image: Auchinleck Talbot Football Club)
Auchinleck Talbot manager Tommy Sloan is to complete his 1000th game in charge at a West of Scotland Premier Division clash last night.
The former Queen of the South and Stranraer striker, known affectionately as “Tucker”, reaches the managerial milestone for the East Ayrshire club on Wednesday night when they face Renfrew at New Western Park.
The Irvine-born boss, who had playing and coaching stints at Ayr United and Kilmarnock, takes to the dugout for this landmark having previously won seven West Region Premiership titles and five Scottish Junior Cups since taking over 23 years ago.
Speaking to Now Ayrshire, assistant manager Allan McLuckie paid tribute to his counterpart and believes the milestone is ones which “does not come around often”.
He said: “Tucker reaching 1000 games demonstrates his unbelievable commitment to Auchinleck Talbot. The 1000 games only tells part of the story.
“It is 20 odd years where he has dedicated so much of his time to ensuring continuous success over this period.
“What stands out most is the respect he’s earned . Players, staff, supporters – everyone knows what he brings and how much he cares about the club. “He’s been a cornerstone of Talbot, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside him.”
Sloan first took the reigns at Beechwood Park back in November 2003 after originally signing up to a player-coach role under former manager Tam McDonald.
Senior Scottish Cup shocks against the likes of Ayr United and Hamilton Academical, rewarded with standout ties versus Premiership Celtic and Heart of Midlothian, have been witnessed by the Talbot support under their stalwart boss.
The Bot currently sit third in their league, a point behind rivals Cumnock, after the midweek action and face a backlog of fixtures in the Premier Division.
Their cup escapades see a Scottish Communities Cup return leg against Dundee North End, which they already lead 4-0, and a League Cup final against title rivals Troon at Broadwood Stadium on 3 May.
