My family’s footballing links will be a help

Nov 19 2008 by Gavin Pennie, Paisley Daily Express

ALTHOUGH Alan Mackin made his name on the tennis courts, his family has a strong footballing pedigree – which is sure to come in handy for his new job with Setanta.

He is a keen St Mirren fan and his dad, also named Alan, had a successful career as a footballer before taking over as chairman of Third Division club East Stirling,

And Alan believes those football connections will prove to be an invaluable asset in his new career with the sports broadcaster.

“My football knowledge is pretty good,” he said. “It certainly helps to know about the game.

“My dad was a good player in his day and starred for Motherwell, Falkirk and Partick Thistle.

“I grew up in Paisley, so I’m a big St Mirren fan and it’s good to see the club doing so well.

“I was down at Love Street with the Setanta team the other week for an interview with Billy Mehmet and it was great to meet him.

“I was gutted that I missed the recent win over Rangers at Love Street. I wasn’t working for Setanta at that game but I watched the highlights and St Mirren looked really impressive.”