Neil DRYSDALE in the Herald

Jamie Dempsey, the new coach at Glasgow Hawks, has admitted that the absence of any west of Scotland clubs from this season's top tier of the Scottish Premiership is a "massive concern".

Dempsey took over from Peter Wright at the end of last season, following the relegation of the Anniesland club for the first time in their history.

He told Herald Sport he recognised how crucial it was for organisations such as Hawks to return to the highest echelon and transform the present situation where eight of the 10 Premiership teams are based in the east of the country.

"Glasgow not being represented in the top tier of Scottish rugby is a massive concern," said Dempsey. "Moving from the situation a few seasons ago, where West [of Scotland] and Hawks were both at that level, to having no-one there, could prevent aspiring players and coaches from performing at the highest level of club rugby in the future.

"With the proposed structure for the top 10 clubs next year having Academies attached to them, it is a must that Glasgow is represented in some form. Sustainable club initiatives, involving in-house advanced player development, coach education and community development have to be the cornerstone for clubs in the area to progress to the top table."

Dempsey is determined to expand the missionary work which had been started by Wright and other officials around the Hawks environs.

"The main aim is to create a more sustainable club which can work in partnership with our partner clubs, GHK and Glasgow Accies, more effectively than in the past.

"This season is one of transition. The first month will determine what subsequent goals we can set."

This article was originally posted on 23-Aug-2012, 06:29 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 23-Aug-2012, 06:32.