Graeme Souness, 72, lands new coaching job 20 years after last role in management

The ex-Sky Sports pundit then led a training session for the team, which operates in one of Scotland's most disadvantaged communities.

The visit marked a poignant homecoming for Souness, who last occupied a dugout twenty years ago before transitioning to his broadcasting career.

Souness expressed his admiration for the authentic spirit found at community level football.

"This is the real deal when you come down to this level," he said.

"They're doing it for the love of the game, for the love of their community. It doesn't get any better than this. Everyone's here for the right reason."

The former midfielder also reflected on the contrast between playing and managing, noting the isolation that comes with leadership roles.

"Being part of a team, I can't tell you, it's just the best," Souness added.

"When I finished playing, and you go into management, it can be a bit of a lonely old job. But when you're a player, you're in a dressing room like this; the banter, and you're sitting with your mates. You win together, and you lose together. Being in this environment must be fantastic."

The Cash4Clubs programme attracted applications from close to 1,500 community organisations and charities for its 2025-2026 funding round.

Successful recipients extend well beyond football, encompassing a Scottish roller derby club, a walking netball group in Manchester, and a boxing class based in Derby.

Alan Shearer separately visited Newcastle Panthers Football Club, the North East's sole LGBTQIA+ friendly football team, to announce their grant.

Approximately half of this year's funding recipients are situated in the UK and Ireland's most economically deprived areas, with grants spanning more than 40 different activities including yoga, bowls, swimming, wheelchair sports, cycling, climbing and archery.

Nearly 60 per cent of grants will assist clubs working with individuals facing mental health challenges.

Over its near 20-year history, Cash4Clubs has channelled more than £7million into grassroots sport, partnering with the charity Sported.

Team manager David McQueenie described the funding as essential for the club's continued existence.

"We're a voluntary run club in a deprived area so this money will help us survive it's as simple as that," he said.

"Especially for our older spectators who rely on us as a focus in life."

The grant will be directed towards venue hire, equipment and kit for the Scottish club.

McQueenie also spoke of his astonishment at welcoming such a decorated figure to their facilities.

"To have Graeme Souness along to our club is just incredible," he said. "I mean, the things that Graeme's done in the game is absolutely fantastic. The lads couldn't believe it."