Charlie Mulgrew’s managerial career got off to a tough start as Kelty Hearts fell to a 3-1 defeat against Annan Athletic in League One on Saturday.
The former Celtic and Scotland defender looked set for a dream debut when Liam McLeish fired Kelty into an eighth-minute lead. However, Annan responded strongly in the second half, turning the game on its head and racing into a 3-1 lead by the 68th minute, leaving Mulgrew to reflect on a disappointing start in the dugout.
FT | Kelty Hearts 1 Annan Athletic 3
3 second half goals secure all 3 points for Annan.
Today’s Man of the Match is Brody Paterson. #KELANN pic.twitter.com/ffF0J2EK80
— Kelty Hearts FC 🇱🇻 (@KeltyHeartsFC) February 1, 2025
The 38-year-old took charge of Kelty Hearts this month in what is his first senior managerial role after hanging up his boots.
Since retiring, Mulgrew had been involved in coaching Hamilton Academical’s U18s before making the jump into first-team management. The move marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a long and successful coaching career.
Before taking the Kelty job, Mulgrew was heavily linked with a return to Celtic in a coaching capacity last summer. He was even interviewed for an academy role, but the club ultimately appointed Jonny Hayes to work alongside Stephen McManus in the B team setup.
Despite a difficult start to life in management, Mulgrew will be looking to bounce back quickly as he aims to make an impact at Kelty Hearts.
