Former Hibs’ goalkeeping coach Alan Combe has joined Cove Rangers.
Combe who previously worked as a goalkeeping coach with Hearts, Hibs and Alloa Athletic, replaces John McCafferty, who has chosen to step down due to work and family commitments.
Manager Paul Hartley told the club website: “When John informed me he had decided to leave Alan was the first name I thought of. I knew he had just left Hibs and I really enjoyed working with Alan when I was manager of Alloa. I’m delighted to be reunited with him because I know we’ve managed to get our hands on a top class, experienced, goalkeeping coach.”
“Alan will definitely help to get the very best out of our goalkeepers, it’s a great appointment for us.”
Edinburgh-born Combe made more than 400 appearances for Kilmarnock, Dundee United, St Mirren, Bradford City, Hamilton, Morton and Cowdenbeath. The 46-year-old also featured in senior Scotland squads and was capped at ‘B’ level, in a 2-0 victory over Poland in 2005.
He worked as Alloa’s goalkeeping coach while still playing for Morton, then became the goalkeeping coach at Hearts after hanging up his gloves in 2012.
He moved to Easter Road in July 2014 and played his part in helping restore Hibs as a force in Scottish football – from the Scottish Cup triumph in 2016, through promotion back to the top-flight and qualifying for European football once more.
Under his tutelage, Ofir Marciano also established himself as first choice for Israel’s national team.
When he left Hibs a message in the club’s website read: “Everyone at Easter Road would like to wish Alan all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
