NEW manager Billy McEwan is a man with a reputation of turning raw talent into world-class players.

He met the youth team in his first week at the club and already his enthusiasm and positive attitude has started to rub off.

Youth coach Brian Neaves said: "Not only is he keen, he wants to work with the younger players, whether they are youth team or young pros.

"He has said to them already that he wants to try and teach them things and make them better players.

"He said that he wants to work with them and I have got no doubt that he will give them every opportunity to develop and work at the highest of levels."

McEwan is the man credited with transforming Malcolm Christie from a supermarket shelf-stacker to a Premiership player with Derby before his £3million move to Middlesborough.

And the youngsters who came face to face with him testified to his energy.

Second year trainee Andrew Green said: "He's a good manager. He had a word with us the other day and he said that he likes working with younger players.

"He was really positive and he told us that it doesn't matter how big or small you are, or what age you are because the ball can't tell the difference.

"If you work hard then you will get a chance."

Updated: 10:28 Friday, February 25, 2005