Celtic hero Leigh Griffiths set to take first job in coaching as he starts next stage of his career
JOHN BAIRD wants Scots stars to follow free-scoring Leigh Griffiths to Aussie side Mandurah City.
Ex-Celtic star Griff bagged 11 goals in ten games as the Western Australian side narrowly missed out on promotion.
Baird and Griffiths were joined by former Forfar and Brechin ace Murray Macintosh last season.
Now player-boss Baird wants to attract more Scots to Mandurah - with Griffiths set to return as player-coach next term.
Former Raith and Dundee striker Baird told SunSport: "We want to recruit new players for our pre-season in January.
"We lost the league on the last day of last season and it was a shocker for us after a good campaign.
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"The Scots boys have been great and we'd love to attract more to come over and play here.
"Leigh scored 11 in ten games. He's staying to play again next season and he could join the staff as a player-coach.
"He has two of his kids over here now, too, and that's been huge for him. He's made a real impact."
Football traffic has mainly gone from Australia to Scotland with Ange Postecoglou, Nick Montgomery and countless players heading to the SPFL.
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But Baird reckons Scots would love the lifestyle Down Under and can add something to the league.
He said: "Jason Cummings came over here, won the league, earned international caps and got a big move to India.
"Jason's brother, Dean, also plays over here with Sorrento and the likes of Steven McGarry and Ian Ferguson are still coaching here.
"Our facilities at Mandurah are the best I've ever had. We have five full-size grass pitches.
"I'd compare the level to League One in Scotland. It's competitive and the fans are really into it.
"Since Leigh arrived, the local Celtic Supporters' Club have come out to watch our games.
"And our closest rivals, Rockingham, now get support from the local Rangers Supporters' Club.
"It's much more chilled out than at home, though. We even had one of our players, Andy Murray, wear a Rangers top to training to wind up Leigh!"
Baird, now 38, moved to Mandurah three years ago but admits he's unsure about his on-field future.
He said: "I ended my medial ligament at the end of last season. I had a tear in and I'm currently doing rehab.
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"I'm only allowed on the bike at the moment and I'll see whether I play on next season. If the team is better without me, I won't play."
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