Asking An Ex-Pro Footballer if it Was Worth it

Have you ever wondered if all the sacrifices and hard work needed to become a professional soccer player are even worth it?

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Peter Martin sits down with Iain Munro, a former pro-Scottish footballer with an amazing international career and a seasoned soccer coach. We dive into Munro's journey to the top of the soccer world and uncover whether he harbours any regrets about his professional footballer and coaching career.

Iain Munro Interview Highlights:

00:00 Into - Iain Munro
03:23 Ian Munro playing for Hibernian FC in the 1970s
09:17 YSC Sports and watching a young Messi train for Barcelona
14:55 Sir Alex Ferguson's high-intensity training drills
16:09 Best St Mirren FC team of all time
21:52 Regrets playing for Rangers FC and lessons from the best soccer coaches
25:55 Playing against Maradona - Scotland 1-3 Argentina
30:38 Meeting Maradona in Argentina
31:52 Playing for Sunderland in the English Premier League
36:36 Becoming a professional soccer coach
38:28 MLS NEXT and youth academies
44:54 Investing in Scottish school football teams
50:28 Best 5 a side team
54:16 Most interesting people

About Iain Munro

Born on August 24, 1951, in Uddingston, Scotland, Alexander Iain Munro has made an indelible mark on Scottish football. His remarkable career as both a player and a manager showcases a fascinating pro soccer career filled with challenges and triumphs.

Iain Munro's Playing Career

Munro began his professional career with St Mirren in 1969, swiftly establishing himself as a formidable midfielder. Over four seasons, he made 103 league appearances and scored 16 goals for the Buddies. In 1973, Hibernian recognized his talent and brought him on board, where he continued to impress with 61 league appearances and 11 goals over three years.

In 1975, Munro had a brief stint with Rangers, adding six league matches to his record before returning to St Mirren in 1977. During his second spell at Love Street, he made another 89 league appearances and scored three goals. In 1980, Munro took his talents to Stoke City for the 1980-81 season, making 34 appearances and scoring once in a memorable 2-1 victory over Southampton.

The following summer, manager Alan Durban moved to Sunderland and brought Munro with him to Roker Park. Over three seasons, Munro made 88 appearances for Sunderland. He then returned to Scotland to play for Dundee United before concluding his playing career with a second stint at Hibernian.

Iain Munro's Coaching and Management Career
Seamlessly transitioning from player to manager, Munro took the helm at several clubs, including Dunfermline Athletic, Dundee, Hamilton Academical, and Raith Rovers. He also coached at Ayr United and was briefly appointed as St Mirren's manager, a role he declined due to internal conflicts favouring Tony Fitzpatrick.

Munro's coaching credentials are top-notch, holding both the UEFA Pro Licence and the SFA 'A' Licence. He has also imparted his knowledge as a physical education teacher and coached in the United States with R.S.L. Florida. Latterly Munro was the YSC Director and Union Youth Director at YSC Sports in Wayne, Pennsylvania. This youth soccer center, affiliated with Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union, focuses on developing young talents. Additionally, Munro provided halftime commentary for the Union's home games.

Career Statistics

Club:

St Mirren (1969–1973, 1977–1980): 192 appearances, 19 goals
Hibernian (1973–1976, 1984–1987): 140 appearances, 16 goals
Rangers (1975–1977): 12 appearances, 1 goal
Stoke City (1980–1981): 34 appearances, 1 goal
Sunderland (1981–1984): 88 appearances, 0 goals
Dundee United (1983–1985): 17 appearances, 0 goals
International: Scotland (1979–1980): 7 caps, 0 goals

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