TODD LUMSDEN knows how quickly the future can change.

But that won't stop him looking long-term for the benefit of himself and those he has taken under his wing.

Despite Albion Rovers' relegation from the Second Division last season, Lumsden was poised to mastermind their promotion bid this term.

His ambitions were cut short, however, when the Cliftonhill hierarchy decided he was no longer the right man for the job, installing James Ward and Mark Cameron as their new management team.

It was a sore end to his first campaign in the dugout but the 35-year-old is determined to bounce back.

"It was a hard one to take," he said. "I really enjoyed it and it was an excellent experience.

"I thought I had the opportunity to stay for another season but that was taken away after I had agreed my personal terms.

"It was one of those things, it is their decision. I just have to get on with it. I would love any kind of opportunity to get back into the game.

"I will see what happens next. There is no point bearing any grudges, you don't get anywhere in life being bitter about things.

"You just end up wasting your energy on it. They made the decision and changed their mind, it's their prerogative."

Lumsden may not have players to scout or a pre-season to negotiate this summer but he still has plans to put in place.

The start of the new academic term will herald in another hectic few months for the former Hamilton Accies and Raith Rovers defender.

Instead of tutoring players of present, he is helping stars of the future in his role as Curriculum Manager at Cumbernauld College.

He oversees a variety of courses, including Sports Performance and Sports Coaching at varying levels, and has seen several students go on to win playing deals with professional clubs or take up coaching or development roles.

The programmes continue to go from strength to strength and Lumsden is delighted with the progress being made.

He said: "We get them involved in the Football Performance course because we know they love the game and love playing the game. We don't expect them all to walk in to full-time clubs.

"We help them get into a stronger position academically – which will help them in the future – and encourage them to get part-time jobs if they can.

"A lot of the younger ones just have their focus on football but as they progress they see that football is maybe not going to be their full-time job.

"By that time we have got them in a pathway where they can go and look for a coaching job or as a development officer, for example.

"For us, sometimes it is about the personal development as much as their career pathway.

"We get students who have maybe got a chequered background and you see them developing socially.

"If they can then find a club to play for or find a job in football or sport in general then that is great to see."

Lumsden may be the driving force behind the college's work but he is backed up by two well qualified assistants.

Celtic legend and SportTimes columnist Davie Hay and former Rangers striker Sandy Clark are both involved with the courses, giving the students an insight into the game and what it takes to make it.

Lumsden said: "Davie works with the college on a consultancy basis on a number of projects and he gets involved and speaks with the students.

"It is great to have someone of his experience and knowledge involved. It is invaluable to have someone of his stature working with us.

"Some of the students are maybe a bit young to fully appreciate him and his achievements, it is only when you explain it that they realise his stature in the game.

"Sandy has enjoyed a lot of success recently as assistant manager at Queen of the South. He has done a lot in the game as a coach and a manager and it is great, not only for the course, but for my development to work alongside those two."