Football boss Jimmy Calderwood has stepped in to take over his son’s football club to allow him to battle cancer.
The 59-year-old has taken the helm of the Dutch side son Scott was managing, after the 36-year-old discovered a tumour in his abdomen.
The former Dunfermline and Aberdeen manager last night said he’s trying to remain upbeat, and said he’d do anything he can to help his son.
Jimmy said: ”The news came as a shock to the family but we’re staying positive.”
Scott, who manages Dutch side SV Silvolde, is due to undergo surgery next month.
He’s delighted his dad is stepping in to his shoes and said: “If I trust anyone, it is him.”
It was in July this year, after going to the doctor complaining of pressure in his chest, that Scott’s cancerous growth was discovered. He will pass on team management duties to his father this week before being admitted to hospital.
Scott said: “It will be a tough surgery but I hope to be back in charge at Silvolde by January. It has been extremely scary for myself and my family, but thanks to their support I have always remained positive.”
Jimmy who spent 10 years in Holland as a player is keeping upbeat. He joked that the temporary caretaker role will keep him “out of mischief” and added: “I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Jimmmy began his managerial career in the Netherlands before taking over at Dunfermline in 1999. His stint at Silvolde will be his second in charge of a Dutch side this year after an ill-fated and short-lived spell at De Graafschap in January.
In Scotland, he led Dunfermline to the final of the 2004 Scottish Cup, and won the Challenge Cup with Ross County in the 2010/11 season. Scott was his assistant manager at County for a spell.
Father and son met on the pitch in 2008 when Jimmy took his then Aberdeen squad on a tour of the Netherlands. At that point, Scott was in charge of amateur side DZC 68.
Ahead of that game, Jimmy said: “I hope Scott turns out to be a better manager than me. He still has a lot to learn but he’s getting there by passing the same coaching course I did in Holland.
“Actually, it’s uncanny how our careers are following similar paths. I started as a coach at Rietvogels and won the title in my first year. Scott did exactly the same before moving up to DZC 68.
“He has a good job outwith football but his heart is set on making a career in the game and good luck to him.”
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