Jonny Bunyan Aims to Revive Caledonia Gladiators' Championship Aspirations
Jonny Bunyan, newly appointed head coach of Caledonia Gladiators, shares his vision to restore the team's competitive edge and championship aspirations.


Jonny Bunyan, a seasoned basketball player and former captain of the Caledonia Gladiators, has taken on the role of head coach with a clear mission: to rejuvenate the team's performance and steer them back to championship contention. At 33, Bunyan brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the club, having made over 400 appearances for the Gladiators and represented Scotland internationally.
Bunyan's appointment comes after a challenging season for the East Kilbride-based team, which missed out on the play-offs. However, his interim stint earlier this year demonstrated his leadership capabilities and tactical acumen, earning him the full-time role. "I'm really honoured to be taking on the role of head coach at the Caledonia Gladiators - a team I've had such a huge connection with over the years," Bunyan remarked. "The club means a lot to me and my family, and it's like a second home for me."
Bunyan's vision for the team is clear: to elevate their performance to the levels they are capable of and to compete for championships once again. "It was a tough season for our men's team last season, but I'm determined to improve results and see us perform to the levels I know we're capable of," he said. "The aim now is to get the club back to where it should be – fighting for championships and back up towards the top of the league, putting in good performances in front of our home crowd."
Tony McDaid, the club's chief executive, expressed his confidence in Bunyan's ability to lead the team. "Everybody at the club has been hugely impressed by Jonny since he stepped into the head coach role earlier this year," McDaid said. "He has a real command of the dressing room and we view Jonny as a natural fit for this role longer term. We know Jonny is a real fan favourite and we hope this news will be well received by fans as we look forward to the new season."
Bunyan's journey with the Gladiators has been marked by significant achievements, including leading the team to victory in the Super League Basketball Trophy final in 2023. His return to the club as head coach signals a new chapter for the Gladiators, with the aim of reclaiming their status as a dominant force in the league.