The 34-year-old Netherdale boss has spent the past year attending tutorials and training days.

And last month he completed his final assessment under the watchful eye of SFA coach education officer Donald Park.

Noble told us: “It is a pretty demanding course, especially when you are running a football team and have a young family as well.

“I feel it has been an excellent opportunity to learn and to also make contacts within the game.

“The final assessment was quite stressful as I had to plan and take a full training session and game - and you know that your every move is being watched. The feedback I got after the assessment was really encouraging and I’m delighted to have passed.” Part of the B Licence includes a nine-day residential course at Largs.

Amongst the former and current players in Noble’s class was former Hibs and Rangers star Kevin Thomson from Peebles.

Celtic keeper Craig Gordon, former Celtic striker Craig Beattie and Rangers defender Lee Wallace were also part of the of 2014 course.

Noble continued: “They were a great bunch of lads and we all supported each other.

“I now have a much better understanding of how to plan and take coaching sessions.

“I would recommend taking the course to anyone - the more coaches we have in the Borders with the UEFA B Licence the better, it can only be good for local football.” Steven remains amongst the youngest managers in the Scottish Lowland League - having taken over at Netherdale during the summer of 2013 after a succesful spell with amateur side Gala Rovers.

He now intends to progress onto the UEFA A Licence course next year.

Noble added: “I will speak with Donald Park over the next few weeks to see what he thinks but I would like to go straight onto the A Licence.

“I would like to thank the local Sports Council and Gala Fairydean Rovers for their support.”