Tough New Signing Regime For Ak

Manager Alan Kernaghan is making preparations for his first full season as Clyde boss knowing that the introduction of new transfer window regulations means he has to assemble a sufficiently large and versatile squad by 31 August 2002 – because after that date he can’t sign anyone else until the beginning of January 2003.

Past injury and suspension rates will need to be studied by the manager to ensure that as absences accumulate during the four month no-signing period Clyde are still able to compete effectively in the First Division – for the third consecutive season.

It means, more than ever, that managers can ill-afford to make too many mistakes in the transfer market and as we approach the beginning of a hectic transfer period those players who are injury prone or who have poor disciplinary records are now less likely to be considered – clubs just can’t afford to take the chance anymore.

It’s a tough baptism for AK and an early test of his managerial skills but there’s one consolation – every other manager faces the same situation.