Season’S Preview #1

Being a part of Clyde Football Club I am fully aware that we often bemoan our lack of media coverage. However after reading several weekend and season preview publications it would appear that any press we are granted tends to be negative and therefore unwelcome.

I am course referring to the view shared by several experts that we face a battle against relegation and a consequent difficult season. Such comment does not even warrant an aggressive response from the squad as we are all fully concentrated and focused on a season that we know can see us progress the club further.

I am confident enough to say this, as our pre season preparations have been first class. The players have not been asked to do anything that they are not capable of and yet our work has been constant and rigorous. The fitness base provided by this has been evident in all our preparatory fixtures, and when this is added to a strong shape and a desire to both compete and pass the ball, confidence levels begin to rise within the team.

There are of course always individual performances that can help the team as a whole collect valuable points and while I am reluctant to be specific, I believe that factors such as Bryn and Simon gaining maturity, Marko having the benefit of a pre season, Paddy becoming sharper and learning the striker role as a result of being full time all add up to provide us with serious grounds for optimism.

A further benefit is that the manager has had quality time to work with his squad through the pre season and make us aware of his expectations and standards. His desire and ambition for the team is tangible, with his experience in the game proving to be invaluable to what is in the main still a young squad.

Finally, from a personal viewpoint I believe that every season spent with the Bully Wee has improved me as a player and therefore further progress is what I am aiming for this season. There is another small goal, which involves the lifting of a celebratory piece of silver ware, and with the correct mental toughness allied to the ability in the squad and a return to the days of Fortress Broadwood, we could just make that possible.