Paul Shields Interview
New signing Paul Shields has impressed the Clyde support with his early displays in a white jersey, so we managed to speak to him on the eve of the crucial trip to Brockville…
We asked Paul how his fitness was coming along, following two full matches
in 5 days:-
“I feel that’s exactly what I’m needing. I was tired towards the end of Saturday’s game, which is frustrating because you want to be playing and doing well. The win was the most important thing though.”
Paul feels that the 1st Division was now wide open, with Clyde having a more than outside chance of being top come May:-
“Hopefully a few SPL clubs are looking over their shoulders now. I haven’t seen anyone give Clyde any credit, it’s all about Falkirk and Inverness but we’re in a better position with our games in hand.”
He was quick to dismiss claims that he was aggrieved at taking a step down to play at Clyde’s level:-
“It’s not like that at all. I’ve been at a big SPL club, and found out that if you’re not getting games then it doesn’t matter what club you’re at. Ultimately I want to be playing football and hopefully I’m getting that chance here at Clyde.”
So, is he enjoying life at Clyde?
“I’m definitely enjoying it. The training is great and the Manager has been great to me as well. I’m grateful he gave me this chance, as I was doing absolutely nothing. The last thing I want to do is pick up a wage for doing nothing, I’d rather go and do a job somewhere else.”
Paul feels that more young players, who are in the same situation he was in at Celtic Park, should think about dropping down a Division or two:-
“It’s a shame – a lot of the young players are looking up and seeing players like Colin Healy, who is an Ireland international, not getting a game and wondering what chance they have. I don’t see the attraction of staying there until you’re 24 or 25 and then getting into the first team. Careers only last until your mid-30s if you’re lucky so you have to make the most of it.”
With a start against Falkirk almost guaranteed for Shields, could he score his first goal for the club?
“I’m looking forward to it, especially after Saturday’s results. It would be nice if we could beat them, and we play them again 10 days later so it’s setup nicely. I think it’s a good time to play them”
Many thanks to Paul for taking the time to speak to us.