Dazza Is A Starter!
Clyde received a massive boost today with the news that Darren Sheridan will be ready to take his starting place in Saturday’s match against Partick Thistle. The experienced midfielder was injured late on in our clash against Raith Rovers and required treatment through the week but he is now fit to play.
Manager Billy Reid was certainly pleased: “Darren is a key player for us in midfield and his inclusion gives us all a boost.” The Clyde manager was also delighted to note that his squad had come through the week with no additional injuries to report and with Stuart Balmer returning to training only Graeme McCracken is now on the sidelines.
“It’s great to get nearly everyone available but Stuart Balmer will not be considered for tomorrow as it is too soon. We’ve made a good start but I’m not kidding myself we need a full strength squad every week to be able to compete in this league.”
Billy continued: “Some people have commented that after events at Airdrie, Partick will be weakened this week but that is not true. Some players will be missing but that allows others to come in and prove their worth. We know how dangerous players like Mitchell and Hinds can be and I still believe in the phrase I used earlier on in the week of Thistle being like a ‘wounded animal’. They will be desperate to win and have a great squad. It is no mistake that they are among the favourites to win this league. Ultimately this fixture is a huge game; to go fourteen points of Partick would be incredible.”
A positive aspect that Billy was looking forward to was the backing of the fans. “It will be a great atmosphere on Saturday. The
Surprisingly Billy struggled to recall many happy derby days in his times as a player with Clyde. The former midfielder did though have one recollection. “To be honest I didn’t play in a great Clyde side and one match with Thistle stands out for me. It was near to the end of the season and it was the last time the Glasgow Cup was competed by senior sides. We were dreadful that night and were lucky to get nil in our three goal defeat!” It is a memory that Billy will want to eradicate and tomorrow’s match gives him an ideal opportunity as he tries to protect his 100% derby record. The fans will certainly be looking for another Harty celebration!
In the other matches, a game to rival the derby is St Mirren’s trip to Falkirk. St Johnstone will be anxious to get maximum points against Airdrie United while Ross County play host to Queen of the South and Hamilton travel nervously to Kirkcaldy to play Gordon Dalziel’s Raith Rovers.
Enjoy your derby Saturday!