Football Focus

Clyde boss Billy Reid spoke to the website tonight and is pleased to get back to concentrating on football. Supporters’ minds may drift towards Tuesday’s cup tie but Billy Reid will ensure that the players have only one thought on their minds;three points.

“It’s been a “stop start week” as regards training. Monday was fairly light as the County game took a lot out of the players and they needed rest. Glasgow Green was waterlogged on Tuesday so again the preparations weren’t ideal. In truth there is no right or wrong. You can work the players hard only for them to tire in a match or rest them too much and then not be ready for the game. It was disappointing that we didn’t manage to get a lot of the lads through a proper pre-season but that’s in the past and regardless we know that the squad here will give their all”.

Questioned on the Raith game Billy was in no doubt of the challenge. “Raith have improved in recent weeks and Gordon has begun to make changes to his squad that augurs well for the future. Just like in any match in this Division, the first goal is vital and it should be remembered that on the two occasions we’ve played Raith only a single goal separated the clubs. The players will have to be focussed and banish all thoughts of the cup tie away from their minds”.

The signs are good regarding player availability, including Darren Sheridan, and Billy paid tribute to Darren’s commitment. “Last week, to be honest, there is no way Darren should have played. He had a heavy cold on Friday night but on Saturday morning it was typical of the man that he wanted to play and he dragged himself to do so. I agreed as he is such an influential character but he wasn’t himself during the game. Hopefully he should be fine for tomorrow”.

The Manager was asked why Craig Bryson did not feature in the starting line up. “Like any young player Craig needs time out of the first team. His ability is not in doubt but he is not performing as well as before and needs a rest but there is no doubt he will be back”.

The month ahead will be packed with fixtures and the Clyde boss is desperate to start with three points.

Elsewhere in the Division, Falkirk host Hamilton; Airdrie United travel to Partick; Ross County are at home to St Mirren and Queen of the South make the trip to St Johnstone.