Stuart Speaks

Clyde caretaker boss Stuart Balmer spoke again to the website tonight after another eventful week at Broadwood. The First Team season has finished with two positive results in the midst of an unsettling period at the Club. The results against Raith and Ross County certainly pleased Clyde’s acting manager.

“I was delighted with the results. Against County I felt we should have been more ahead at the interval as we dominated the first half but as we tired later on in the match then probably a draw was a fair result. I was delighted to see the professionalism of the players who after a long hard season refused to let their heads go down and they did themselves immense credit. “

Stuart continued: “It was nerve-wracking going ahead with so many youngsters but the decision was vindicated as they all handled the pressure extremely well. I thought Robert Harris (pictured below right) had an outstanding debut. It is a massive step up from U19s to first team action but he coped with it well, as did Kevin Bradley and John Paul McKeever. My only disappointment was being unable to field Paul Flaherty but Bryn felt his hamstring tightening and it was not worth threatening his fitness and therefore I had used all my subs.”

There was of course one notable absentee: Ian Harty. Balmer explained. “A decision had to be made and Ian was disappointed. The wee fella was looking after himself. He was looking for some stability and Hamilton offered him that chance. I wish him and John Potter the very best. Again John was looking for security and stability, he has a young family, has just moved house and St Mirren offered him what he was looking for.”

Speaking about his own position Stuart was still uncertain. “I was speaking to a few fans after Saturday and it is very sad to see this side dismantled. I understand the reasons but it is still frustrating to witness events as next season we would have been in with a great shout of the title. I’ve a couple of U19 games to take and I’ll meet with the Board on Tuesday.”

Balmer concluded by not ruling himself out for consideration for the post. “It depends on what form the Club takes and of course what budget is available. I’ve a playing contract for next season but we’ll see. At present there are only three of us left so it is a bit lonely here.

“As regards management that is up to the Board, whoever is chosen will have a massive job and I just wonder if my inexperience would cost the Club. So I’ve got a lot of thinking to do and just like the fans I think we are all just looking for the uncertainty to end.”