Pre-Season Preparation Is The Key

Pre-season training is well under way and Clyde boss Graham Roberts has been delighted with the commitment shown by the players as Joe Miller and himself put them through their paces.

Speaking to the website this afternoon Roberts confirmed: “We’ve 31 players this week and I would think we will dwindle that number down to around about 24/25 by next week.”

Moves are continuing to finalise the squad for next season,.Graham continued: “We are currently finalising the deals on four players and will have more completed by next week. Things are going well. Pre-season is absolutely vital and all the guys are working extremely hard. I think they realise that even if we decide not to offer them a deal then they will go to other clubs fit enough to do themselves justice.”

Roberts emphasised the value of good preparation. “It is now that we can tell the players how we want the game to be played. We’re not going to be a side that lumps the ball up to a big centre forward. Sure, we have to compete and work hard but we need to learn to keep the ball and pass well. Pre-season is therefore not just about physical exercise; the longest run the guys get is about twenty-five minutes and we have been doing ball work from the start”

Some of the players seeking a permanent deal have experienced the best and the worst in football but Graham has no doubt about their application as he see their efforts at close hand. “Anyone who has watched cannot fail to be impressed by the players determination. Hopefully they have enjoyed themselves but they know what we expect of them and also understand fully that this is their chance to prove they have a future in the game.”

Roberts search for players is certainly a nationwide effort. “A couple of players are coming up from Southampton and Bristol City next week and we are in talks with three other clubs in regard to possibly setting up some loan deals. So don’t doubt our efforts, we will continue day and night to ensure that the Club is fully prepared for the campaign ahead.”