Simon Says

Simon Mensing spoke exclusively to the website at the weekend and despite leaving the Bully Wee it was obvious that the popular player will always be fond of the Clyde. “I will always thank Clyde for giving me the opportunity to play professional football. No one can take away my feelings for the people at the Club, the backroom staff and the supporters”.

Simon signed for Clyde in October 2001and has played under Allan Maitland, Alan Kernaghan and Billy Reid. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Broadwood and despite moving on I wanted to take some time out to thank the support for their wonderful backing over the years. It meant a lot to me.”

Simon learnt of St Johnstone’s interest towards the end of the season. “When Owen took over I didn’t know if that would be the end of the Saints’ interest but my agent confirmed that Owen was still interested, so discussions took place but I held off until I knew what was happening at Clyde.”

Simon certainly knew the secret of his success at Clyde, “The dressing room was terrific, second to none. No matter who was the manager the players never got any credit but we can’t have been that bad. Aafter all, in the last three years only two clubs achieved more points than us!”

Simon continued: “However things change. Who knows what would have happened if we had managed those extra points in the season Inverness were promoted? But sadly that’s football and I just felt as other guys moved away that it was time to also move and hopefully it will work out for me.”

Simon confirmed what everyone might have guessed. “My lowest point was undoubtedly the aftermath of the game at Brechin. That was when we learnt that Caley had pipped us for the championship but my high point came this season against Falkirk and then Celtic in the Cup. Although Celtic beat us well, the whole experience was great and one that I want to repeat.”

Simon was honest about the club he has left behind, “I think the majority of the players understood the decisions made at the end of the season. Clyde have done magnificently but it couldn’t continue to operate on previous budgets especially with small crowds. So I understood what the board had to do for the good of the club and I hope the fans appreciate that I too had to make a decision that looked after me financially as well as my own personal career.”

Simon concluded: “However I wish the club and the fantastic support every success in the future. I just hope I remember to turn left when next I run out of the tunnel at Broadwood!!!”