Q&A With… Dougie Imrie

It’s not just changes on the park for the new season as www.clydefc.co.uk welcomes some new contributors to its team. Grant Morton will be getting some exclusive thoughts from players and staff during 2007/08 and he started by speaking to Dougie Imrie this week as the Morton match approaches…

GM: How are you feeling ahead of Saturday’s big kick off?
DI: Confident. Although there has been a lack of players coming in and a few going out I feel we have the nucleus of a strong team.

How has the pre-season gone?
I’ve been very impressed with the new set-up and all of the lads have really taken to it. The new fitness coach, Rab Kielty, has been a really big help.

Who would you say is the hardest worker in training?
I’d have to say myself! Although big Stevie Masterton has had a good pre-season, as has Neil McGregor after coming back from his injury.

And who is the laziest?!
Definitely Sean McKenna! He does nothing! He runs about like he’s got nails in his boots!

What effect, if any, have the summers off field issues had on the players?
None. We have to be professionals and just get on with the job in hand. You read a lot of stuff in the papers but our job isn’t behind the scenes, we do our job on the pitch.

What impact has Colin had on the club?
A lot of new ideas have come in. The training is a lot different to how it was under Joe. The lads are definitely a lot fitter and stronger than last season. I think, with a few new faces, things could be looking good.

What are your expectations for the new season?
We want to finish as high up the table as possible. We want to better last season so finishing above 5th is a target.

What are your personal goals/expectations for the new season?
I want to help the team finish as high as possible and perform as well as I can. I’d like to get more goals than last season, and less bookings!

Is promotion achievable?
It’s a very strong league this year with Stirling Albion and Morton coming up and with Dunfermline coming down but I don’t see why not. We had the best defensive record in the First Division last year and that defence is still with the club. If we can get a couple of experienced players, then yes.

Some people are predicting that Clyde will be relegated. Any comments?
Anybody who wants do criticise the club can do so but we don’t listen and just get on with playing.

You have mentioned about bringing players in. Do you think the current squad is strong enough as it is or are new signings a necessity?
No I don’t think we are strong enough at the moment. With the amount of games that you play in the First Division a bigger squad is needed. All it would take are a couple of injuries and we are down to the bare bones. I also think a bit more competition for places would help the team. At present the squad is so small some players are expecting to play so more competition for places would be a good thing.

Will Colin be tempted to pull on a jersey?!
No. A few of the lads have asked him but he won’t. He says his playing days are over!

If you had one wish for the new season, what would it be?
Promotion to the SPL.

You have been at Clyde for a couple of years now. What are your feelings towards the club?
I really enjoy my time here. The fans are excellent and the club is just like a big family. With most of the players being young everyone gets on with everyone.

Is there anything you wish to say to the fans ahead of the start of the new campaign?
I’d like to wish the fans all the best for the new season and I hope the players can give them a successful start for 07/08.