Derby Day Opener

Clyde’s head coach Stuart Millar spoke to the official website on the eve the season opener against Partick Thistle in the ALBA Challenge Cup…

“Firstly, it’s a major disappointment and blow to lose Murray Henderson through suspension and all because he received two bookings in the competition last year. Murray is a very important player for us but that’s football and we just have to get on with it. This, plus Willie Sawyer’s injury, means that every other signed player will be in the squad.

“We’ve had a good pre-season and the boys can’t wait to play and make the supporters proud. We’ve had five weeks of preparations and have put together a settled formation; we will be organized and the players will give everything. It is also true to say, however, that there could up to ten players making their debuts tomorrow and half of them have had no experience of SFL football. So there’s no doubt tomorrow is a huge task.

“It is a glamour tie against an established First Division club on their home turf but that has not dampened the excitement of the players who want to do well for the fans. Firhill will have a great surface to play good football on and we will try and do just that.

“The time to judge us may not be tomorrow but when we are competing week in week out in the league, but make no mistake I’m desperate to win. It is a great derby match and surprises can happen. The pressure is on Thistle as they are the First Division team playing at home but with our supporters giving us tremendous backing from the first to the final whistle who knows what can happen?”