Millar’s View
With no action at the weekend due to the Scottish Cup, Stuart Millar took some time out to speak to the official website.
To begin, Clyde’s head coach offered some extra reflection on last week’s defeat at Berwick:-
“It was a difficult pitch, heavy and uneven but the guys stuck to the task. At half-time I reminded them it was 0-0 and the game was there to be won. Berwick came out stronger but we responded, Alan Lithgow hit as good a goal as you will see this season but we failed to capitalise and get the second goal. We paid dearly for that. It’s another game where we should have got a result out of it. We will play worse and get the points this season but we are going through a spell where it seems we get punished for every slip or individual error. One thing I’d like to add was the backing the travelling support gave the players that afternoon. It was terrific and what we need in the midst of this difficult period.”
Stuart gave his thoughts on the mentality of the squad after a run of disappointing results…
“There is a fine line between success and failure and we’ve been on the wrong side too many times this season. In our last match we were in control of the game and then in 90 seconds we went behind and lost a man. Heads can go down, people can feel sorry for themselves; only results will ultimately change that. On a run like this there is a danger if something goes wrong in a game then some will say ‘here we go again’ and accept defeat. But I honestly cannot fault the players for effort. We may lack quality in some areas of the team, we may lack that killer pass in the final third but the players are giving it their all. I accept that Albion Rovers was as poor as we’ve played – I felt the hunger and desire was missing and it appeared the towel had been thrown in. Before and since that match I can’t fault the players’ commitment though.”
Suspensions, injuries and tactical choices have led to regular changes to the starting eleven. Stuart continued:-
“You are always searching for that winning formula. Sometimes it is difficult for players as they can drop out of the team and then miss out on the bench as you need to keep a particular balance there. Sometimes the bench is the hardest to pick as you want to keep players involved but there is a defined number and a danger that someone can drop out quite easily. Player wise, guys like Graham Girvan need an extended run in the side as we haven’t seen his quality yet. Connor (Stevenson) and Hadyn (Cochrane) played with the under-19s during the weekend break in order to give them games. It was pleasing to see the return of Marc and Willie last time out. Both need games but I felt we had attacking options at Berwick as well as a physical strength that we had been lacking recently.”
To conclude, Stuart commented on the added presence of Neil Watt in the Bully Wee dugout…
“I am delighted that Neil has joined me. It’s something I’ve been asking for since the start of the season. I respect him and I think we will all benefit from his experience as he takes a more active role with the first team.”