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Clyde boss Jim Duffy spoke with www.clydefc.co.uk in the midst of what can be an extremely busy period for a manager…

“It certainly isn’t a part-time job at the moment! A lot of things have to be done as we talk to the current squad, discuss terms for next year and get friendlies arranged.

“The season starts on the 23rd July so the players will return on the 21st June to start preparing. I’m keen to get the bulk of the squad together by that time as it’s important that we work on their fitness for the long season ahead. We will have a smaller squad so it’s especially important that this foundation work is done.”

So far, four of the existing players have agreed to terms for season 2011-12; JC Hutchison, John Sweeney, Iain Gray, Gavin Brown with previously on loan Pat Scullion also set to stay. A number of others are considering offers to remain.

Meanwhile, Alan Lithgow has decided to reject the club’s offer to stay and also leaving the club are: Jordan Allan, Graham Girvan, Ally Park, Neil McGowan, Ricky Waddell, Hadyn Cochrane, Connor Stevenson, Stuart Mills, Charlie Millar and Aleksandrs Gramovics, with on loan stars Bryn Halliwell and Jamie McCluskey returning to their own clubs.

Jim continued, “Next year will be tough, it will be a smaller and younger squad so it will be up to Chic and myself to nurture and develop the team and supporters will certainly play their part as we build the club up again. Our ambitions have to be realistic though.

“During my time here the players have responded well, we became harder to beat but it’s now all about preparing for the next campaign. We are looking forward to working with the players on the training pitch and that will be in contrast to what we have managed to date. The constant diet of games restricted us greatly in what we could do each week. So it will be most welcome to get quality time with the guys as we plan for the season ahead.”