Ochilview Preview
Clyde have their only public friendly match today as the Bully Wee travel to Ochilview to face Stenhousemuir and it’s a match that manager Jim Duffy is looking forward to as the start of the season is but a week away…
“It will be good to play in front of the supporters and that will be an added test for the players. We’ve deliberately given the players some tough challenges this pre-season and the game against Stenhousemuir is no exception.
“All pre-season matches are about learning about the squad, considering what is the best formation for the players and getting the team balanced right and organised. I’ve been really pleased with the team’s fitness levels. Queen of the South was a tough game, they kept the ball well and it was vital for us maintain our concentration as they passed and probed and kept us on moving for the full 90 minutes.
“It’s better for us to have tough games at this time of the season rather that than beating amateur sides easily where you learn nothing. So tomorrow will be a tough match for us as Stenhousemuir have a number of experienced players but it is about getting ready for next Saturday and beyond.
“We have a young side but regardless we are determined to progress this year and build a platform for the club to grow again. I am convinced that this is the right way for the club to move forward. The pace of that change might not satisfy everyone but the livelihood of the club can’t be threatened.”
The Bully Wee will go into the match potentially minus three players; Mark Archdeacon, Liam Cusack and Paul McMullan.
Jim confirmed, “Mark has a slight hamstring strain and won’t be risked, Liam is fit but is with his girlfriend as they are awaiting the imminent birth of their child, so nature will decide if he is able to play!
The match has unfortunatley come too soon for Paul McMullan. Paul will hopefully be ready in August. He has done all the running but now he needs some competitive action in training and I hope he can move on to that very soon. He won’t make the cup ties but I’m hoping he will be ready not too long into August.”
The match at Ochilview has a 3pm kick off with admission £5 Adults and £3 Juveniles/OAPS.