Squad Ready For Ramsdens Challenge

On the eve of the season opener Clyde boss Jim Duffy spoke to the official website…

“Tomorrow is a very tough opener for us. Both myself and Chic have watched Partick Thistle recently and they are a side who are in great form and appear to be more than capable of mounting a challenge for the SPL this season. So as an opener it is a real test for the players.

“Our squad is at a bare minimum tomorrow.  John Neill (ankle) and John Kane (knee) both missed out on pre-season and have only just returned to training. The cup game is far too soon, however Wednesday’s friendly against Pollok is a more realistic target for the two of them.

“We have increased our options up front by agreeing terms with former Airdrie and Bo’ness striker Kevin Watt. Kevin is 22 and was keen to get back in to the senior game. He has impressed me to date and after featuring last week against Kilmarnock I was pleased to offer him a one-year deal.”

Tomorrow’s match is being held at Recreation Park in Alloa due to continued ground works at Broadwood. Jim continued with the confirmation of a return of three familiar faces:-

“We have agreed deals with Lee Sharp, Jack Sloss and Daniel Fitzpatrick. Lee will be joining us in a new role this season as player-coach while Jack and Daniel have both signed one-year deals.

“During the first part of the season, it is my intention for both Jack and Daniel to go out on loan. Indeed we have already agreed a deal for Jack to join Cumbernauld United. Jack has returned this season much fitter but he needs game time and for his development he needs to play on a regular basis, not just 20 mins here or there at the end of a match. Cumbernauld United is a good club and ideal for him to get that necessary experience.

“We are looking to do likewise for Daniel but we need to wait for both John Neill and John Kane to get back to full fitness before we can send out another midfielder on loan.

“Tomorrow we will go into the match with a young side but one that will be enthusiastic and determined to do well for the supporters. We deliberately chose not to have any games this week in order to prepare fully for tomorrow and the whole squad will relish the test ahead.”

Match arrangements can be found here.