Podium Finish for Daniel

Clyde midfielder Daniel Fitzpatrick did himself and the club proud at the inaugural Ramsdens Soccer Stars tournament, which took place across the country over the past three weeks.

Players from the 30 SFL clubs have been testing themselves in a 1970’s Superstars’ style event and the Final was held on Wednesday at the Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow.

Daniel was one of six finalists at Scotstoun, after previously winning a regional heat. They competed in a series of challenges including cycling, rowing, skills and sprints.

The event was eventually won by Airdrie’s Ricki Lamie (pictured) who, of course, recently spent a month on loan at The Bully Wee. Brechin’s Beau Longridge was second, with Daniel coming joint third with Albion Rovers’ David Crawford.

Clyde manager Jim Duffy was at the Final and told STV Sport: “It’s a fantastic initiative. Last year it was just a sprint but this year there’s more involved and I think we’re delighted with any major sponsors in Scottish football. For the players to come and take part, it’s terrific.

“I think you need someone that is naturally fit and someone that can cover most of the exercises. Daniel has a determination and is a naturally fit boy; he’s got really good skill as well. You always need someone that is keen to do it and he was very keen.”

Daniel added: “I burned out after the rowing because I gave it my all. I actually had to go and be sick just before the skipping – it was just too much. The bike was the hardest challenge – nobody really recovered because it just takes it out of you.

“Big Ricki’s some athlete but I’m delighted to come third.”

Daniel was awarded a very well deserved £200 cash prize by Ramsdens for his podium finish.

You can watch footage of the Final on SFL TV.