Hard Work Continues

Jim Duffy spoke to www.clydefc.co.uk last night to give an update on the squad’s pre-season preparations, with the start of the new campaign now just over a week away.

“There’s been a lot of hard work and the attitude and fitness of the players has been great,” he said. “We’ve played five games now and the two toughest were against Queen of the South and Dundee – both full-time teams of course. In the other matches we competed well.

“We have a young squad and we are lacking cover in certain areas. Financially we are not in a position to sign anyone at the moment – only Ryan Frances has signed on amateur terms – it’s a simple fact unfortunately. Ideally we’d like to bring in at least a couple of players, especially in midfield. That would also let us move other players around.

“We will keep working hard with the players we have got – as I said, their attitude has been great.”

Carlisle-based side Celtic Nation of the English Northern League Division 1 will visit Broadwood on Saturday for a closed-door match.

The Clyde boss went on to explain the latest position with David Marsh and Michael Oliver, two players that played for the club last year but are not yet signed for the 2013-14 campaign:-

“David is returning from a long-term injury and Michael is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. First and foremost we have to make sure they are fit to play on a regular basis. Marsh has only been involved in two games in the last six months. We have to be careful with him from a personal point of view and also from the club’s point of view.

“They both understand the situation and are happy to work away and try to prove their fitness – financially speaking, it is then another aspect as already discussed.”

Jim concluded with some comment on Ryan Frances, who committed himself to the club earlier in the week:-

“Ryan is only 21, predominantly a centre half but also able to fill in at left-back. It’s an area we have struggled for cover in so he gives us another option. He’s done well during pre-season and I have to compliment the lad as he has opted to sign for Clyde on amateur terms as opposed to taking up a very good Junior offer with a decent wage.

“He wants the chance to go senior again and he thinks he can improve with us, hopefully that will be the case.”