PREVIEW: Clyde v Kilmarnock
The Bully Wee’s 2016-17 season gets underway tomorrow, as Kilmarnock visit Broadwood for the first match in Group H of the Betfred Cup first round stage.
The last time the two clubs met was in 2000, also in the League Cup, and Killie left Cumbernauld with an extra-time victory thanks to a late winner from Ally McCoist.
Group H also features Morton, Albion Rovers (who meet tomorrow) and Berwick Rangers. After the completion of all five matchdays over the next fortnight, the group winner will automatically qualify for the knockout stage, with four best runners-up slots also available.
Barry Ferguson will be without Scott Ferguson and JP McGovern from the matchday squad as they continue to recover from long-term injuries and the Clyde boss explained that Chris Smith will also miss out, when he spoke to the official website ahead of the match:-
“We could have Chris involved, but I don’t want to risk it ahead of the League campaign which is our bread and butter. The cast is off his arm and he’s back in training with the squad, but without any contact yet.”
On the match itself, which represents an earlier start to competitive action than is traditional, Barry continued:-
“It’s a bit of a strange one in terms of timing as we’re only really three weeks into pre-season and halfway through our schedule. It’s came around quicker than we’d like but it’s a new cup format that’s been raised and we just need to get on with it.
“We’re going to be up against a Premier League team with International players in their ranks, so it’s a big test and they will obviously be red hot favourites. They will be at roughly the same point as us in their pre-season, but they do have the advantage of being full-time and training every day so it’s going to be a difficult one.
“We’ll have one or two younger players on the bench but the boys will be prepared and ready to have a blast at it.”
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Drawn match: All drawn games in the group stage of the new-look competition go straight to penalties, with the shoot-out winners receiving two points and the losers one point.
Admission: Entry prices have been set as follows; adults £12, concessions £6 (over-65s, under-16s and students with valid matriculation card). Season tickets are not valid for the Betfred Cup.
Away fans: Visiting fans of Kilmarnock will be housed in the away section of the Main Stand and should enter via turnstiles A and B.
Car Parking: In order to relieve growing congestion, and with effect from tomorrow’s game against Kilmarnock, access to the Main Stand car park will be restricted to those with accreditation. This will include Clyde FC players, staff and officials, visiting directors, Executive Club members, hospitality guests and those with disability parking badges. All other vehicles will be directed to the West Stand car park.
The Clyde View: Issue 1 of the club’s award-winning matchday programme will be on sale, priced at £2.50
Teamsheets: Clyde fans should also note that, due to the increasing number of requests for teamsheets and subsequent costs to the club over a season, these will now be charged at 20p per copy, without exception.
Club Shop: Closed tomorrow due to OnlySport Ltd staff holidays.