Dylan Sets Sights on League

The 2016-17 Ladbrokes League 2 season kicks-off on Saturday as Clyde host Montrose at Broadwood and attacking midfielder Dylan Easton can’t wait to get started.

Speaking exclusively to the official website, Easton discussed his summer move, his new teammates and the upcoming campaign.

Starting with his decision to join Clyde, Easton explained: “After the gaffer gave me the call and talked me through things I was delighted to put pen to paper. Everything he said was spot on and exactly how I want to play. 

“I was maybe looking to get something sorted with a full-time club, but with my girlfriend being pregnant I would rather help her for a year and I think the best part-time team, by a mile, are Clyde just now, so I couldn’t wait to sign and get started. Everyone’s goal is to play at the highest level possible, but after speaking with my agent and my girlfriend I decided that this was the best move for me.”

Despite joining Elgin City midway through last season, Easton quickly established himself as the Moray team’s star man, and he was a player in demand this summer.

“When I played against Clyde last season I got a bit of abuse, but thankfully the fans seemed happy enough when I signed,” joked the 22-year-old playmaker. “Last season was quite good for me, even though I only played half a season or so, I enjoyed playing and managed to get into the League 2 Team of the Year.”

After helping guide the club to a third place finish in the Betfred Cup group stage, Easton is now looking forward to the league action getting under way this weekend. He continued:-

“I have really enjoyed the move. I was only at Elgin for five months or so after leaving St. Johnstone, where I was full-time, so last season I was trying to get used to playing part-time. Since I have joined Clyde I feel I have settled in well and the players and staff have been brand new and the fans have been very vocal as well.

“I can’t wait for Saturday – the league is the bread and butter for us this season. We want to win every game but the League Cup was mostly about getting the team to gel and establishing how we are going to play is season. 

“We all feel as fit as we can be. We’re gelling well, looking forward to getting going and hopefully starting with a win on Saturday.”

During the Betfred Cup matches, Easton played in a midfield role, behind two strikers, a position where he feels he is at his best, as he explained: “The manager said that he was needing someone like me last season when the team was pushing for promotion. He felt that the team was needing a bit of creativity and someone who can beat players and create chances, as well as score goals. 

“He explained he was looking for someone to play in behind the strikers and that is my favourite position, so hopefully I can produce and do what the manager has brought me in for.”

Playing in that midfield role, Easton has been impressed with the forwards in front of him: “I have known how Higgy (Sean Higgins) plays for a while from watching him at St. Johnstone when he was there. I like to play little one-twos and Higgy is spot on at that. He knows my game and every time I get the ball he knows exactly what to do. 

“I am getting used to playing with Gormz (David Gormley) and he is very good at that sort of thing as well. Peaso (Peter MacDonald) plays on the shoulder and his movement is different class, which you see with his goal ratio.

“There is a real variety of players at the club and there’s a lot of competition in the squad – if anyone puts in a bad performance there are plenty of people just waiting on the bench to come on and do their bit.”

Easton concluded with a message for The Bully Wee support ahead of the league opener:-

“Hopefully the fans can keep bringing as much support as possible and keep getting right behind us. I’m sure we won’t disappoint this season and we’ll push on and hopefully achieve what they’d like to see and bring success back to Broadwood.”