PREVIEW: Clyde v Annan Athletic
The 2017-18 season officially starts for Clyde tomorrow, with Annan Athletic coming to Cumbernauld for a Betfred Cup Group E match.
The group also features Kilmarnock, Dumbarton and Ayr United, with all matches scheduled to take place in the coming fortnight.
For Clyde, Kevin Nicoll has a historical suspension to serve and the match has come too soon for Jordan Lowdon, who is continuing to work through his rehab programme. New signings Darren Ramsay and Barry Cuddihy go straight into contention and there is expected to be other new additions to the squad confirmed before kick-off tomorrow.
The tie will see Jim Chapman and John Joyce take on their old club for their first match in charge of The Bully Wee and the Clyde boss revealed that the situation wasn’t new to him when he spoke to the official website this evening:-
“This has happened to me a few times before and it’s something that has followed me round in my playing and coaching career,” he said. “I’ve got the utmost respect for Annan as a club, but they will know me well enough to know that come 3pm there will be no doubt where my loyalties lie now.
“We’ve played higher opposition in our friendly matches to try to highlight the areas we need to work on and tomorrow will be a real indicator of where we are at the moment. It’ll be a good, tough contest I’m sure.”
The match will be played over 90 minutes only, however all drawn games in the group stage of the competition go straight to penalties, with the shoot-out winners receiving two points and the losers one point.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Entry prices have been set as follows; adults £10, concessions £5, under-12s FREE (when accompanied by an adult). Free under-12 tickets should be collected from the Clyde Office before entering via the turnstiles. Season tickets are not valid for the Betfred Cup.
Visiting Supporters: Fans of Annan should enter via turnstile D and they will then be directed to the designated away section at the South end of the stand.
Car Parking: Access to the Main Stand car park will be restricted to those with accreditation; 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: Available from the Clyde Office approximately 30 minutes before kick-off and charged at 20p per copy.
Bar 58: Open both pre-match from 12.30pm to 2.45pm and after full-time until 5.45pm. Entrance is via the main door of the Main Stand at Broadwood.