Cuddihy Keen to Kick On

Barry Cuddihy spoke to the official website following last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Peterhead:-

“It’s a bit of a weird feeling in the dressing room – we’re disappointed we didn’t win the game especially given we were two goals up and the number of chances we created. We thought we played well and even when we went down to ten men we were the stronger team but it’s another point for us and every point in this league is crucial. We just got slack for a few minutes and Peterhead to their credit came right back into it and took their chances. We need to be more clinical and will use it as a learning point going forward.

“We’re pleased with the way we tried to play football and we just need to build on that. We’re only two games into the season but we’re undefeated and that gives us confidence. We couldn’t have got off to a worse start against Queen of the South and I was thinking “oh no, here we go again!” but we rallied together and showed what we are capable of.”

The midfielder commented on the dynamics of the current squad:-

“We’ve went with less experience on the whole this season but we’ve made up for that with some young, hungry players who have brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the dressing room, both in training and on matchdays. There’s more depth to the squad especially in midfield and the change to 5 subs helps us as well. It’s meant that some of the guys, myself included, have been going all out and putting a lot in to the first 60 or 70 minutes of a game knowing there’s good reinforcements to come on to take over and there won’t be a drop off in quality. Whoever comes on can create an impact as seen a few weeks ago when Jordan and Euan both scored against Queen of the South and it’s great to have competition across the squad.”

The 25-year-old had a difficult time last season with a series on injuries, before spending pre-season on trial at Hamilton:-

“I’m feeling a lot better physically now. Last season was really frustrating, I felt like I was playing 4 or 5 games in a row then picking up a niggle and sitting out for a few weeks, then coming back again and the cycle was just repeating. I’ve sorted those issues out now though and my legs feel brilliant in comparison! I still want to get a bit fitter but that’ll come with more games.

“I had an opportunity with Hamilton and the idea of full-time football was attractive to me. Danny and myself were open and honest with each other from the beginning of the summer and we knew where we stood and kept in touch. It didn’t work out at Hamilton in the end for me but as soon as that happened it was an easy decision for me and I came back with open arms; I’m just glad there was still a space left in the squad for me!”

Cuddihy made his 175th Clyde appearance last Saturday and is closing in on Pat Keogh’s milestone 204, which no Clyde player has eclipsed in the last 30 years:-

“I knew roughly where I was with my own appearances but didn’t realise I was that high up in the context of the club in that timeframe. I’ve got my 100 and 150 shirt so want to add the 200 to the collection now and I want to get there this season, hopefully if I stay fit and play well then I will. It doesn’t feel like I’ve been here for six seasons now, it’s really flown by but when you look at it like that it’s making me feel a bit old!”

Cuddihy concluded with a word on the togetherness of the club:-

“There’s a real positive vibe to the whole place. We’ve obviously changed stadium and training locations but it’s not affecting the players. It sounds like the fans are enjoying themselves too with the Fanzone at NDP and I think they’re encouraged by the brand of football we’re trying to play; they’ve given us great backing so far and we want to keep rewarding them by playing fearless and exciting football and hopefully we can start climbing the league together.”