Highs galore but no consistency

Cup runs left boss Greig frustrated by home form

Gartcairn boss David Greig says consistency must be achieved next term if the club are to improve on a mid-table finish this season.

With the curtain now down on the Airdrie side’s campaign, the Gartcairn gaffer has been able to reflect on what has been a season of highs and lows for the MTC club.

A run to the Scottish Cup quarterfinals captured the fans’ imagination while a thumping 4-1 victory at the home of Premier League outfit Troon in the West of Scotland Cup left the Cairn faithful in disbelief.

However, their home form proved to be their Achilles heel just when it looked like their season was beginning to heat up and a promotion place might have been within reach.

While Greig is content with the endeavours of the players overall this season, he is only looking in one direction before the start of next term.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed this season – it’s been good fun for all the lads involved.

“There have been some really memorable moments for all the right reasons, but also moments we look back on with disappointment that have cost us a higher finish in the league.

“The aim for next season is simple – do better than we did this time around.

“We need to be a stronger team who are tougher to beat – especially at home.

“It comes down to consistency as the boys have shown what they are capable of, especially in the Scottish Cup run and the Troon game.

“One week the defence wasn’t good enough, the next we’d lose the midfield battle, then the next we’d miss too many chances.

“We have to make sure that every week we’re ruthless all over the pitch.

“We’ll work hard in pre-season to right those wrongs and make sure next season we improve on what was a steady season for us.”

He continued: “The highs for us have to be the cup run and the Troon game.

“Coming back from 2-0 down up in Hermes to reach the last-16 of the Scottish Cup, then beating Carluke to get through to the quarters is one of the best feelings I’ve had in football.

“We were in a position 100 other clubs wanted to be in.

“The performance of the season came against Troon. Beating a Premier League team 4-1 and playing them off the park in the process is something nobody saw coming. To win any game in junior football you need seven or eight players on form, but that day every single player was outstanding and we blew Troon away.

“It was a memorable day but unfortunately after that match we didn’t reach those heights again.”

Cairn gave debuts to 10 academy players this season, something which Greig is keen to keep a big emphasis on at the club.

He added: “The academy is a major bonus for the club and it’s perfect for us to bring through talent.

“Sometimes a boy as young as just 18 finds playing at this level a bridge too far but it’s worthwhile to let them experience it and realise the level they need to strive towards.

“Since Josh Moore and Jamie Lesley came in to the side recently they’ve kept their place and they’ve impressed everybody.

“Both of them made impacts on their debut and have done really well since.

“The boys in the academy have great attitudes and while it’s all well and good for them to be competing for trophies at a young age, the main thing is developing them into becoming better players.

“If we can blood a few other academy players into the first team next season then I’ll be delighted. It’s important to find a balance between experience and youth.

“We’ll regroup over the summer and go again to make sure we improve on this season.”

We were in a position 100 other clubs wanted to be in

Photo: Colin Garvie Celebrations Cairn enjoyed highs this season but also lows