McClung still eyes playing

Steven McClung has revealed he will register as a player to help out East Kilbride Thistle this season, marking his fourth spell at the Showpark.

The 34-year-old last popped up at the Jags in January 2015 when he signed on a short-term loan deal from Rutherglen Glencairn.

Now he’s back as part of Alan Paterson’s new management team and will be available to play if called upon.

McClung said:“I’m going to register as a player for next season, but mostly so I’m there as a back-up.

“There’s a lot of good young players we will be bringing to the club, but I’ll be there to pull my boots on in case of any injuries.

“My main focus will be on coaching and passing on my experience to the younger ones.

“I’ve been coaching for a couple of years now and I’ve been doing my coaching badges. I’ve just finsihed my ‘C’licence and I’m really enjoying it.

“This is a different challenge for me and I can’t wait to get out there on the training field with the rest of the guys.”

‘Dunga’, who lives in Westwood, has a wealth of Junior experience behind him after spells with the likes of Petershill, Cambuslang Rangers and Shettleston.

He’s well aware of the task facing Thistle in the Central District First Division, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t got high hopes for the new-look squad.

“I’m not naive, so I’m not going to say we will get promoted next season, but I’m confident we will have the players to do well in this league,” he said.

“Alan, Billy, Bainy and I all want to win and we hope to build on what Billy Campbell achieved last season.

“You’ve got St Roch’s in there and the likes of Yoker and Blantyre coming down, so these are sides with great experience who will make things difficult for us.”