Coyle:Jags relishtough Drumtest
Assistant boss Kevin Coyle reckons it’s a huge boost for East Kilbride Thistle players to face off against Darian MacKinnon next season.
The former Hamilton Accies captain made the shock switch to tier seven rivals Drumchapel last week and will now be travelling to the Showpark rather than Celtic Park or Ibrox in the West of Scotland Conference C.
Coyle says the players are buzzing to test themselves against the midfielder after he dropped out of the senior game for The Drum.
Iain Diack’s number two insists it will give the Jags the chance to showcase their quality.
“When you see Drumchapel signing a player like Darian MacKinnon it’s just a totally different world to where we are,”said Coyle.
“At EK there is just no way we can keep up with those kinds of wages when a guy like that comes to our level.
“It’s something that gets the guys up for the season though; they are going to get the chance to go up against a guy who has played against Rangers and Celtic.
“That’s incredible for our boys and they are really keen to get back and prove themselves against that standard of player.
“They have been talking about in the group chat and are just really excited for the new season.”
Although not in the market for another MacKinnon, Coyle is confident of adding some more quality recruits before the start of the campaign.
He added:“There is still plenty of business that we hope to be able to do before the season.
“There are a couple of boys and a goalkeeper who will be coming in for pre-season that we still want to have a look at.
“We’ve added Robbie [Peebles] and Blair [MacDonald] and they have been really good.
“It’s been a bit strange for them because normally you can meet up with the squad and get to know everyone, but there hasn’t been a chance of that obviously.