Chris happy to hang Duff at Lang
Former Rob Roy forward opts for second-tier title tilt
NEW Cambuslang Rangers signing Chris Duff says he’s out to rediscover his love for football after a frustrating spell in the senior game with Queen’s Park.
The fleet-footed attacker sprung to the attention of Spiders boss Gus MacPherson following a stand-out season with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and made the step up to League One during t he summer. However, after a promising start, Duff soon found himself warming the bench at Hampden and was released at the turn of the year.
The 26-year-old was not short of potential suitors as he sought a return to the Juniors, with Super First Division contenders Cambuslang eventually winning the race for his signature.
Duff revealed that although top-tier sides, including his former club Rob Roy, had shown interest in securing his services, a desire for a fresh challenge coupled with a thirst for regular starts saw Cambuslang jump to the front of the queue.
“I don’t think too many people knew I was getting released from Queen’s Park,” he said. “I knew Davie Green from my time there, he left for Cambuslang and spoke highly of the club.
“I just wanted another challenge and to play football regularly. They are going in the right direction and I think can win the league.
“I actually spoke to Rob Roy before joining Cambuslang as I had a great four years there and it’s near where I live, but I had just left there in the summer and wanted to try something new.”
DESPITE the move up the ladder not living up to expectations, Duff has no regrets regarding the experience and still be- lieves he has the ability to cope with the demands of the senior game one day having tested himself against Premiership opposition.
“My debut against Motherwell was an outstanding experience that I will never forget,” Duff recalled. “We didn’t have much of the ball but I really enjoyed testing myself against them.
“I don’t regret the move one bit, I actually loved the six months I was there as the boys were brilliant. But I believe I didn’t get a fair crack of the whip. I really do believe I can play at that level.”
Cambuslang boss Paul McColl is delighted to have secured the forward’s services in a move he sees as a real coup for the promotion hopefuls.
McColl said: “Chris is pacy, skilful and has obviously played at senior level. He was probably Rob Roy’s best player last year. A few clubs were chasing him so I’m delighted. It’s a big coup, people will notice we are signing guys like that.
“We are not going to say we are signing players for next year as we haven’t won anything yet but Chris can hopefully help us do that.
“If guys like that come along and I don’t try and sign them there is something wrong.”