Molloy can make all the difference
‘Lie boss Sinclair tips former Saint to hit top form
Arthurlie manager Duncan Sinclair has tipped former St Mirren man Craig Molloy to be the driving force behind his side’s success.
The midfielder, who came through the Saints youth academy before starring for the Buddies in the top flight between 2006 and 2009, is the latest addition to the ‘Lie squad as Sinclair bids to turn the ailing club’s fortunes around.
Molloy, 32, was this week snapped up from junior rivals Cambuslang Rangers and joins fellow experienced head Andy Barrowman in making the move to Barrhead.
The pair join a side that has undergone a dramatic transformation since suffering relegation to the Championship just three months ago.
Sinclair has replaced Billy Ogilvie in the dug-out, while just three players remain from the side that failed to beat the drop after crashing to Irvine Meadow in the playoffs.
A mixed start to the season has seen the side win one, and lose two, while last Saturday’s 4-0 thumping at the hands of Whitletts is still rankling the gaffer.
However, Sinclair believes that Molloy will be a key addition to a team in desperate need of some leadership and experience.
He told Express Sport: “We have had a mixed start to the season but people have got to remember exactly where we were.
“This team is going to take some time to gel, to build, and come together as a unit simply because of how quickly it has had to be put together.
“We are still miles behind everyone else – we aren’t going to hide away from that.
“The addition of Craig Molloy can be key to that, though. He brings in something that we don’t necessarily have right now. He has certain levels that he expects from the guys around him and brings a voice and a leadership to the team.
“But Craig is more than just that. He is great on the play. He keeps it simple for the guys around him and I have no doubt he will be pivotal to creating chances and adding that bit of dig.
“I am delighted to have got a deal for him over the line because he is a great player and that is shown by the clubs he has played for.”
Arthurlie return to action this afternoon when they travel to face fellow relegation victims Girvan.
Both sides head into the tie off the back of heavy defeats with Girvan having been thrashed 8-0 by Rutherglen Glencairn seven days ago.
Sinclair admits he is wary of a reaction from their hosts but has called on his own team to bounce back from their loss away to Whitletts.
He added: “I’m expecting a very tricky game because they will be doing everything they can to forget last weekend.
“But we have been working hard in training to right our own wrongs and credit to the boys, they have been brilliant. We have made a few adjustments.”