Flying solo is going to be strange, says Colin
Renfrew manager Colin Clark admits it was a strange feeling returning to action without his partner in crime.
Clark led ‘Frew alongside Martin Ferry for the last 12 years, with the duo forming one of the longest-serving management partnerships in junior football history.
As the club embarks on a new campaign in the seniors in the West of Scotland League, Clark will be steering the ship alone after Ferry made the switch to take over at Ayrshire side Kilbirnie Ladeside.
Clark revealed the reality finally hit home when the club returned to training.
He told Express Sport: “We got the boys back in for the first time over the weekend and it was good for them to be back amongst each other.
“With lockdown stopping everything it’s probably not hit home as much that Martin won’t be around this season.
“We’d spent 12- and- a- half years together at Renfrew and it will be different without him, that’s for sure.
“It’ll be strange and we’ll definitely miss having him about the place. We’ll see it more on a matchday too.
“We’ve all spent a lot of time with him and he’ll be missed as a character off the park.
“As well as being co-manager he’s a good friend of mine.
“He’s moved onto pastures new. It was totally his decision and I really hope he does well there.
“There’s no time to sit and pine over it though. We need to refocus and prepare for next season as best we can.”
Renfrew have resigned several key squad players from last season, including captain Ryan Borris, Scott Morton, Paddy O’Keefe, David McKenna, Dom Innes, Ciaran Diver and Andrew MacLennan.
Andrew’s brother James MacLennan has also linked up from Petershill, with Clark still keen to add to his squad ahead of their title tilt in Conference B.
He said: “We’ve kept the majority of the squad from last year and we’re looking to add a couple more.
“It’s still very early days. We’re not in a rush as we’ve got a strong core already in place.
“The fitness levels seemed great for a first session back and I think the boys are all keen to stay as fit as possible these days.
“Our conference is going to be difficult. There’s a lot of teams spending big money because the new conferences give everyone a shot at getting into the top flight in just one season. St Cadoc’s are spending quite a lot and I would imagine they’ll be the team to beat.”
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