Week off is not what the boss wants

Willie Harvey admits he’s frustrated that Glens scheduled game with Yoker this weekend will not go ahead.

The Glencairn gaffer was hoping to build on Saturday’s 3- 1 victory at home to Maybole.

But Yoker drew 0- 0 with Dundonald Bluebell in the Scottish Cup meaning Glens will be kicking their heels while all their other rivals get a game.

Willie said: “I find it frustrating because Maybole have played two games more than us yet have a game with Neilston, who we haven’t played yet.

“We haven’t played Yoker either but common sense would say they have a cup game the week before, so why not set us up with Neilston for this week?

“We took a lot of criticism last season for falling behind in terms of games due to the park and this year we’ve worked really hard to get games on.

“The Cumbernauld game, for example, could easily have been called off.

“This time, through no fault of our own, we’re going to be three games behind everyone else.

“I’m trying to get something arranged, but I don’t want to play a friendly on the park. It deserves a wee rest.”

The situation has been made worse by the fact Glens have no game the week after either.

The club was told by the league they would have a free weekend so the players organised their Christmas day and night out for December 13.

And Willie says while he’d rather play a game, he wasn’t willing to see his players out of pocket: “They made reservations when they found out we weren’t playing that week.

“As much as I would want to play I have to back my players.

“We could have asked for a week off, as you’re entitled to do once in the season, but we didn’t and it worked out well.

“We can’t turn round and say they are playing because there would be a financial cost to the players.”