Points in the bag best option
Paddy prefers to have games played
Cambuslang Rangers comanager Paddy Flannery admits that it’s been a huge learning curve since he and John Doyle took over at the club.
The pair were appointed in the summer, and quickly set about rebuilding the Somervell Park club, who had been relegated after the final match of last season.
And although they’ve got the Lang into pole position at the top of the division two table, they know it’s going to be a difficult remainder of the season, with several tough tests still to come.
Paddy said: “It’s hard, I won’t deny that - we had lots of ideas about what we wanted to do as a management duo, and what kind of football we wanted to play, but it’s not always materialised in the way we hoped it would, so we’ve had to adapt, change and twist, to mix it up along the way.
“We came in with an open mind, and we always knew it was going to be difficult with good times and bad times ahead, but on the whole, it’s been a very enjoyable experience.
“I’ve been able to bring in some of the things I learned as a player, and adapt it. I like the boys to be able to express themselves in a way some managers wouldn’t, and would restrict them from doing things. That’s not what I believe.
“We’ve not got it perfect, but we’re on the right road. The league table shows that. We’ve very pleased with how we’re going.”
With the arrival of the festive season, the Lang had no game at the weekend, but Paddy and co-boss John made sure the side were working hard.
He said: “It’s a time when everyone tries to let their hair down a bit and of course you want everyone to enjoy this time of the year.
“Myself and John are no different, and although we weren’t playing on Saturday, we still had the boys in for a while, doing some boxing aerobics, to make sure they were working hard and ticking over.
“We’ve stressed to the boys how important it is to keep themselves in decent condition, and in a lot of ways, it’s been a bit like a mini preseason over the last week.
“Fitness is so important at this time of year when the pitches get heavy and can be a real leveller. We need to make sure we’re fit and as ready as we can be.
“We’re going to do a wee session on Wednesday morning with some of the boys, just to make sure we’re in good shape for the game this Saturday.”
This Saturday, the Lang are scheduled to entertained secondplaced Rossvale at Somervell Park, with the opposition currently second in the table, but they have several games in hand.
Rossvale are the newest team in the league, with the Bishopbriggsbased side having finally established themselves this season and are making a strong push for promotion for the first time.
Paddy continued: “Every year, teams will add to their squads and let others go, and Rossvale have had a few years to build. They have their fair share of new boys, but they’ve brought in some quality players, like ourselves.
“They are a very good side, and have brought in a former Scotland internationalist and Scottish Premier League player in Robbie Winters. To have a player of that calibre in their team is a real credit to them.
“Rossvale are a team we’re looking forward to playing against, and it’s absolutely massive in terms of deciding who could potentially win the league.
“The good thing is, we have the points on the board, although they have the games in hand. I know from my own playing days that it’s better to have the games played, than having them in hand. If another team sees that you need to win to get promotion, that gives them a wee bit more in the tank to stop you from achieving that.
“To be perfectly honest, I would far rather be in our position that Rossvale’s, but it’s going to be a very interesting and important game - it’s imperative that we train hard and maintain our fitness.”