UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
CLYDE STAR JUST HAPPY TO BE BACK Howiereadyforfixturebacklogasclubsreturn
Rutherglen star Craig Howie is adamant that Clyde are delighted to return football despite concerns over the physical toll of a packed schedule.
The Bully Wee returned to training on Saturday but there is still no confirmation over how the season will be completed.
The defender accepted that the workload will be relentless but he’s eager to get back playing after months of uncertainty.
Howie said: “Everybody’s situation is different but I’m happy enough to do whatever is required to finish the season.
“I do think it will be difficult to play so many games in a sevenweek spell especially when we have games in hand.
“The likelihood is that it’ll be a 22 game season and whatever you have in the Scottish Cup, so it could be 25 games in a seven week period.
“I don’t think doctors would be recommending it for a group of boys that haven’t kicked a ball in six weeks. But I think boys are just desperate to get back that they’re willing to play through any potential pain barriers.
“From a work perspective, it’s not ideal having to work the day after a game because you’re absolutely shattered and it’s hard to sleep at night.”
There are a host of players in the lower leagues with contracts expiring this summer but Howie, also out of contract, insists that won’t alter his commitment.
He said: “Players might have pre-contract agreements with other clubs or a move in mind but then it boils down to morals whether you do the best for your club or yourself.
“Clyde has been absolutely brilliant with me and they’ve been my first senior club. The fans have taken to me and I’ll repay that appreciation regardless of concerns over injury.
“You can understand the doubts creeping into players’ heads because it would never be advised medically to play so many games.”
Clyde sit ninth in League One but they’ve played three less games than their rivals and Howie is targeting a play-off push.
He said: “There is no point being at a club with ambitions just to stay in the league.
“The fans definitely deserve more than that so we will definitely be pushing for the playoff spots. The league is that tight that if you put together a good run then you’ll be in contention. Looking at the boys in our squad, there is absolutely no doubt that we can make that push.”