McColl: Camby’s title unexpected
Cambuslang Rangers co-boss Paul McColl is delighted that his side have claimed title glory – even if it wasn’t something he expected.
The Somervell Park side are back in action this Saturday when they host Wishaw in a West of Scotland Football League Cup match.
It comes after a mini-break following the end of their Conference B season, which was wrapped up with a 2-1 win over Thorniewood United.
Silverware and first place grant Camby a place in the Premier Division for next term after a stunning season in which they racked up 25 victories from 28 games.
McColl is delighted with the progress his and Billy Campbell’s side have made, and a big part of that is consistency and team unity.
He said: “We just got a couple of wins and kept building and building. Nobody really misses training and they are friends.
“They go out after it, all that type of stuff.
“We have a great squad that rarely bickers. When you win and keep winning, it is easier to keep that going. We’re a good team and it’s been a good effort by everybody.
“This season has been the best season I’ve seen in a long time from Camby.
“The crowds have been decent, getting around 150-200 most weeks, which is good for this level.
“They have been watching a winning team and then next year we hope to get more. Big teams will come here with a lot of away fans too, so it will be good for the club.
“We have done well. Did we think we would have won the league this year? Probably not.
“We were probably third favourites but we have managed to do it.
“We have managed to play the same team most weeks so we have been fairly lucky that way. Not many other teams have had that.
“We have tried to use a small squad and it has worked.
“We have a group made up of around 18-20 players most weekends. A few of them are young boys and they are great. It’s been good.”
While they are keen to extend their season by beating Conference C side Wishaw this weekend, the third tier champions are already beginning to cast their eye towards next season.
A big jump in quality is expected when they begin to tussle with the giants of the WOSFL, with McColl keen to bolster his squad.
But there will also be a chance for those who have delivered the title to show they can cut it at the top.
He added: “As soon as we get the cup out the way, we will get right in about that (planning for next- season).
“We will try and get players in, while keeping the players we already have here.
“I think the guys have earned a wee shot at the Premier Division. I’ve been there before with Cambuslang Rangers and Cumnock, so I am looking forward to it.”