Dods already facing up to selection crisis

It may still be the middle of the close season but Brechin boss Darren Dods is already facing a selection crisis for the start of the new campaign.

The Glebe gaffer did not have his injury troubles to seek last season, although it did not prevent the Angus side from memorably winning promotion to the Championship after beating Raith Rovers and Alloa in the play-offs.

However, it is the Betfred Cup that is concerning Dods, with up to five players set to miss the opening fixture at Inverness on July 15.

That’s because bookings picked up previously are carried over to this season.

The manager, who recently celebrated his 42nd birthday, is set to pull on his boots once again up in the Highlands.

He said: “We start back for pre-season on June 20. We had intended on coming back a bit earlier but the lads deserve more time off after all their efforts in the play-offs.

“It is still a quick turnaround, but most part-time clubs are coming back early.

“I will probably join in training even although it is unlikely I will put myself on the bench in the Championship.

“However, we will be down to the bare bones for the first Betfred game against Inverness as James Dale, who we are still hoping to resign, Chris O’Neil, Finn Graham and Ryan McGeever will all be suspended after picking up two bookings in last year’s competition.

“That came as a surprise to me and it does seem a bit unfair, especially on the part-time clubs with smaller squads, that the bookings carry over.

“Euan Smith will also be unavailable, so I will not be hanging up the boots just yet.”

Picture: SNS. Darren Dods is preparing to pull on his boots for the Betfred Cup.