Elgin’s Cameron says format doesn’t suit part-timers

The Betfred Cup group stage is new territory for all teams taking part but Elgin City midfielder Brian Cameron is not an advocate of the change.

City have opened their campaign with defeats against full-time sides St Johnstone and Falkirk. They take on League 1 side Brechin City at Borough Briggs today, before ending the group stage with a trip to Stirling Albion on Tuesday.

Cameron feels the revamped format has created ahectic schedule for part-time players but hehopes the early return to competitive action can stand his side in good stead for the start of the League 2 season at Cowdenbeath in two weeks.

Cameron said: “Personally, I’m not really fond of it. It was worth a try as it needed something different and it’s been great playing against higher league teams.

“But, for part-time players, it’s hard going. We need time off work, we get home late from midweek games and are back in early for work the next day.

“If we had the home games in midweek it might have been better but we got a bad draw this time.

“These games are competitive – and we are treating them seriously – but the league is our breadandbutter, so we are using them to get ready for the start of that.”

Elgin manager JimWeir has made eight new additions to his Black and Whites squad this summer and – after managing to reach the promotion play-offs last season – Cameron is hopeful the Moray side can take the next step.

The 24- y e a r - o l d added: “Most of the boys are back from last season, and there has also been a few new additions. “In the last few seasons we’ve barely had a squad, but it’s nice to have competition for places.

“That will keep everyone on their toes as everyone wants to play.

“We are still a young team, there’s a lot of confidence thatwe can build on last season and hopefully we can go one better.”

“Home late from midweek games and in early for work the next day”

SLIGHT RETURN: WEIR BACK AT BRECHIN WITH ELGIN