Billy maps out Cobras’strategy
Coach recalls boots debacle at Hamilton
Billy McGhie forgot his boots the day he was given his big break by Hamilton.
Now the Carluke FC coach wants to help give his team a second half of the season to remember.
Coach McGhie has been with the Cobras from day one nearly three years ago and has been by boss Paul Davies’ side as they have mapped out the future of the club.
As a kid, McGhie had a year on the books in Accies’ youth team. When he did get his big break, he had to rely on a player axed from the squad to bail him out.
“I managed to play on the old Douglas Park. Those were the days when you sat in the dressing room with 20 players and were glad to be named in the squad, never mind the starting 11,” McGhie told the Wishaw Press.
“I remember I was picked to play in a Scottish Cup tie against Celtic’s youth team.
“I went into my bag and didn’t have my boots. I had to ask one of the players who wasn’t picked for the squad for his.
“They were too small for me but I had no other choice!
“We lost 5-1 and my feet were killing me! That was as close I got to the professional game.”
Coaching and developing players is now McGhie’s passion. It’s been the Cobras’ toughest season so far after wholesale changes to the squad in the summer.
An away win at Petershall Villa at least got things off to a flier after the winter break.
“This is my third season on the coaching team and it’s been our most frustrating so far,” McGhie explained.
“We had a few players leave during the summer and Paul and his assistant David Goodwin have been working hard behind the scenes getting new guys in.
“Due to injuries and players having work commitments we haven’t been able to field the same starting 11 so far.
“But everyone has worked hard to turn it around.
“Although results haven’t gone our way at times the performance of the team has improved vastly.
“Due to cup games at the start of the season we still have a lot of league games to play so there is still a lot to be optimistic about.”
I was picked to play in a Scottish Cup tie against Celtic’s youth team