Signs are good
Old pal praises Kilby boss for world record run
always on the lookout to improve his squad, so you have to give a lot of credit to him for that and with the players he’s released also.
“Sometimes managers see something in players that other managers don’t, even when they’ve been written off.
“For instance, Strachan’s had his off-field problems. That happens sometimes and you have to manage players right in those situations, which I think Martin has done because his man-management skills are very good.
“The other side of it, with the likes of Robbie Winters, is that he’s brought in an old head with great experience.
“I had Robbie with me when I was at Alloa and he was brilliant then also.
“So you look at the players Martin’s brought in and they are all doing a job for him. That’s been very important.”
Asked what he made of EK being mentioned in the same breath as Johan Cruyyf ’s Ajax, Hartley said: “Obviously you can’t compare the Ajax team with East Kilbride, but it doesn’t matter what level you are at, this kind of run is superb. “Hopefully, he can keep it going.” While his mate is soaring in his current job, Hartley has been under scrutiny at Dens Park with Dundee propping up the Scottish Premiership. They’ve won just twice in 12 games and recorded a crucial victory away to Hamilton at the weekend to move within a point of 11th place Ross County.
But he insists when results aren’t going for you, that’s when you are truly tested as a manager and he called on Lauchlan to savour every second of his success right now.
Hartley said: “I’m really pleased that he’s doing so well and he should enjoy winning because there’s always a different side to it eventually.
“The run is brilliant but it doesn’t always happen for you like that.
“When you are going through a bad period, that’s when you are really tested. The sign of a really good manager is how you work through that. “But he’s got a winning mentality.” And does he think Lauchy has what it takes to follow in his managerial footsteps?
“He’s a young manager and I know he’s ambitious, so I don’t see why he can’t manage at a higher level,” said Hartley.
“I’ve known Martin for a long time and I know how much graft he’s had to put in at a lower level, through the Junior ranks.
“For me, he’s shown he’s got the credentials to go and manage at a higher level.
“One day I think he will want to get into the senior side of it, but he’s got a real chance of taking East Kilbride up.”
After receiving pointers from Hartley, Lauchlan revealed everyone was aware of East Kilbride’s exploits.
The Kilby boss said: “It was great of Zico to invite me up today and it was a great experience.
“The players all knew about the world record and Darren O’Dea had a chat with me about it.
“But to learn from one of the top managers in the country is great for my development.
“I am a sponge for information and new ideas and it was a great learning curve.
“Paul’s been a great friend and always offered advice.
“I’m grateful to him for inviting me and hope I’ve learned some bits to improve East Kilbride.” East Kilbride equaled Ajax’s world record for the most consecutive wins in association football with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Vale of Leithen on Saturday.
Kieran Gibbons gave Kilby the lead in 15 minutes when he blasted the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
However, Vale grabbed a quick-fire double to stun the home crowd and lead 2-1 at the break.
Ross McNeil prodded home an equaliser two minutes after the re-start and just as it looked like Kilby would be denied at the final hurdle, they were awarded a penalty six minutes from time and Sean Winter converted.
And just moments later Martin McBride eased any nerves with Kilby’s fourth, heading home from Fabio Capuano’s cross.
Martin Lauchlan’s men have now played almost 40 hours of football without losing or drawing a game .
The run started on March 26 with a 3-2 win overWhitehillWelfare and with his 26th win under his belt, Kilby boss Lauchlan told the News: “It’s a magnificent achievement for everyone at the club.
“To equal a record achieved by the legendary Johan Cruyff and his team is pretty special.
“These players deserve it for the work, desire and commitment they have put in for this football club. They are a terrific squad and you won’t find a better dressing room anywhere.
“It’s not often you get it but these players would run through a brick wall for me.
“To win 26 games at any level takes an incredible effort and I’m delighted for them.
“I’d like to say a big thanks to my trusted right- hand man Carlo Girasoli, as without him I couldn’t have done this. And also to Paul Roberts whose stories the boys all love!
“Most importantly, I’d like to thank my wife Kate – who doesn’t even like football – and my children Orla and Liam.
“This is more history for East Kilbride FC and, hopefully, we can beat the record this weekend.”
East Kilbride are now 13 points clear of Spartans and Dalbeattie Star at the top of the Lowland League with 12 wins from 12 games.
They will beat the world record figure with victory over BSC Glasgow on Saturday. Kick-off at K-Park is 3pm.