Accies move can be right stage for the Winslow boy, says Brogan
TOPS FOR JUNIORS
YOKER boss John Brogan is proving to be the managerial exception to the rule by delighting in a Senior club showing interest in one of his key men.
The Scottish scoring legend has built a reputation for unearthing and developing up-andcoming Junior talent.
However, he is not feeling i n the least bit slighted by SFL First Division outfit Hamilton Accies extending an invitation for Whe Ho goal- keeper Craig Winslow to train at New Douglas Park.
Brogan took time out from preparing his Holm Park playing charges for tomorrow’s visit of Glasgow Perthshire to lavish praise on the 20-year-old whom he snapped up after Dumbarton Under19s released him.
He said: “Craig is still learning his goalkeeping trade, but at 6ft 5in tall he possesses all the necessary physical attributes as well as an ideal temperament to boot to mark him out as an outstanding prospect.
“His displays between the sticks this season have been nothing short of outstanding. It would be a massive blow were he to step up to Hamilton, but there’s just no way that we as a club would stand in the lad’s path.
“He has earned this chance to impress and hopefully he can go on to forge a career in the game for himself.”
Winslow will don the gloves tomorrow in the meeting of last season’s Central First Division promoted pair.
Brogan dismisses any suggestions that champions Perthshire hold a psychological edge over runners-up Yoker after inflicting a 3-0 Euroscot Eng Cup defeat last month as well as beating them in both league encounters last season.
HE SAID: “It’s no disgrace to lose out against a very good Shire side that play to their strengths under Billy Adams, and I’ve no doubt whatsoever they can emerge as one of the top clubs at Super First Division level.
“But to suggest my players are as good as beaten before a ball is kicked is nonsense. Nobody here is running scared from taking them on.
“If anything, we are looking to put three points on the board.
“A hiccup to our plans is top marksman Gary Arbuckle being unavailable, but his absence is compensated for by Michael Rogers and Jamie Carson scoring goals for fun from midfield.
“The Shire are so strong going forward that it’s crucial to defend well. We are looking a lot stronger in that respect with big Neil Schoneville dovetailing to great effect with our new sweeper signing Jackie Bennett in central defence, while Stevie Wedlock continues to show great promise at full-back.
“We’ve also strengthened our midfield hand with the acquisition of Mark Collins from Kilbirnie Ladeside, and his ball-winning qualities will be vital given Harry McLaughlin is still working his way back to full fitness from injury.
“Perthshire are only one of the tough challenges lying in wait for us this season, but I truly believe we are well
‘ There’s no way that we as a club would stand in Winslow’s path
down the road of putting together a playing squad capable of meeting them head-on.”
Although still on the lookout for further playing additions, Brogan has denied making an ap- proach for bustling forward Bryan Felvus, who is on the transfer list at Central Second Division outfit Forth Wanderers.
Among other strikers on the move are seasoned campaigner Darren O’Donnell, formerly of Rutherglen Glencairn and Ashfield, who has joined Cumbernauld United.
Elsewhere, Super Premier side Cumnock have snapped up freed Albion Rovers frontman Sean Pierce, whose displays during a loan spell at Largs Thistle last season played a part in Theesel’s run to the Emirates Scottish Cup semi-finals. made an impressive start to the campaign, but Duffy is not finished shopping just yet.
He said: “I certainly need a central defender, there is no question about that. It is an area we are light in so if I could find a centre-back to add to the squad and give us a bit more competition there then that would be good.”
Meanwhile, Albion Rovers boss Todd Lumsden faces an anxious wait to discover if he will be able to add to his squad in time for their clash with East Fife.
He said: “We might have one coming in, but it depends on what clubs above us do as to whether it will be possible or not.”