Tin Pail boss hopes to Currie favour with fans
Coach says young team can be inspired by Tollcross crowd
VALe oF CLYDe boss Ian Currie has issued a rally call for Tollcross folk to roar his side onto a Central Second Division title challenge.
The seasoned Junior campaigner makes no apologies for turning to youth following last season’s relegation from the First Division, with eight players aged under 21 starting last weekend’s 4-2 defeat of Vale of Leven.
The victory pushed the Tin Pail up to fourth in the standings and sets up an intriguing clash at home to third-placed Forth Wanderers today, which has Currie unashamedly calling for local fans to come out in force.
he said: “We have brought in the likes of former Rangers’ youth team players Derek hepburn and Ryan Francis, as well as James mcGowan who was at Queen of The South. They are all youngsters who would simply thrive amid the atmosphere generated by a big Fullarton Park crowd.
“I will guarantee people turning out will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of football on offer because all these young kids have superb technique and only lack for the physicality and mental approach that comes with experience.
“So we have added older heads in ex-Cumbernauld United man Andy Dearie and former east Kilbride Thistle midfielder Zander mcmillan and the early signs are we are building a strong foundation for this club.
“our plan is to have these younger guys grow and develop together into a team capable of putting Vale of Clyde back on the Junior map and I would love the people of Tollcross and the surrounding areas to be with us for our efforts.
“A bit of extra support would help no end against what is an extremely strong Forth side, but
‘ All our youngsters would thrive amid the atmosphere generated by a big Fullarton Park crowd
everyone here is looking forward to testing ourselves against them.”
early season table-toppers maryhill are strongly fancied to make it four wins in four starts, despite having to take to the road to face Royal Albert.
however, a tougher proposition awaits second-top Johnstone Burgh, who will not find it easy when they travel to play Cambuslang Rangers.
meanwhile, a surprise managerial switch has popular St Roch’s gaffer Davie Greig leav- ing Provanmill Park post to take up the reins at Second Division bottom markers Blantyre Vics.
GReIG steered the Candy Rock to promotion into the First Division just last season, so his downwards move will raise a few eyebrows.
he explained: “There has been no fall-out with St Roch’s, where I have enjoyed three fabulous years in charge. I wish the people there and players all the very best for the rest of this season.
“my phone has not stopped ringing with friends in the game asking, ‘Why Blantyre Vics?’ All I can say to them is I look upon this club as something of a sleeping giant and the challenge of developing its potential is one I relish.
“There is no magic wand so things will not happen overnight, but I hope the first seeds for growth have been planted by the appointments of my ex-St Roch’s ally Stuart mills as coach and bringing on board former Rangers and Celtic youth team coach Drew Wood as my assistant.
“I accepted the job on Thursday morning and ever since my time has been taken up with the process of severing my St Roch’s ties, so I have had no chance to prepare for Vics’ game at home to Rossvale.
“Davie Gumley, who played under me at St Roch’s, is the only player I know, so I’m planning to have a long chat with him before getting down to naming a team for what will be a tough test.”