Informal talks led to parting of the ways for gaffer George
GEORGE SHAW says he is hoping to prove the old adage correct that states what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
The renowned Senior ace was speaking in the aftermath of his shock “parting of the ways” from Cumbernauld United where he had been installed as team manager for an all too brief period of five months.
George was stunned in midweek when a supposed informal chat with leading United official George Watson developed into a somewhat intense examination of his management of the Super First Division outfit since assuming the Guys Meadow post in September after the resignation of ex-gaffer John Queen.
United have picked up only two wins in their last 10 games and last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by minnows Luncarty in the Scottish Junior Cup brought an avalanche of criticism to bear down on him and assistant Craig Tully.
He said: “Saturday was a horror outcome, but nobody could have legislated for us conceding the goals we did or missing a penalty kick at a crucial stage.
“I spoke with them about the need to get back in the groove against Yoker Athletic this week and I went into the meeting with George encouraged by having made strengthening moves by renegotiating loan deals for our two Airdrie loan players as well as fixing up a couple of signings from East Stirling.
“But I knew straightaway from the tone of our conversation that something was afoot and after some verbal sparring I asked him bluntly if he wanted to make managerial changes to which he replied yes.
“At that stage we shook hands and went our separate ways, however I feel as if my hands have been tied ever since I took the job here and do not believe Craig and I were afforded an opportunity to put our own stamp on the team.
“I offer my best wishes to everyone connected with the club and fell confident they can avoid relegation but only if the new manager is given the backing I did not receive.
“I still believe in my methods and management skills so my intentions are to hopefully stay in the game and prove a point or two.”
Cumbernauld chairman Watson insisted: “We are all disappointed that things have not worked out for George and Craig but results, other than an initial winning spurt when he took over, have been poor to say the least and losing to Luncarty was the final straw.
Former player and current United Under-19s coach Alan McConville will take charge of team affairs for the visit through to Holm Park but it’s believed he is not interested in taking up the helm on a permanent basis which is sparking speculation over the identity of potential replacements.
One-time Shettleston stopper John Crooks has his admirers among club officials who have already put their heads together to discuss their preferred managerial targets.
ON THE transfer scene, one hears of East Kilbride Lowland League loaning out striker Craig Hastings to Cambuslang Rangers while Gartcairn have revealed a willingness to listen to offers for back-up goalkeeper Johnny Grier and more surprisingly Chris Dolan who scored their equalising goal in last week’s 1-1 Junior Cup draw with Hermes.
And back onto the Junior scene is former Greenock frontman John Carter whose recent release by Queen’s Park sparked a race for his signature that has been won by ambitious Glenafton whose manager Craig McEwan may give supporters a first sighting of the newcomer in today’s Scottish Junior Cup fourth round clash away to East Kilbride Thistle.
In other news, a meeting of Super First Division promotion rivals Petershill and Clydebank was the pick of the ties pulled from the hat when West Region beaks made the Central League Cup draw this week.
Trophy holders Pollok are away to Cumbernauld United in a preliminary round contest and if successful they will be on the road again to meet Port Glasgow whose near neighbours and last season’s beaten finalists Greenock were landed with a home draw against Lanark United.
Meanwhile, there’s a potential re-run of last season’s Ayrshire Cup Final in the offing after holders Beith were pitted against either the beaten finalists from last time out Irvine Meadow or Craigmark. The full draw is: Girvan or Lugar Boswell v Glenafton or Kilbirnie Ladeside, Hurlford Utd or Kilwinning Rangers v Darvel, Troon or Ardeer Thistle v Auchinleck Talbot, Beith v Irvine Meadow or Craigmark, Maybole v Muirkirk or Whitletts Vics, Irvine Vics v Cumnock or Largs Thistle, Kello Rovers v Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Daltry Thistle v Annbank Utd.
On a sadder note, the funeral service for Auchinleck Talbot great Sam McCulloch will take place at Masonhill Crematorium in Ayr on Thursday at 11.15am. happy to go quietly about his business.
He said: “I’ve got massive respect for Ricky, he’s put Scotland back on the map. He’s bringing great nights back to Scotland.
“It’s more Barry saying that he wants to put me in with Ricky but I’m not calling out anybody.
“At the same time if I was put in the ring with him I would be confident in my own ability to win the fight. Any fighter would say the same.”
Tyrone Nurse currently holds the British title and Taylor would be open to enhancing his profile on the domestic scene first before turning his focus to the world stage.
He added: “I would love to go down the traditional route, winning a British belt, a European belt and then up into world honours.
“The division is looking quite hot at the moment and there are four of five fighters nipping and tucking.”