Tin Pail tipped to be surprise package for newseason
No.1 FOR JUNIORS
VALE OF CLYDE’S new management team of James Skinner and Gerry McGregor are not ones for blowing their own trumpet, however Alan Wardlaw has no such reservations about doing it for them.
Work commitments forced the one-time Cambuslang Rangers goalkeeper and manager to exit the Juniors nigh on three years ago.
But recently he has been found at Fullarton Park coaching the goalkeepers…a fact not altogether surprising for someone of his vast experience, though there is an added x-factor in the fact his son Jack is one of the glove wearers along with Dan Scott.
And seasoned campaigner Wardy has been left utterly convinced the Tin Pail are going to be one of the surprise packages in the forthcoming Junior season on the evidence of a handful of training sessions and a solitary pre-season friendly match against Greenock.
He said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying helping out at the Vale and simply taking goalkeepers for workouts without the normal managerial baggage of trying to sign up players at this stage of the season.
“The role suits me down to the ground, however I’m in the fortunate position of being able to see first-hand the sheer quality, enthusiasm and commitment of the players that James and Gerry have brought to Tollcross and it’s difficult not to be impressed.
“To beat Greenock 3-2 last midweek in their first outing together with scores from Darren Hagan, Thomas Bradley and an own goal while fully five of their top players were posted missing is an indication of their strength in depth.
“And though not a betting man, I am sorely tempted to have a little flutter on the Vale coming good as Second Division champions next May.”
Co-boss Skinner, only 35 years of age but boasting an impressive CV from managing Scottish Cup-winning sides at various amateur levels with The Gantry FC and Wellhouse AFC took time out from preparations to host the visit of Edinburgh United in a pre-season friendly encounter today to say:
“Fully six months ago, I was in charge at Broomhouse Amateurs when Ian Currie, who is now on the Vale committee, sounded me out about the pos- sibility of taking over as team manager and I was immediately sold on the idea.
“My knowledge of the Juniors is limited to say the least, however Gerry is very knowledgeable and was previously manager here at Fullarton Park so I’ve no doubt he will be able to keep me on the right track.”
SKINNER added: “But no management team can simply wave a wand to bring success, the key is having good players and thankfully we have a totally committed bunch on board with what I would describe as a decent mix of experience and youth.
“The one-time Kilbirnie striker Kevin Turner whom I’ve known for a number of years is signed and Junior nous also comes from ex-Cumbernauld United player Aldo Clark as well as Paul Ross, formerly of Carluke Rovers, and the defensive duo of Ian Chisholm (Shettleston) and Graham McLaren who was on the books of Pollok.
“Gerry’s lad Connor looks to be a cracker of a full-back and in the past week we have also captured a handful of my former Broomhouse players who had previously been in training with Shettleston but have now decided to throw in their lot with us much to my delight.
“The team is visibly taking shape and the guys – 99% of whom live in the East End – are responding well to Gerry’s training drills which really are top drawer and everyone involved with the club is looking forward to the season getting underway in earnest.
“It’s nice for Wardy to pay the team plaudits but neither Gerry or I are going to get carried away and come out with predictions at this early stage of the season…we are well aware the hard work is just about to start.”
In transfer news, midfielder Kyle Lafferty has been placed on the transfer list at Kilbirnie Ladeside while former St Anthony’s team-mates Jamie Docherty and Thomas Miller are thought to be on the verge of joining Renfrew after appearing as trialists in a 2-1 midweek victory over Dumbarton F.P.’s.