Mackie’s raring to go after weekend break
Chris Mackie insists his week in the sun wasn’t all fun as Arthurlie prepare to return to league action.
With the Barrhead side having a bye week for the Quadrangular International Tournament last Saturday, the ‘Lie boss used the time to jet off abroad for a weekend of relaxation.
But, instead of soaking up the rays, Mackie revealed that he used the time to seriously consider his side’s misgivings following an inconsistent start.
Mackie told Express Sport:“It was good to have the break last weekend. I managed to get out the country and enjoy the sun.
“I used it as time to reflect on the season so far and try to figure out where we have maybe went wrong at times.
“I just switched my phone off for a few days and tried to relax.
“The whole purpose of going away was to give myself some time, peace and quiet and to assess our season so far.
“We know it hasn’t always been the best, but we have been unlucky in some aspects, especially with some of the injuries we have picked up.
“I had hoped to come back to some good news and have a few guys back, but that hasn’t really been the case.”
Arthurlie welcome Kilbirnie Ladeside to Dunterlie this afternoon, with Budgie McGhie bringing his second-placed side to Barrhead.
Mackie was a regular in McGhie’s Clydebank side the best part of five years ago, leading the frontline as the side reached the Scottish Cup final.
And he hopes to tap in to his experience of playing under McGhie in a bid to plot his downfall this afternoon.
Mackie added:“I know the Kilbirnie manager very well. I played under Budgie at Clydebank a couple of times, so I know how he likes to play.
“He tends to favour a 4-4-2 formation, but we have had them watched and I personally went and saw them as well, so we will be well prepared.
“To their credit, they have started the season very well and they have surprised quite a few people around the league.
“They have a lot of experience in their ranks, with David Anderson and John Sweeney playing centre midfield. But, in my opinion, the strongest part of our side is also in the middle of the park, so I think that will be where the game is won.”