LANG BRING IN HITMAN HERD
Super league players ready for change
Cambuslang Rangers co- manager John Doyle admits his players have had a bit of a shock since joining the club.
John and co-manager Paddy Flannery have pulled off several transfer coups since being appointed in the summer, convincing players with super league clubs to drop down to the bottom division.
But moving to the other end of the junior game has shown them that you need a lot more than just useful skills to get by in league two.
John said: “I wouldn’t exactly call it a culture shock for them, but it’s definitely not the kind of football they’ve been used to.
“We’ve signed a few players who are used to life in the super leagues, and now they’ve having to get used to playing on surfaces that they’re not used to.
“When we went to Royal Albert, it was quite a heavy pitch, and the grass could have done with a right good cut.
“That didn’t suit some of our players, as it’s a totally different ball game and mentality, and for all our smashing football players, it’s something they will have to get used to.
“Sometimes, you just need to roll your sleeves up, but because we’ve got good players, it won’t take them too long to adapt.
“It means if we get promotion that we’ve had to work hard for it.”
After winning their opening league game 1-0 at Royal Albert, the Lang had a blank Saturday.
However, they made the most of it by getting a rare chance to scout other sides in the second division.
John explained: “We’re playing Johnstone Burgh in our next game, so Paddy went to have a look at them and see what they’ve got this season.
“We had a few other games watched as well, with East Kilbride, St Roch’s and Rossvale, so we know what we’re going to come up against in the weeks ahead.
“It’s still early doors, though, and we know things can change, but it’s better to have a rough idea about the other teams.”
The Lang have been dealt another couple of blows, with two players being ruled out for the next three months.
John said: “Unfortunately, we’ve lost Steven Dymock, who is going to have to go for an ankle operation, and will be out until Christmas.
“We knew this was going to be the case when he signed him, but we had hoped that the league season would be up and running before he had to go in.
“It’s a shame for him because he’s been looking good, but it’s something that has to be done.
“The signing of Gordon Herd will help to cover for him, but it’s a real shame we won’t get to see them playing together for a while yet.
“Steven Gaffney is also going to be missing, again until Christmas, because of a change in his work commitments. But we’ve got other players who can hopefully set up and fill the gap.”