Bully Wee boss Barry prepared
Clyde all set to shape up for new campaign
Clyde boss Barry Ferguson says preparations for next term are well under way.
The former Rangers captain has returned following a short break with his family and he is raring to go.
Speaking to the Clyde official website, he said:“I had a great time being away with my family but it’ll be good to get back out there and start working again.
“We actually had all of the boys in for a meeting and a relaxed chat not long after the end of the season and that went really well, but the hard work begins now. I’ve already had meetings with Bob (Malcolm) and Mark (Roberts) and we have the whole pre-season schedule mapped out, right up until the first competitive matches.
“During my career I always felt that I got more out of pre-season in terms of fitness when it was done that way and I’ve worked with a lot of fitness coaches who agree.”
“I’ve very much got my way of doing a pre-season - yes, there’s a time and a place to go for a long run but I believe in doing as much as possible with a ball involved.”
Barry confirmed that four friendly matches had been arranged so far, including a game against Lowland League side East Kilbride on Saturday, July 11.
“We’ve got the Highland Tour, East Kilbride and a closed door match against Queen of the South. I’m considering a fifth match and I have some options for that, but I haven’t made my mind up yet. I don’t want to play too many matches and also bearing in mind that we have two cup games before the league gets underway.
“The Highland trip will give us two really tough matches but it will also be great in terms of getting the boys away as a group. It’s something I’ve been planning since about February, but I had to duck and dive as funding it was difficult. We also had to give the players plenty of notice so that they could organise time off work.”
And Barry was also pleased to annouce that Ross Fisher has signed a new deal with the Bully Wee, extending his stay with the club to the end of the 2015-16 campaign.
The 21-year-old defender joined Clyde in January from junior side Troon and went on to feature in 14 matches during the latter part of last season.
Clyde manager Barry Ferguson said, “Ross was keen to stay at Clyde and we’re pleased to have him on board. He did well last season and he will increase the competition for places at the back.”