Boss full of optimism
Paul McColl sees lots of potential in his side as brand-new team is beaten 1-0 by Irvine Victoria
Cambuslang Rangers manager Paul McColl was looking on the bright side, despite his side losing their first pre- season friendly match.
The Lang took on Irvine Victoria in their annual challenge match for the Thomas Loach Memorial Cup, and it was the Vics who retained the silverware.
Last year, they beat the Lang 4-1, to win the cup for the first time in 14 years, and successfully defended it on Saturday afternoon with a 1-0 win.
Paul, who joined the club from Cumnock earlier this summer, said: “That was our first game as a team, and to be honest, I thought we did pretty well.
“There’s still a few of them who need to get their fitness up, but that will come over the next few weeks, as we play more games and train more.
“For me, the most important thing is we keep playing and the boys get to know each other more. A few of them have played together before, but they’re still getting to know each other on the park.
“They’re still finding out who will play it with their left foot, their right foot, and so on, but that’s something that will come, the more they play together.
“I was pleased with the way our two forwards played together, and there were moments when we were doing the right things, so that was pleasing. It will come, I’m not worried about that.
“We had a few of the boys missing on Saturday, with a couple still away on holiday while another was unavilable, and to be honest, I still thought we did pretty well,
“The majority of the Irvine Vics side have been together for a few years now, so I don’t think we did too badly, considering our team has been built over the summer.
“We brought some guys off the bench too, to give them a run out, and they’ll get more game time in the remaining friendlies we have.”
The boss has confirmed that the Lang’s remaining pre-season games are: July 25, Thorniewood. August 1, Glencairn under-21s. August 4, Cumnock.
Paul continued: “We’re going to be looking at making a few changes for this weekend to give some of the other guys a runout.
“I’m looking forward to it as their manager Andy Frame is an old pal of mine.
“I’m pleased we’ve had the Vics game, and now Thorniewood, as although they were both relegated at the end of last season, they were both super league division one teams.
“We’ve got some good games lined up, and I’m really looking forward to the Cumnock one, to see my old pals.
“I’m still hoping to bring in a few new faces before the first sectional league cup game against Blantyre. We’ve got a few boys with us on trial just now, and we’ll keep taking a look at them over the next few weeks.”