Spiders tough start in Cup to go out live
Gus excited by ’Well test but it’s only preperation
Gus MacPherson says his players will be excited to play a Premiership side on live TV but admitted the game will be used to prepare for the league season.
Queen’s Park’s first Group F fixture in the Betfred Cup against Motherwell will be televised live on BT Sports on Saturday (3pm kick off ).
And the prospect of playing an established side in Scotland’s top flight, with the added incentive of it being played at the national stadium, is a prospect MacPherson’s newest signings will relish.
The manager’s aim, however, will be to test out his new-look squad and ensure his players are given the gametime they need to prepare for another season in League One.
He said: “Obviously, it will be a tough test for the players to play a premier league team in the first game – and it’s being televised which gives it an added edge.
“But, like many part-time teams, it is about preparing for the league. These games come a bit early for part-time teams and the league is the priority but there is always going to be a competitive edge to them. It’s about seeing who needs game-time.”
He added: “It’s one of the things you get when you come to Queen’s Park. One, you are getting these great facilities and playing at the national stadium every second week; and two, you are getting to play an top flight team in the first game of the cup, which is being televised. So that will excite the players. But when you come here you want to be competitive.”
MacPherson also announced his latest signings along with the players who have extended their stay at the club. Christopher Duff (attacking midfielder), Luke Whelan (midfielder) and Kevin Green (midfielder) have all joined Queen’s from junior side Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.
Kevin’s brother, David Green (defender), has also signed for the season from Kilbirnie Ladeside.
Anton Brady, Sean Burns, Adam Cummins, David Galt, Scott Gibson, Ewan MacPherson, Conor McVey, Ross Millen, Billy Mortimer, William Muir and Bryan Wharton have had their contracts extended.
Last season’s captain Ryan McGeever has transferred to Brechin City, Jamie McKernon has moved to Glenafton Athletic and Gavin Mitchell has also left the club.
The new additions to the squad will find their feet on Saturday but will have to quickly turn their attentions to Tuesday night.
MacPherson’s Spiders visit Championship side Morton and the gaffer is confident his players can handle the occasion.
“It is a tough section that we’re in,” he said. “When the fixtures came out, the games against Motherwell and Morton were what the players were looking out for, with no disrespect to Edinburgh City or Berwick, it’s just that those teams are in a higher league. And Morton will be another tough game for us.”
Clyde get their Betfred Cup campaign up and running at home to Annan Athletic on Saturday, 3pm, and away to Kilmarnock on Tuesday, 7.45pm.
When you come here you want to be competitive