No room for complacency at Montrose with derby looming

Montrose boss Paul Hegarty has demanded his players put any thoughts of taking it easy and going on holiday to the back of their minds until they have negotiated their way past their remaining two matches.

On paper, the Gable Endies have little to play for having secured their League Two status for another season.

However, with the small matter of a local derby with Arbroath to look forward to at Gayfield on Saturday, Hegarty insists there is absolutely no room for complacency.

That was something he and his assistant and former Dundee United team-mate John Holt insisted upon when they were players – and it is a view that certainly hasn’t changed now they are in management.

Hegarty said: “Hopefully the lads are fully aware of what’s at stake on Saturday. I am a great believer in not taking your foot off the gas until the season is well and truly finished.

“Myself and John Holt were like that when we were players and we expect the same from our lads now. People pay good money to watch and it is up to the players to give their maximum for the cause.

“So we will be looking for them to do just that on Saturday against Arbroath and then the following week when we play Berwick Rangers.

“Only after that, can they think about going on holiday.”

Hegarty had no hesitation in inviting Paul Watson and Ross McCord to re-join the Gable Endies for pre-season training despite the duo both being out with long-term injuries.

Watson has been out with a groin injury since August with McCord unavailable since November due to a knee injury.

Hegarty said: “Both boys have continued to be involved at the club. They have been in and out the dressing room passing on their experience and they are still a big part of things.”

Paul Watson has been absent since August.