Clydebank Post | Sport | Budgie: Rule us out at your peril

Friday, 16th May, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 9th January, 2008 10:15

Budgie: Rule us out at your peril

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SKY’S THE LIMIT: Bankies’ luck was out in the game against Troon in November but they are now focused on achieving the high life

Pic by: Alistair McVicar

BANKIES gaffer Budgie McGhie believes promotion is still within their grasp — though further cup success could scupper everything.

Sitting eighth in the league, Clydebank trail new league leaders Kirkintilloch Rob Roy by 13 points and the promotion play-off third spot by seven.

They do however have three games in hand as a result of recent postponements and McGhie is still aiming high.

He said: “We have never thought we would definitely be in the promotion race but you set your standards high and looking at the league table it is very tight.

“We are not falling drastically behind but it isn’t helped by the fact we are still in the West and Scottish Cups.

“The further you go in the cups, the fixture list is going to pile up even more so the cups can cause you problems but obviously you can’t moan about it.

“The priority is to consolidate and avoid getting dragged into relegation but there is no reason why we are not capable of being involved in the promotion hunt.

“It will depend on a few things like avoiding injuries and the fixture list but it is still a possibility as I have confidence in the guys.”

Rob Roy moved top at the weekend, leapfrogging Vale of Clyde after they thrashed sorry Renfrew 7-1 and shrewd McGhie always had them pinned as favourites.

He said: “I have always thought they would be strong this year and I haven’t seen anything to say otherwise.

“They have a solid base and an experienced management team with decent financial backing. They have a right good squad so I would have them as favourites.”

A lack of first team action over the festive period has allowed McGhie’s squad to recuperate and recover from injuries, with David Fisher (ankle) and Alan Jack (thigh) both back in contention for a starting place against Troon at the weekend.

Before this, the squad will get their first run out in three weeks, tonight (Wednesday) at Petershill Park in a friendly match against Central District Second Division side Cambuslang Rangers.

McGhie added: “The players have been training hard — well most of them have — but you still need to get match sharp. The proof of the pudding will come in the matches but we have a reasonably fit squad thanks to the efforts of the backroom staff.

“We have made a couple of additions in recent months and there will be more changes to the squad in the future. Jimmy [McQuade] and I regularly assess the squad and make sure we are covered and getting the best out of the players.”

The Bankies suffered a bitter blow in their last match with Troon as the seasiders defended for their lives before nicking all three points with an injury time winner.

The match still rankles with McGhie but an undefeated home record for more than a year will provide some comfort.

He said: “We should never have lost but we only had ourselves to blame.

“Without being disrespectful to Troon, they come into the stuffy category as they are battling for survival. They will come to knock us off our stride but we need to rise above them. It is up to us to show that wee bit extra class.”

• Troon at Glenfield Park this Saturday, kick off 1.45pm.

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