Clydebank Post | Sport | MARK HAILS THE CHASE

Friday, 16th May, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 5th March, 2008 10:20

MARK HAILS THE CHASE

By David Christie

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HAIL TO THE CHIEF: Mark Hailstones (AMcV)

Pic by: Alistair McVicar

MAGIC Mark Hailstones reckons the Bankies are at their best when chasing the pack.

Clydebank lie in ninth position in the league, 16 points behind leaders Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, who have played four more matches.

But the long serving Clydebank player — nominated in the Hall of Fame which will be announced on Friday — says this is exactly the sort of situation which suits them best.

Hailstones said: “Pretty much every season it has been the same for us, about three or four games behind everyone else.

“We are used to it and to be honest, I actually prefer it. When you are playing catch up no-one is considering you a threat then you creep up unnoticed.”

Hailstones scored in a friendly win against an amateur side on Saturday and bagged a screamer in the Scottish Cup win over Lochee but the wiry midfielder admits this season has been the toughest yet.

He added: “It’s been harder than ever before, from training through to the match day. It is definitely a lot quicker and much tougher to keep your place in the team.

“Every one of the guys knows you have to work extremely hard in training to be considered for the team.Even though we’ve had great cup results, promotion is still the most important thing as we want to be in the top league. Anything in the cup is a bonus.”

Weather permitting, Clydebank face Kilwinning Rangers on Saturday in a match repeatedly postponed.

Manager Budgie McGhie has no new injury worries but will have to make do without the services of Sincy Soutar, Davie Fisher and John Cunningham who are heading to Krakow in Poland for Soutar’s stag party.

The trip, booked months ago, has left McGhie slightly perturbed. He said: “I knew about it for a while but I didn’t realise the other two were going as well. They know we are not very pleased but that’s football at this level — what can you do?

“They have promised to do a bit of work while they are away to keep themselves fit but we’ll see.”

• Clydebank FC and the UCS trust are subsidising buses to the quarter final tie at Bathgate on Saturday March 15. Priced £4 for adults and £2 for concessions, call the club on 07946680812 to book a place.

• The Bankies lottery prize is now up to £4,500.

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