Clydebank Post | Sport | ‘I OWE IT ALL TO BEST BUD’

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 16th July, 2008 10:00

‘I OWE IT ALL TO BEST BUD’

By Steven McArthur

ARTHURLIE coach Jimmy McQuade can’t wait to welcome the Bankies this Saturday — so he can personally thank Budgie McGhie and co.

The Barrhead side host Clydebank at Dunterlie Park in the first pre-season game

and it will give ex-Bankies coach McQuade a chance to catch up with his former boss

and workmates.

But he insisted their friendship will take a back seat as Lie gear up for a tilt at the Superleague Premier Division title.

McQuade said: “First and foremost I’d like to thank Budgie for giving me a chance.

Treasure

“My two years at the club were really enjoyable and I’ll never forget everyone at Clydebank, from the supporters to the players.

“I loved every minute of being part of it.

“They know my feelings. I got a beautiful trophy when I was leaving and I felt I didn’t deserve that but I treasure it.

“The committee were excellent with me and they’re lucky to have Budgie.

“He is Clydebank through and through. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again and thanking them personally.”

During his time at Glenhead Park, McQuade tasted success when Bankies clinched promotion to the First Division. And he would love to see them join Lie in the top flight.

He said: “There are a lot of good memories but promotion the other season really stands out. To stay in the league was fantastic and it sets the club up for a push this year — I want Clydebank in the Premier League.

“For sheer professionalism Clydebank match most of the teams in the top flight and managed to beat a few Premier teams last year too.”

McQuade, who passed ex-Arthurlie coach Stuart Allison moving in the opposite direction, admitted the pull of returning to his home town team proved too strong — and McGhie knew it instantly.

McQuade said: “The way Budgie is about Clydebank is the way I am about Arthurlie.

“I wouldn’t have left Clydebank for anyone else. This might have been a once-in-a-lifetime chance and Budgie knew the minute I got the offer I’d be away.

“I stay 400 metres from Arthurlie’s ground and the club is my first love.

“I was here for 13 years and won everything during that time.

“There are definitely parallels with Clydebank for the passion of the support. I’ve been here a month now, it’s a smashing club and a great club to coach, and Mark Cameron is a young, enthusiastic manager.

“I want to the players to play for the Arthurlie jersey. Pre-season is all about fitness but every game you play you want to win. I know it’s going to be a great laugh.”

But it was down to McQuade to leave the parting shot, when he said: “I signed Budgie for Arthurlie many moons ago, so that shows what I know about football.”

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