Published: Wednesday, 18th November, 2009 4:00pm

BUDGIE: Summer football no answer to call-offs

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BANKIES boss Budgie McGhie does not think a winter break would benefit the junior game, despite the Bankies last two games being postponed due to water-logged pitches.

Saturday's home match against Maybole was one of the many fixtures that fell victim to the weather following the previous week's tie with Annbank United being called off for the same reason, meaning the side haven't played a game since the end of October.

However, McGhie believes it is something the country have to take in their stride.

He said: "It was disappointing, but there was obviously a lot of rain that fell in the 24 hours before it.

"This week in the league programme there were more games off than on, so it wasn't really a surprise.

"It's difficult for the players, but when you're in juniour football it's just something you have to learn to deal with. It's more frustrating than anything.

"I'm a bit of a traditionalist and I was brought up with the summer break. It's not just about the weather, it's about the amount of money that's spent on pitches as well.

"A lot of teams have new pitches, so I think the way they are structured now makes a difference.

"If you've got the money and the funding to put down decent drainage and soil then it is possible to beat the weather.

"A lot of the junior clubs have old pitches though and don't have the technology or the materials that are now available, but obviously there's a cost involved with that."

The players had a training session instead on Saturday, while McGhie searched for some positives to take from the postponement.

He said: "In this case it's given our players who have injuries an extra couple of weeks to come back.

"They can still pick up injuries in training or friendlies, but this at least gives them a bit more time to recover."

Kilsyth Rangers visit Holm Park on Saturday in the side's next league match and the Mcghie is enjoying the season so far.

He said: "It's been very tight, it's really hard to predict what's going to happen.

"I think probably come March or April then the picture might be clearer but there's so many factors that can influence it.

"I'd like to think that we've got the players who are capable of getting us to the promotion area.

"The disappointment of the game being called off for the last two weeks can affect their mentality.

"But I think the players will notice that no team has ran away and won the games that have been on.

"No one is streching away and they seem to be winning games by one goal."

McGhie is confident his side can put on a show against the side currently sitting four points ahead of them in the First Division.

He said: "They've had some good results but they'll probably wish they were higher up points wise.

"It'll be a tough one, the games against Kilsyth are always tough, so I expect a highly competitive one."

Clydebank go into the third round of the Scottish Cup at the end of the month and were drawn away to Craigmark Burntonians of Dalmellington.

McGhie said: "We'll worry about that after the Kilsyth game, I would rather have been at home at this stage but it could have been worse.

"I would imagine it will be a

really difficult place to go, they will come out and make it really tough for us so

we'll need to be up for the fight on the day."

Meanwhile, the manager had nothing but praise for the Bankies' star man this season.

McGhie has been delighted with Stevie Dallas' contribution to the side and his four goals so far.

He said: "He's an experienced player and its not just on the park, it's the way he conducts himself off it too.

"He never misses training and he works really hard so he's a good role model for the younger players.

"He has a good attitude so we're delighted to have him."