Sandy must play waiting game

Dec 18 2010 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ARTHURLIE manager Sandy MacLean has revealed how his players have been left to play the waiting game ahead of today’s big Emirates Scottish Junior Cup clash.

MacLean’s men are due to play Edinburgh United at the Paties Road Stadium this afternoon, with a place in the fourth round of the cup at stake.

Although kick-off is scheduled for 1.45pm, the game will be subject to a pitch inspection as a result of the wintry weather.

And, last night, MacLean, right, revealed how it could be 9am today at the earliest before he finds out if the game is to get the green light.

He said: “I really don’t know if this game will be on. The weather is not too bad but all the pitches are solid.

“We probably won’t know until around 9am on Saturday if it’s on, so we’ll just need to wait and see.

“We’ll make alternative arrangements if the game is off.”

MacLean and his troops have been working on the assumption that the game will go ahead because they don’t want to be caught cold if they are told to head through to the East.

He explained: “We have been preparing as we do for any other game because the last thing you want is to be told the game is on and then find out that the players’ preparation isn’t right.

“We’ll remain focused.”

MacLean has bolstered his squad considerably since taking over at Dunterlie a couple of months ago as he has added the likes of Craig Rowan, Tony McParland, Niall Blair and Gary Arbuckle.

And he insists he is now satisfied with the squad he has at his disposal.

MacLean said: “When we came in to take over the managerial duties at Arthurlie, there was quality already here but I felt that, with only 18 signed players, one of which is Craig Higgins, who has a long-term injury, we were a bit thin on the ground.

“Now we’re up to around 20 players and I’m happy with what I have got.

“In fact, during training this week, 20 of them turned up and ran through the ice and snow.

“It would have been easy for one or two of them to drop out but they didn’t. Their attitude is fantastic.”

New signing Arbuckle scored a couple of goals during Arthurlie’s bounce game last week and MacLean cannot wait to unleash him in a competitive match.

MacLean said: “Gary was on the bench last week and came on to get a couple of goals. Along with the other new signings, he is fitting in well.”