HURLFORD boss John Crawford will enjoy life in the Super League - but remembers when his side failed to win a game for THREE years!
HURLFORD boss John Crawford will enjoy life in the Super League - but remembers when his side failed to win a game for THREE years!
Crawf has celebrated 25 years as a manager by guiding the Blair Park side back to the Super First. They did it in style by winning 13 of their last 14 games, although he admitted that it did get quite nerve-wracking at the end.
In the final analysis, Hurlford enjoyed a five-point cushion over second-placed Girvan; a gap which Crawford insists didn't give his rivals enough credit for their valiant efforts.
He said: "Girvan are a very good side so we needed to find an incredible level of consistency in the second part of the season, and thankfully the players did that.
"I initially took over at Hurlford in season 1999/2000 and before that, they hadn't won a match for three seasons.
"There wasn't one player on the books so we more or less inherited a football team with no players - it was totally bizarre.But we went in there, rolled up the sleeves and slowly raised their profile."
Under Crawford's leadership, Hurlford spent five years in the Super League but he was forced to leave just over a year ago due to personal circumstances. In his absence, they dropped back down a division.
But the club - who celebrate their 70th anniversary this year - were never far from his heart, and when the opportunity arose for him to return, he grabbed it with both hands.
Crawford explained: "Chris Kelly had taken over from me but left midway through the season. I love the club and didn't really have to think twice when I was offered the job.
"My assistant, Ossie Findlay, a sprightly 75-years-old, came back on board and we knuckled down and got the players believing in themselves. To have any chance of promotion, we needed to go on a run, and thankfully we did, but it was mighty close at the end."
Crawford is now gearing up for life in the Super' and has arranged a number of friendlies to help whip the players back into shape.
Hurlford start off with a visit from Royal Albert on Wednesday, July 23, before tackling Larkhall and Bellshill. They conclude by taking part in the Shettleston tournament over the weekend of August 2-3.
And it's a workout the boss is hoping will pay instant dividends.
He explained: "It's imperative we get off to a good start. A few bad results at the beginning can leave you chasing points, and that can lead to players starting to doubt their ability.
"We're going up there to consolidate in the Super League and not be the type of team that yo-yos between District and Super."
Hurlford have made six players available for transfer. Enquiries for keeper Ally Caldwell, Barry Crawford (defender), Tony Murphy (midfield), Paul Carr (midfield), David Craig (midfield) and striker Jamie Gilliland should be directed to chairman Lorrie Hedley on 01563 539694 or club secretary Bill McMahon on 01563 821047.
On the plus side, Crawf has signed four players from Lugar, Campbell McCluskey, Mark Cameron, Michael Fulton and Mark Morrison; Whitletts duo Darren Wilson and James Davidson; Martin Lawrie from Craigmark and Ayr kid keeper Stewart Strachan.
