ALAN WARDLAW is certain that Cambuslang Rangers can punch above their weight this season - as they enter Phase 3 of his masterplan.
ALAN WARDLAW is certain that Cambuslang Rangers can punch above their weight this season - as they enter Phase 3 of his masterplan.
The popular Wee Gers gaffer has installed a new wing to their tough training regime, and he reckons it will prove a knockout with players.
He explained: "A friend of mine, James Kean, owns a boxing gym in Jackton and he has invited us up to his place before the new campaign gets under way.
"A few of the lads have tried it before and our left-back, Carlo Rea, fancies his chances as a bit of a puncher.
"It should be good for our stamina and mental toughness but we'll see who proves to be the big hitters when we get in the ring."
Wardy and his team took over the reins at Somervell Park in January, 2007, when the former giants were languishing in the Central Second Division.
He targeted automatic promotion and that was achieved. Phase 2 was all about consolidating in the First Division, but the push is now on to get the Wee Gers back into the Super League set-up.
Wardy said: "We've taken things at a steady pace and haven't put too much pressure on ourselves, but we are relatively happy with our progression.
"But we must keep progressing. We now have a good backroom team, with Billy Campbell having joined Tommy Miller, Stuart Taylor and me."
Wardlaw also announced this week that former Arthurlie and Beith midfielder Steven Jack was joining his coaching staff - and described the move as "the completion of his dream team".
He said: "Bringing Stevie on board is fantastic for the club. I've known him for a long time and I'm well aware of what he can bring.
"He started off his playing career at Celtic and played for a host of top Junior clubs, so he brings bags of experience and has already had an input in our training sessions.
"His experience will be invaluable and his enthusiasm infectious. He is having a positive impact on the players.
"It's a big season for us and we want to be up there pushing for promotion. It'll be a tough league, that's for sure, but I feel we're well equipped to be in there fighting at the top end."
Wardlaw has already bagged seven new players for the campaign.
Ex-Arthurlie player Marc Ross, former Mary-hill skipper Brian Smith, Darren Murphy (Thornie-wood), Bobby Thomson of Livi Juniors, Thomas Kilmartin, David McKee and Darren Rice, formerly of Stranraer and Ayr, have all joined.
However, another name is causing some excitement. Wardlaw explained: "A wide player called Scott Dunne has recently married a local girl and has moved up here to stay.
"He was pro-youth with Queens Park Rangers and Wycombe Wanderers and has shown up well in training so far. "
Forward Kevin Ogilvie has been placed on the transfer list and interested parties should contact Wardlaw.
Jack on a real high
STEVEN JACK has no regrets about hanging up his boots - although he insists he didn't have much say in the matter, writes Jeff Holmes.
A groin injury led to the 32-year-old calling time on his career. He said: "I told Renfrew of my decision, so I was surprised to read in SportTimes that I was on the transfer list. I just want managers to know I've retired.
"I'm on the other side of the fence now at Cambus-lang and I'm loving it. I also have lots of ideas I want to implement on the training pitch and Alan Wardlaw has given me the opportunity to do that."
