JUNIOR team managers face big challenges in trying to live up to supporters' expectations, but arguably none more so than Auchinleck Talbot gaffer Tommy Sloan.

The unparalleled success enjoyed by the Ayrshire kingpins ever since the former midfielder took up the helm back in 2003 - five Scottish Junior Cups alone - undoubtedly makes him stand out from the crowd.

However, every passing year has seen the rod, made for his own back become thicker and longer.

And never more so than in this almost finished current campaign.

Tucker found himself landed with the far from straightforward task of again lifting the major silverware prizes while simultaneously attempting to replace a hat-trick of outstanding Juniors who had helped form the spine of last season’s Talbot side.

Striker David Gormley signed for Clyde, midfield playmaker Colin Spence opted for a move to Ayrshire rivals Troon while centre-back Mark Campbell sadly suffered a career-ending injury.

A nagging sense that players of their quality could not be readily replaced saw the Talbot boss opt to shuffle his pack rather than delve into the transfer market.

But a few indifferent results brought wails from the terracing that audibly grew in volume when the 11-times trophy winners lost 2-0 to rivals Hurlford United to exit the ETHXenergy Scottish Junior Cup at the quarter-final stage back in March.

But the quiet-spoken Tucker stayed true to his methods as well as his playing charges and the result is Auchinleck can boast to having the West of Scotland Cup and Super Premier Division title in the bag ahead of going for a third trophy prize later today when taking on Renfrew in the Evening Times Champions Cup Final.

The most fervent of supporting hordes will now descend on the Glasgow Southside today confidently expecting Talbot to clinch a third Evening Times crown in four years.

But Tucker won’t be around to see it if his players come good on the day and parade the silverware around Newlandsfield.

His team’s ever depleting state led to the 51-year-old pulling on the boots to fill in as a substitute in the 2-1 semi-final defeat of Cumnock in midweek however there is no chance of him figuring on the bench today.

He said:"We were hit with a double blow going into last Wednesday’s game when Graham Wilson being ruled out with a troublesome groin injury was followed by Martin McGoldrick calling off with inflammation of his pubis bone.

“James Latta and Craig McCracken were already unavailable so there was no option at such a late juncture other than to strip myself and keep fingers crossed that I wouldn’t be called into any playing action .

“Martin Findlay was also on the bench and would have received the nod first, but it’s not unusual to have a few injuries in a game against Cumnock so I went through agonies every time one of the lads went down needing treatment.

“ We’ll be giving McGoldrick every opportunity to recover for tomorrow’s contest by holding back our team selection until we get to Newlandsfield but getting him back in harness is likely to be offset by the unavailability of Stevie Wilson which is unfortunate as he played very well against Cumnock.

“And I’m a definite no-no because long before the final whistle I’ll be leaving to hopefully join my family at Glasgow Airport and catch a flight to Spain.”

Talbot’s final game of the 2015/16 season will see them presented with their Super Premier Division silverware prior to kick-off .

But a demanding Tucker wants his troops to be more concerned with holding another trophy prize aloft some 90 minutes later.

He added: “Not taking anything away from what the guys have achieved over the season, but our focus on Saturday has to be on winning the Evening Times Cup.

“Some people are looking upon a Talbot victory as a formality but I’m not and neither will our players before they run out onto the pitch.

“Renfrew are winners themselves and deserve our utmost respect not least because they have a hard core of experienced players like the ex-Cumnock pair Stuart McDonald and Anton Heffron as well as big Alain Kinney and of course their club captain Davie Gordon so we have to up for meeting their challenge.”

Tucker reflected on this transition season for his team in adding: “It’s not always been smooth sailing but what’s encouraging is to see players step up to the plate when a bit of character is needed.

“Bryan Young has performed superbly in a more central engine room role while Dwayne Hyslop has emerged as a very important player for us as have Graham Wilson and Keir Milliken who never fail to put in a hard shift wherever we ask them to play.

“I could easily sit here and wax lyrically about every single player in the squad however an even a greater tribute to their worth this past season will be having three winners medals on the sideboard so here’s hoping.”

PLAYING TODAY: (Kick-off 2pm): Evening Times Champions Cup Final: Renfrew v Auchinleck Talbot (Newlandsfield).