Annan boss: ‘We’re running out of time to sign new faces’
Last updated 09:10, Friday, 18 July 2008
Annan Athletic manager Harry Cairney admits time is running out on his hopes of signing a string of new players for the Scottish Football League kick off.
Annan were voted into the SFL in place of now-defunct Gretna only two weeks ago, and it has given Cairney little time to assemble a new-look team, with the season just over a week away.
They kick off with a Challenge Cup tie at Clyde on Saturday week, before travelling to Cowdenbeath in their opening league match the following week.
Cairney’s only summer signing so far has been former Carlisle United youngster Lee Hoolickin, but he has been given an increased budget to bring in a number of new faces to bolster the team which finished seventh in the East of Scotland League last season.
The Galabank gaffer has also persuaded another ex-United kid Mike Jack to sign a new two-year contract despite fears he was set to leave Annan, while keeper Dougie Calder has also agreed a fresh two-year deal.
Cairney said: “We’re looking for quite a few players but we don’t have a lot of time. It is short notice to get players in but this was always going to be an experimental year for the club. We had players lined up to come in who were suitable for the East of Scotland League, but now we’re having to adjust. I played in the SFL for 23 years so I have a good idea of what’s required and we need to get the right bodies in, but it won’t happen immediately.
“We are targeting some guys in Carlisle who might be capable of playing in the SFL. Up here in Scotland we’ve missed the boat a bit for some players who have been available, but some of them haven’t been signed up yet and other clubs are running out of their budget so that might help our cause.”
With no relegation from the SFL, due to Scottish football not having a pyramid system, Cairney admits he has the luxury of being able to take his time to put a team together without worrying about survival.
The former Brechin City and Forfar defender, who clocked up more than 800 appearances in senior football, is also keen to blood promising youngsters.
He is predicting a bright future for Carlisle teenager Tom Short, an 18-year-old left-back who has already collected man of the match awards in the East of Scotland League last season.
Cairney said: “Tom could be in the team straight away as he has been performing really well. He’s quite a big lad for his age, he’s quick and a good passer of the ball, and we have high hopes for him.”
Annan lost 5-0 to a strong Queen of the South team in a pre-season friendly last Saturday, and will continue their preparations this weekend when they host a four-team knock-out tournament.
They face Workington Reds tomorrow (12pm) in the annual Annan tournament, then play either Stranraer or Spartans on Sunday.
