Chapman gets to know his squad

Jan 25 2013 By Andrew McNair

New Annan gaffer Jim Chapman says he strives to take the positives from every situation in football.

And the fact his first game in charge of the Galabank side was called off due to a frozen pitch at Stirling Albion has done little to dampen his spirits.

He simply saw it as a good chance to get to know his players as he looks to move the club forward.

Chapman said: “The positive of the situation was that I got to spend time with the players - just not in a competitive situation.

“We did our best to get all the team back to Annan and were lucky enough to get some time on the pitch.

“We are working very, very hard behind the scenes and have a few targets we think might improve the squad but, out of professional courtesy, everyone at the club will have a chance to show what they can do before I start making changes.

“I don’t believe in change for change sake and all I’m focused on at the moment is learning all I can about the club and minimising the effect of the managerial changes at Annan.”

The gaffer will have even more time to get to know his squad this weekend with two matches in less than 24 hours at Galabank.

Firstly on Friday night the reserves face local rivals Queens in a South of Scotland Challenge Cup tie.

The next day, play-off rivals Peterhead come to town.

Chapman continued: “I’ll be down on Friday and the team will be made up of a majority of fringe players and reserves with U17s if we need them.

“It’s a good chance for me to look right through the club - including what we may have coming through in the future as we need to start looking forward.

“I know Peterhead manager Jim McInally well and he likes his teams to play good football but they are also a physically strong side who can be formidable opponents as they chase a play-off spot.”

The Blue Toon hosted Rangers last Sunday and there is the possibility the Aberdeenshire side could be suffering from a big game hangover for the journey to Annan.

Annan gaffer Chapman added: “The motivation factor is never in doubt against a team like Rangers but the week after you certainly have to dig a little deeper on the back of that.

“A bit like a high then back to reality but all I’m concerned with is Annan and minimising the change with hope of carrying on the good form the team has been in.”

Annan will be without centre back Peter Watson for the tie and midfielder Chris Jardine is a doubt with a hamstring problem.