History in the making

Jul 25 2008 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Friday

TOMORROW is all about history for Annan Athletic.

They play their first competitive match as a Scottish Football League side in the First Round of the Challenge Cup.

And chairman Henry McClelland is urging everyone associated with the club to saviour the occasion against Clyde at Broadwood.

He told the Standard: “We are all going to be involved in a piece of history as it is our first competitive match as an SFL member.

“Everyone at the club has to enjoy the occasion so that in 25 or 30 years time we can all look back at it and remember what was history for the club.

“Saturday is all about taking it in as everyone involved in the match will be part of that history.”

Annan have another cup game to look forward to after being drawn away from home against Dumbarton in the first round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

Manager Harry Cairney was at Hampden on Tuesday afternoon to watch his team being drawn against the fellow Third Division opposition.

And the draw gives Annan a decent chance of progressing into the next round.

But according to McClelland, the tie, which takes place early next month, will be a major test for the start of the season.

“We have no crazy expectations for this match,” he said.

“In terms of our fitness and preparations we are maybe a few weeks behind other teams.

“But we are glad to have drawn another third division team and I think it is a good draw for us.

“You never know what might happen on the day.”

And Annan have added another major asset to their league preparations in the shape of midfielder Derek Townsley.

The former Gretna, Hibs, Motherwell and Queen of the South player will be a player and assistant manager at Galabank.

McClelland said: “Derek will be a major asset for us.

“He has a lot of experience and the quality that we need.

“We are delighted to have him on board and he will be a huge help to Harry Cairney.”

Annan will play Rangers on Sunday at Galabank in a friendly match.