MacLaren signs on at Irvine Meadow - but for how long?

Oct 10 2008 by John Woods, Irvine Herald

IRVINE Meadow manager Chris Strain could not hide his admiration for the abilities of Andy MacLaren after the former Scotland star made a stunning debut against Bishopmill.

MacLaren only lasted an hour after taking a hefty knock in the opening minutes, but what he showed was enough to have the home fans purring with delight.

“Some of Andy’s flicks and feints were sensational and the way he twisted and turned to set up our third goal was unbelievable,” said Strain.

MacLaren signed on a four-week deal after hitting four goals in a friendly at Stirling last week, but it’s all down to finances as to whether he will make his stay at Meadow Park a permanent affair.

Contrary to reports the wing ace is not on a megabucks deal but Meadow, like everyone else. are cutting back right now and it will all come down to what the club can afford.

“We’re pretty much stretched to the max right now but there’s no doubt we’d like to keep Andy on a long-term deal,” added Strain.

“But there is some leeway with Charlie Adams being freed and Glenafton showing interest in Shaun Dillon. Emilio Jaconelli is also having difficulty with work commitments so there could be a doubt about his future at the club too.

“So we’ll just have to wait and see what pans out before we can make a decision on Andy’s future.”

Strain admitted that Bishopmill were no real test for his team on Saturday but was delighted at the quality of their play and the goals.

They face a much tougher task this weekend when they travel to Glenafton on league duty although, given the weather forecast, there could be real doubts over the game going ahead.

The weather denied new Kilwinning Rangers boss Gary Faulds the chance to make his debut on Saturday, however he was pleased at what he saw in an impromptu training session.

Faulds did his first piece of rebuilding with the signing of his son Chris from Renfrew on Monday night and if the youngster has the same nose for goals as his old man he’ll do well.

Faulds is also interested in Charlie Adams although the player’s terms may be too rich for the Abbey Park club.

Buffs will be confident of picking up their first league win of the season when they entertain fellow strugglers Port Glasgow on Saturday.

Irvine Vics boss Rab Madden was delighted at his side’s win at Darvel and the manner in which it was achieved.

“My players showed plenty of character because Darvel is not an easy place to go to now and they worked us very hard,” he said.

“But we limited them to just a few chances and on another day, with a wee bit of luck in front of goal, we could have scored a few more.”

Vics now head for a West of Scotland Cup tie at Hurlford on Saturday and even though John Crawford’s side have hit a slump in recent weeks, Madden knows they face a tough task.

“Hurlford showed in our League Cup sectional game what a good side they are,” added the Vics boss.

“However there was not a great deal between us that night and I expect this to be a close one. Apart from the usual aches and pains, we should have a full squad to choose from.”

Ardeer Thistle face a tricky trip to a Troon side who, with former manager John Redmond back in charge, picked up their first win of the season on Saturday, while Dalry have a second try at getting their home Scottish Cup clash with Dunbar played.