Returning East Kilbride Thistle hero Dougie Ryan says the players are “desperate” to get back to work under gaffer Iain Diack.
The Jags boss only managed to get one game under his belt before the lockdown ended the West Region League One campaign.
With the Showpark outfit accepted into the new tier six West of Scotland League, striker Ryan is looking forward to getting back on the pitch under the gaffer after the initial false-start.
The 34-year-old will be part of Diack’s backroom staff as well as continuing to play as he takes joins for a third spell in for Thistle after leaving in January 2019.
He told Lanarkshire Live Sport: “When I was at the club before I wanted my chance to play a bit higher so went on to Shotts and then Cambuslang.
“I was looking for a fresh start after leaving Cambuslang Rangers and having some injury problems last season.
“I spoke to Iain when he first came in, and came in to do a bit for his first game, but then the season was called off.
“We then got talking and he asked me if I would want to come back for next season as a player and coach.
“Coaching has been something I have been thinking about for the past few years and have got my ‘C’ licence, so this is a good chance to get even more experience.”
He continued: “Everyone at the club is looking forward to the new set-up and working with Iain.
“It feels like the right time for a change at this level from what it has always been. It gives teams a chance to progress.
“It’s a good opportunity for players as well to show what they can do at a higher level against some of the top junior teams.
“There will be tough games against teams from the top divisions but I expect they will have a real cup feel about them.
“We are desperate to get back playing and training under Iain. The boys are all talking about in the WhatsApp group we have.
“Hopefully we will be able to kick off sooner rather than later once things have calmed down.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
