Clyde chief blasts lazy players

Last updated : 01 June 2010 By BBC Sport

"Several players have told me that they can't survive on what we're offering. Well, I'm sorry, but we're not in any way trying to offer a wage to live on.

"Everybody knows the job market is difficult, but it shouldn't stop people from trying," he told Clyde's website.

The Cumbernauld club last summer were forced to release their whole squad to avoid going into administration.

And Watt was speaking as the present process of negotiating with existing players reached its conclusion - one in which several players have rejected the terms offered by Clyde relegated for a second year running - and the club seeks replacements.

"There really has been a change in attitude of some players these days - for the worse," said a frustrated Watt.

A part-time player who wants to pretend he is a full-time player by combining his part-time training with going to the gym a couple of times a week is kidding himself on

Clyde director of football Neil Watt

"Being offered a professional contract for a senior football club should be looked on as a privilege, but it seems that some players' desire for money is outweighing the prestige that comes with it.

"At this level, it should not be about money. The extra that players can earn should be seen as a bonus, but it seems that some players want to treat their earnings from a part-time club as their main source of income.

"At Clyde FC, we want to encourage our younger players to either embark on further education or go out and look for work.

"A part-time player who wants to pretend he is a full-time player by combining his part-time training with going to the gym a couple of times a week is kidding himself on.

"That type of attitude also illustrates a lazy person and that isn't the sort of individual we want to bring to the club."

Watt did not mention any players by name, but his words coincided with the announcement that two more players would be leaving Broadwood.

Goalkeeper Callum Reidford and midfielder Willie McLachlan have both declined offers to remain with the club in Division Three.

Clyde had previously announced that striker Steven Howarth and defenders Alan Lithgow and Kevin Higgins had rejected new contracts.

Watt said of McLachlan: "After he joined us in August before the transfer deadline, Willie covered in a variety of positions for the team last season.

"I felt that we began to see the best of him when he reverted to his natural position in the middle of the park.

"He has enjoyed his spell with us and was keen to stay. But, as I have said to all the players, we will not break our budget and put the club at risk and Willie felt unable to accept the same terms as last season.

"Clyde FC would like to thank him for his endeavours and wish him well in finding a new club."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport