Clyde boss Jim Duffy has reacted to his side’s dismal 5-0 defeat from Montrose at the weekend by withdrawing the contract offers he had made to nine members of the Bully Wee squad for next season.
Duffy said, “The club had spoken to the players about retaining them for next season, but after what I can only describe as a debacle on Saturday, all talks are on hold and the previous contract offers have been withdrawn.”
Duffy explained his reasoning, “Getting beaten is one thing but the lack of a determined attitude by the squad was the biggest concern. Saturday's performance was not about a lack of ability, it was about mental attitude. In recent weeks we have matched teams like Alloa, Stranraer and Peterhead and then we produce a really poor performance like that.”
"Due to that performance, question marks were raised in my mind. If I sign the players I had spoken to previously then what can I expect? Players are duty bound to give total commitment in every game.”
The Broadwood boss explained what was to happen next saying, “I will now take my time and consider all options available. If I decide to contact any of the nine players I will do so in my own time but I need to be assured of their total commitment to Clyde.”
"We had an opportunity to finish the season well, maintain our good form and continue our positive performances of late. It would have been significant for the club to finish in eighth place as it would have been a further sign of progression and a result that would have given everyone a boost. Unfortunately, the players did not take any of that on board.”
Duffy continued, “I’m not going to lose any sleep over the matter. The difference is that whereas I had in my mind nine squad places filled, all places in the squad for next season are up for grabs. I now have an open book as to who to sign and the current squad are in competition with every other available player now.”
Duffy added, “From the club's point of view nothing has changed as we were always looking to strengthen within the budget available. We were looking to add at least one goalkeeper, a centre back, two strikers and some creativity in midfield and that work continues. However, if someone now approaches us in any position I will consider them as opposed to saying that that position is taken.”
“I've rarely felt as angry and frustrated after a match as I did last Saturday, but this decision has not been done in the spur of the moment. It came after a period of reflection and I believe is the right thing to do.”
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