St Cuthbert Wanderers gaffer believes young squad is connecting with local community

St Cuthbert Wanderers boss Ian Clark believes his young squad is already connecting with the local community.

Clark, who was on the St Mary’s Park coaching staff last season, has overhauled the player pool after taking over the top job from Josh Gardner.

And that has seen a greater emphasis on young players.

He said: “The progression with the academy and colts team is a huge win over pre-season.

“In the last three games we had 18 players in the three squads and we had six players from the academy and colts playing. That was a huge priority when I was speaking to the club, trying to integrate the academy and the colts, which we’ve done successfully.

“Through pre-season it’s helped the club in terms of its community outreach. It’s reflected in gates we’re getting with fans coming back to watch boys they know.

“We still have six or seven boys from the central belt but in terms of the fans’ attitude towards them it’s brilliant.

“Last year you could feel the niggling under current, but when the lads are playing now the fans and community are right behind them.

“In terms of progress that’s been the biggest win for me so far – the colts, the academy and engaging the local community.

”We have brought in Charlie Caygill, who I’ve been very impressed with in pre-season, and I was surprised when we were signing him that he told us he was just 16. He is years ahead of where he should be in terms of work ethic and the way he talks on the park.”

It’s the second year running that it’s been a summer of change for Saints, who won the Utility Hut South of Scotland League title in 2021/22.

And the current aim for Clark in the new campaign is for his side – who lost 3-0 to Rossvale in their final friendly – to