Sunday Central Preview: Interview with Scott MacGregor and Exciting Cup and League games to come

It was an honour to speak to Weir Recreation boss, Scott MacGregor for a Q&A this weekend. It was brilliant to speak to him, and to hear what he had to say. I am not going to rattle on, like I normally do, but here is the Q&A with the brilliant Scott McGregor, a real gentleman. 1 An excellent start to the season Scott, Weir Rec have been excellent, how are the current end of season goals? Results wise it has been a decent start for us but we still haven’t reached our top speed yet. A few games we have played to our full potential but we have had a few injuries and some of the boys are returning to the squad now so looking to crack on and show some consistency. End of season goals is to win the league and step up to the prem. The quality of the squad is more than capable of that. Wee run in the West would be nice as well after our early exit in the Scottish to an excellent Drumchapel team. 2 What’s the atmosphere like in the Weir Recreation camp? It’s brilliant, they are a great bunch of lads. Since the club has went to a Saturday and a Sunday team there is a real unity about the place. A lot of the boys play for both teams as well. There aren’t many amateur clubs in the country that have the facilities that we have and the boys really appreciate it. You can tell they’re all mates as well having a laugh and banter. When game time comes they know how to switch on and focus though. 3 If you could compare yourself to any manager, who would it be and why? Hard to say to be honest, don’t really classify myself as a manager at times! I’m only 27 so I’m quite young for a manager. I wouldn’t say I’m the best tactically or anything like that I just put in a lot of hard work. I’ve got a good bond with every single one of my players and I try to do my best for them and treat them fairly. I always give 110%, if the manager doesn’t give his all then why would the players? I do however try and learn a lot and since we have became Weirs I’ve learned a lot from Gus the Saturday team manager and Simon one of the coaches who takes our training. 4 What has been your proudest moment as the manager of Weir Recreation? The boys have gave me a lot of proud moments tbh but as a whole the best has got to be winning the league last season. It was a season of hard work and every single one of them helped earn that trophy. Watching them all go wild with the trophy in their hands was a proud moment. On a personal level a very proud moment was when I got Jamie McQuilken to play for us. I used to be secretary of a sat morning team and Jamie played for them. I had a falling out with their manager and decided it was best to walk away. Jamie messaged me said “if you go, I go” I then asked him to come to the sunday team and we’ve not looked back. When an ex-pro who has played at the highest level in football sticks by you, in my opinion, it’s something to be proud of. Means I must be doing something right!!! 5 How does the day of the game go for you as manager, what is the routine? Depends on how late I am! Normally I’ve got all the stuff ready the night before, team lines, jackets, balls etc and the cars packed if we’ve got an away game. I like to pick up a few of the players, grab a light bite to eat and then head to the game. Make sure the medi bag is well stocked, lay out the strips, fill the water bottles and i normally put out sweets and oranges for the players. If the game is at home I open up the clubhouse and get things organised in there. Then after the game tidy up and sweep out the changing rooms. We like to put on hospitality for away teams as well. Good sign of respect. 6 When your days of management are done, how would you want the football community to remember Scott MacGregor? I would like to have been successful for the club. I would like to have won a few things and for their to be a firm pathway for boys to start their footballing careers at Weirs and play all the way up to amateur. It’s important to get boys playing football. Weirs is a fantastic place to be involved and they have done so much for us, would like to return the favour. 7 You have played at many venues, but where is the best away day you have had with Weir Recreation? We haven’t had many away days as a Sunday team yet. A lot of the pitches tend to be Glasgow based. I know the boys love playing on the new Astro at Glasgow Green. Also The hospitality put on by Glasgow Star was fantastic as well. As a club nothing beats an away game to Rothesay in the Caledonian League!!!! 8 If you could give any bit of advice to a young footballer, coming through the ranks, what would it be? Stick with it, have a good attitude and go to all the training sessions and games you can. Football has got so many quality aspects, compadre, fitness, the social aspect and most importantly enjoyment. Keep your feet on the ground, work hard and enjoy yourself. Then you’ll reap the rewards. 9 Sporting Hero? When I was young I grew up during the Rangers 9 in a row years and Ally McCoist was always my hero. Always remember watching his 2 vhs tapes, Super Ally and the Real McCoist when I was young. After Ally it was Barry Ferguson, he lived every young Rangers fans dream. Captained his boyhood club and lifted the treble. 10 Goal for the season, and beyond? Win the league and work our way up the sunday central, would love to go on a good run in the Scottish next season too and get the Weir Recreation name out there. 11 Which team do you support? I’m a Rangers fan but more importantly a Weirs fan 😂 12 Dream signing, who would it be? Realistically would like all the boys to stay put, Jamie to come back from injury, Gav to patch the rigs and boys that have had injury problems like Tony and Rainey to stay fit. Most importantly want Stuarty to stay at the club for the long term, the wee man is class. 13 Quickest Player in Weir Recreation? Ooooft hard one. Colin Russell and Gavin Macleod are both lightening. New player Kevin Kelly is rapid too. Tony Quinn as well 😂 we’ve got a few! I’ll need them to race at training and get back to you on that one. 14 Worst Dress Sense in the club? Probably myself 😂😂😂 15 Who tells the jokes in the club? Graham and Ridgey are always up to something! 16 Who plays the music before the game? Big Callum’s choking for a speaker and wee Ridgey’s an MC. 17 Which of the three people would you want to be stuck on a desert island with? My good lady, Kevin Bridges cause he’s hilarious and Bear Grylls so we survive! 18 If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy? Would pay off the mortgage, pay off my sisters mortgage and probably take my parents, my Mrs parents and my wee aunt on holiday because they have always been there for me. Second would be a team holiday 😂😂😂 19 What series are you currently watching on Netflix? Just finished Gotham and I am rewatching Peaky Blinders. Sons of Anarchy and GOT are my 2 favourite shows of all time though 20 What is the perfect day in your life? Out for a scran with the lads before a game at Albert Park. Watch the mighty Weirs do the business then go out with a few other couples me and the Mrs are pally with and go do an escape room or go karting then out for a few beverages! Either that or on holiday with my family, a day spent with my niece and nephew is always a good day. 21 If you could have personally witnessed anything or been at any event, what would it have been? (One football, one outside of football?) Football I would of liked to have been at Easter Road on helicopter sunday or Tannadice for 9 in a row. Been to the majority of other big Rangers games but missed those 2. Would love to take in an El Classico as well. Can’t really think of any big events I would of liked to have been at but I would of loved to have seen George Carlin live! That man was astonishingly clever and absolutely hilarious. West Of Scotland Cup (Round 2) •Albion vs. Overlee Partizans Two Sunday Central clubs are due to go head to head in the second round of the West Of Scotland Cup. The hosts are the in form Albion, who have enjoyed a couple of weeks without competitive football, but they will be hungry and ready to get on the park against for an exciting game against Overlee Partizans. The visitors have been brilliant in cup competitions this season, and have been free scoring. Despite a tough result at the weekend, they will be ready to right that wrong. This is going to be an excellent game, that could go either way. I managed to speak to Brian Dornan, manager of Albion, and he has said, “ALBION are up against last year's premier champions which is going to be our toughest test and hardest game since we became part of the Sunday central afl as we know were up against a quality aide” •Bengal Lancers vs. Saltcoats The comeback kings, Bengal Lancers, have been excellent this season, especially in cup competitions. They are at home to Saltcoats, this weekend, a game that they will be up for a ready to get on the park. Bengal Lancers will hope to progress through to round 3. •Blackhill Brae vs. Weir Recreation An away trip this weekend for the Sunday Central league side, Weir Recreation. A side that are enjoying an excellent run of games at late, they are really at full stride and hoping to continue their league form, into the cup this weekend. They will want to progress through to the next round of the cup, but they will know their away day to Blackhill Brae will be a tough one. Weir Recreation have a lot of talent in their ranks and will hope their stars are in top form this weekend. They will be up for this contest, an exciting cup tie to come. I spoke to manager of Weir Recreation, Scott McGregor, and he said, “This week we are in round 2 of the West Cup! We face a young hungry Blackhill Braes team who I’m sure will be right up for it. We have a couple players missing but welcome back a couple of boys returning from working away or injury. Confident that we’ll put on a performance.” •Brunswick vs. Crownpoint United The in form and high flying Brunswick are at home to another Sunday Central League club, in what is set to be a fantastic cup tie. Crownpoint United have struggled this season in the league, and have yet to pick up a win, but they are in the cup this weekend, and can put league action behind them. They will be up for what is going to be a very tough cup encounter. Brunswick remain top in the league having won 4 out of 4, and flying high. They will hope to take their exceptional league form and convert it into cup progression this weekend as they host Crownpoint United. •Budhill United vs. Burgh AFC The in form Premier 2 side, Budhill United have been in excellent form having won 2 out of their first 3 league games this season, but they will be preparing for cup action this weekend. They will be hosting Burgh AFC, and will expect a tough challenge, but feel very confident after a few excellent performances. The brilliant Budhill United will be ready to fly the Sunday Central flag in the second round, and will hope to progress to the third round. •Carluke Thistle vs. Well Foundation The Premier 2 outfit, Carluke Thistle have been in fine form this weekend, and they are going to be up for a tough game against Well Foundation in the second round. Carluke Thistle are an excellent side that currently sit 4th in the table, as they are unbeaten having won 2 out of 2 in their opening league games this season. Carluke Thistle have been formidable and outstanding, and will be easy for this cup game and hope to progress through to the next round. I spoke to Carluke Thistle, and they have said, “Supposed to be playing in the 2nd Round of the West of Scotland Cup against Airdrie & Coatbridge AFL side The Well Foundation. They have awarded us the fixture as they are unable to field a team. Not the way we wanted to go through but we’ll take it & enjoy the rest.” •Castlemilk Dynamo vs. Drumchapel United This match is going to be phenomenal. Two of the most in from and high flying teams in the top division of the Sunday Central League and they have both been on fire. The hosts are Castlemilk Dynamo and they have been in excellent form, scoring many goals, and being relentless when it comes to all of their win this weekend. Castlemilk Dynamo have been excellent at the back, they have played 3 league games and conceded just 1 goal. Castlemilk Dynamo have scored 21 goals in just 3 league games, they have been on fire. Drumchapel United have also been in exceptional form, and these two clubs colliding makes for an extremely interesting cup tie. Drumchapel United will know this is going to be an incredible chance to make a major statement in both the league and the cup! I managed to speak to Drumchapel United, and they have said, “Massive game on Sunday against Castlemilk Dynamo in the West Cup. They are flying at the moment and scoring for fun so will be good to test ourselves against them and see how far we have came as a squad.” •Castlemilk United vs. Glasgow Athletic An all Sunday Central League clash in the cup this weekend, as Championship 3 club Glasgow Athletic will be on the road to Castlemilk United. Glasgow Athletic have enjoyed a good start to the season, and they will know that they are going to be in a tough game against a very good Castlemilk United. Castlemilk United are yet to pick up their first win in the league, but this is the cup and anything can happen, it all depends on the 90 minutes of the day, and the magic of the cup tie will kick in, and that makes this one, an exciting game!! •Clyde Thistle vs. New Stevenson United An away triple for the Sunday Central League club New Stevenson United, as they travel to Clyde Thistle in the cup this weekend. New Stevenson United will be up for the challenge and give it all they have to try and progress through to the next round. This will be a great cup tie. •East Lane vs. Stables The in form East Lane have been brilliant and are flying very high in the Sunday Central League. East Lane are usually relentless in front of goal, as they have scored 29 goals in their opening 4 league games, averaging over 7 goals per game. Not only have East Lane been clinical in front of goal, but they have an excellent defensive record in the league, they have played 4 games and conceded just 4 goals. They have often scored 10 or over goals in games in both the league and the cup and East Lane are going to be up for an incredible match. East Lane have been brilliant all season long and they are at home to Stables this weekend, and they will be up for the challenge. This is going to be an outstanding game! •EastEnd Tower vs. Killie Athletic The top division of the Sunday Central League has some outstanding teams and one of them is of course, EastEnd Tower, who are unbeaten in the league. They have won 3 out of 3 in Premier 1 and they will hope to convert it into a huge cup win against the very good Killie Athletic. The hosts are going to be ready for the challenge and will take a lot of confidence into this massive cup game. •EastEnd United vs. Calderside Top of the table and flying high, Calderside are going to be up for this cup tie. The visitors have played 4 won 4 this season and are in exceptional form. They will hope to convert that form into a cup tie and progression. •Glenmill Thistle vs. HSV An all Sunday Central League clash between Glenmill Thistle and HSV and the two clubs will look to forget all about leagues, league positions and form goes out the window as the magic of the cup tie will radiate through the clubs and a cracking cup tie. •Haghill vs. Coltness United The home club, Haghill are another side that have been incredible in the Premier 1 this year. They have been in great form, and currently sit 4th in the table. The home club Haghill will be playing Coltness United in a massive game. Haghill will hope their stars are firing so that they can bounce back after last week. Last weekend’s games, will mean that Haghill will comeback hungrier than ever. •Kilsyth Rovers vs. EastEnd Star This is set to be an excellent game as two infrom clubs collide. The hosts, Kilsyth Rovers are second in the table and they are going to be up for this contest against a very good side. Colin Hughes’ men will know that this is going to be a tough game, but with the magic of the cup tie. The visitors are East End Star, who are coming off an excellent win away from home, and they will hope to take a lot of positives from that game and this will make for an excellent cup game. I managed to speak to Sean Smith, manager of EastEnd Star, and he has said, “Lads looking forward to this weekend game in the west of Scotland. We go into the game with a full squad to pick from. Hoping to reach the 3rd Round in our 1st year.” I also managed to speak to Colin Hughes, manager of Kilsyth Rovers, and he said, “looking forward to the game against Eastend Star, be good to challenge ourselves against higher opposition but it won’t be easy,” •Lanarkshire Forrest vs. Haldane United An away trip for Sunday Central club, Haldane United are on the road to Lanarkshire Forrest, the the hosts will be up for a great and tough game this weekend. The visitors have started well in the league and have a lot of positives to be taken through to the next round of the cup. This is going to be an excellent contest. •Motherwell Villa vs. Cambuslang Football Academy The visitors, Cambuslang Football Academy will be looking forward to their trip to Motherwell Villa in the cup. They have only played one league game this season, and of course it ended in a draw. The visitors will be up for the challenge this weekend and will be hoping to progress through to the next round of the cup. This is going to be an outstanding game, the visitors will be ready for a tough match. •Northend vs. Station Bar Frankie Carrick’s, Northend have been on fire and they are going to be ready for a cup game, as they are currently in a brilliant spell of form, and will hope the cup game can extend that form. They are at home to Station Bar this weekend and they will expect a tough game, but be ready for it this weekend. Northend are a formidable side as of late and they will be ready for this contest and will go into the game positive. I spoke to Northend manager, Frankie Carrick, and he has said, “We are going into the game full of confidence after our recent good form the team has been getting stronger over the last couple of weeks and we will be looking for another good performance from the lads to take us into the next round of the cup” •Polonia Glasgow vs. Airdrie Albion An all Sunday Central League clash between Polonia Glasgow and Airdrie Albion this weekend as the home club in Premier 1 will be in action against Airdie Albion of the championship. The away side have a chance to make a major statement, and they will know that the magic of the cup tie, will be in full force in this one, and it will make for an exciting cup tie. •Rutherglen Burgh vs. Sporting Pumas Championship 2 club, Rutherglen Burgh have been excellent in the league. The home club have won half of their matches, but will put all league action behind them to focus their full attention on the league. They do have tough opponents, in Sporting Pumas, and they are unbeaten in the Premier 2. Sporting Pumas have been incredible in the league, for not just this year, but year’s league campaign also! They will be up for this league competition and home to keep a very good run of games going. This will be a cracking game! •South Lanarkshire Ravens vs. Condorrat Weavers The hosts of this cup tie, will be South Lanarkshire Ravens, of the Sunday Central Championship 2, and they will be up for the visit of Condorrat Weavers. They currently sit 8th in the table, but league form doesn’t mean anything when it comes to cup competitions, and the home club, will be up for the challenge. •Wishaw Athletic vs. Rutherglen Rovers Rutherglen Rovers will be up for an away trip in the second round of the cup this weekend, as they travel to Wishaw Athletic. They will put all form, and league action out of their mind and focus their full attention on this weekend’s cup tie. Mulheron Scaffolding Services Premier 1 •Eastfield Star vs. Cranhill United Just the one game, in the Mulheron Scaffolding Services Premier 1 this weekend. The hosts Eastfield Star are on the hunt for their first win of the season, and they will be ready and up for this contest. The visitors, Cranhill United have started the season well in the league, having won one, lost one, but they will hope to pick up a win, and should they do that, it will be an advantage, as with just one game in the league, it gives both sides a chance to the table, come Sunday night. Mulheron Scaffolding Services Premier 3 •Gorbals United vs. Glasgow Irish A good game set for Premier 3, as Gorbals United host Glasgow Irish. Glasgow Irish will be hoping to pick up their first win of the season, and will hope a win push them towards a run of games. They play 5th place Gorbals United. •Carluke Victoria vs. Rosehill Thistle Two clubs with just a point to separate them are going to have a game this weekend in the Premier 3. Rosehill Thistle have three points, and Carluke Victoria will be on the hunt this weekend for their first win of the season. Two very evenly matched sides based on league positions, but of course, it all depends on the 90 minutes on the turf, this Sunday. •PFD vs. Red Staars Baagrade The third places Red Staars Baagrade are on the road to PFD this weekend, in the Premier 3, and two clubs that have just 2 points between them go head to head. The hosts, PFD have played two games, and have won one, and drawn one, they remain unbeaten, and will still want to be unbeaten at the end of this weekend. Red Staars Baagrade have won two, lost two, but they will be up for this contest. They will want to pick a win and stay hot on the heels of current league leaders, Calderside, who are in cup duty this weekend. A cracking game is in store, between two very good Sunday Central clubs. Cutting Edge Engravers Championship 1 •Provanmill Thistle vs. EastEnd Rovers On paper, this will be a very close game, as just a point and a league position separates the two clubs. Of course, matches are very different on paper than they are on grass, and the 90 minutes on Sunday are all that will matter. This will be an excellent match, and the visitors, who have a game in hand on the hosts, will hope to pick up a win and climb the table. Provanmill Thistle however can leapfrog EastEnd Rovers, if they were to pick up 3 points. It could go either way, this will be an excellent match. I spoke to EastEnd Rovers, and they have said, “Another tough game this week against an opponent who is in good form. Looking forward to the challenge and even though results have not went our way recently the spirit in the team is still strong.” •EK Athletic vs. Rumours AFC Top of the table and flying high is the current situation for EK Athletic, who were involved in a thrilling 5-5 draw with Eastwood Mearns last weekend, and will be ready to get back on the park in their home ground this weekend. EK Athletic are unbeaten in the league, having played 5, won 3 and drawn 2, an excellent start and they will have no intention of letting that unbeaten streak end this weekend. They will know they will be in a tough battle with Rumours AFC, who will be ready for this upcoming match with EK Athletic. EK Athletic have been clinical in front of goal, having scored 25 goals, in 5 games, a fantastic achievement, they are going to be up for this game on Sunday! •Eastwood Mearns vs. Vale Rangers The unbeaten Eastwood Mearns have been in cracking form this season, and they are coming off a 5-5 draw last weekend against top of the table. Eastwood Mearns have played 3, won 2 and drew once, last weekend. The club will be ready for the visit of Vale Rangers, another good clubs, who didn’t play last weekend. They are on the road in the hope of picking up their first win of the season, and they are going to give it their all, and they have been coming close to picking up that first win of the season, and will hope this weekend is the week. I spoke to Steven Sharp of Eastwood Mearns, and they have said, “Another weekend and another big game. As I've said previous we take every week one step at a time with every game being treated like a cup final. Despite dropping points last week the atmosphere at Mearns is fantastic as always and we are looking to continue our undefeated run in the league. I've got a great squad of players to pick from which is a headache in terms of selection but it's a headache that's more than welcome and something I'm extremely grateful for. When you've got lads rearranging plans and changing shifts at work to make themselves available for selection you know just how great the team spirit is so I'm looking forward to getting in and hopefully claiming all 3 points.” Cutting Edge Engravers Championship 2 •Glasgow Star vs. Blantyre Albion Blantyre Albion are on the road this weekend, as they travel to Glasgow Star. This match could not be level on paper, as both clubs are level on points, have played the same amount of games, and same amount of win (2), same amount of draws (2), and of course, neither side has lost a game in the league. The match couldn’t be called at this point, but both teams will see this as an opportunity against a side around them in the league. Despite the fact it is dead even on paper, based on the league and on points, it will come down to who plays better on the day, and who can win, in the important 90 minutes, this Sunday. •Wellhouse vs. Bardykes Rovers A game between two teams at each end of the table this weekend, but we know that it depends on the 90 minutes that the games takes place between! Bardykes Rovers have been in exceptional form, and have scored 18 goals in their last 2 league games. Last weekend they scored 8 goals, and it was a Kenny show! Kenny Glen scored two goals, and the star of the show was Kenny Wright, who scored 5 goals, in an outstanding performance to fire his team. Kennt also scored 4 goals the weekend before that, and Bardykes Rovers have been in fine form. Wellhouse are on the hunt for their first win of the season, and getting it against top of the table, would be a major statement for the club, to the rest of the teams. Wellhouse will know that all that matters is the day of the game, and they will be up for the challenge. I managed to speak to Wellhouse, and they they have said, “This weekend we are at home to bardyke. 2 weeks ago they inflicted a heavy defeat on us. That they totally deserved. But we are hoping to show a big improvement this weekend. We have a few new trialist who will be part of our squad. So hopefully we will put on a good display and with a bit of luck we could get a good result.” •Broadwood Clyde vs. Newmains United An excellent victory last weekend for Newmains United, will have delighted manager Paul McMahon, and his men will be ready for an away day this weekend. 5th placed Newmains United, travel to a Broadwood Clyde side, that are capable of beating anyone on their day, having picked up a huge league win a few weeks ago. They will be a tough test for Newmains United, and this game should be a close one. Newmains United will take a lot of confidence from last weekend’s performance, and will be proud of how they performed.