Bald ‘not here to make the numbers up’

Manager John Coughlin has said that Billy Bald won’t just be at Shielfield Park to make up the numbers after the goalkeeper rejoined the ‘Gers ahead of Saturday’s game against Queen’s Park.

Bald left the club towards the end of last season after sustaining a broken hand in a 2-2 draw with Annan Athletic in March, while he was also finding it tough due to work commitments.

And although those commitments remain, Coughlin was pleased to add Bald – who was a trialist in the away match against Clyde a couple of weeks ago – as extra competition for the No.1 jersey alongside Kevin Walker and Mark Walters.

“One of the reasons Billy left the club in the first place was down to some massive work commitments, which is still the case, and it’s not easy to juggle that at all – I can vouch for that,” said Coughlin. “But the more chance Billy gets himself into training, the more chance he’ll have of being selected to play.

“He’s not here to make the numbers up. You’ll see him some weeks and maybe not others because obviously we have two goalkeepers in place at the minute. I know footballers though and if Billy gets an opportunity to play, he’ll take it. It’s up to him – but I certainly don’t think the competition is a bad thing at all.”