Coughlin: “We’ll be ready for Albion Rovers”

‘Gers boss John Coughlin has promised that his side will be ready for the visit of SPFL Ladbrokes League One side Albion Rovers in what will be Berwick’s opening game of their 2016/17 Betfred Cup campaign.

Speaking to BRFC TV’s Eric Tait after last night’s 1-1 draw with Hibernian, Coughlin revealed that attracting more physically imposing players was a priority high on his to-do list this summer.

“I think it’s probably a mark of my own teams. I’m 5ft10, but I like to be looking up at my players when I’m speaking to em. I think you need a presence as I think it’s something that the league run-in demands.

“You’ve got to have that athleticism, the guys we have like Robert Wilson, Michael McKenna and others we have around the club are well-built. They’re big lads, and we brought in some that were equal to those.

“When I came into the club I felt we were a little too small. We had some good footballers but there wasn’t enough physicality or presence in the squad.

“I had to go change that and I think the signings I’ve gone and made will serve us well in that department, but equally you have to have some ability. You don’t come to this club who can play the game and I think we’ve found some players who can do both.”

Coughlin also revealed that a tough pre-season schedule for the ‘Gers was very much intended, as he prepares his side for a tough Betfred Cup group.

“We’ve taken tough tests, we haven’t taken any easy games. I’m in the camp that wonders ‘where do you learn?’. These games will make sure we’re battle-hardened and ready for Albion Rovers.”

Coughlin also discusses the match itself with Hibernian, his thoughts on some of his signings so far and some of the other aims of his side’s pre-season.