Clyde close in on first signings

Brown is picking his squad from players who attended open trials

Clyde's team of trialists get the chance to impress manager John Brown and win contracts as they face Celtic Reserves at Lennoxtown on Saturday.

Brown hopes to have up to nine players signed from those who attended open trials held by the relegated club.

"These games are a good chance to look at the lads in a proper match against decent opposition," said Brown, whose side also face Queen's Park on Monday.

"We're still working towards being able to announce some signings."

The Bully Wee released almost their whole squad after coming close to administration and were relegated to Division Two for the coming season.

"Of the current batch of players, some are keeping their options open as they interest other clubs," said Brown.

Until people are formally signed up, I want to play my cards close to my chest Clyde manager John Brown

"However I'm confident of initially getting six to sign, with possibly two or three others."

Brown is concerned that wealthier clubs might come in with better offers.

"I hope that, in the next week or so, I can start giving the website the names of the players," he told Clyde's website.

"But, until people are formally signed up, I want to play my cards close to my chest.

"I appreciate that this is frustrating for fans, but we are vulnerable to other teams with bigger budgets coming in at the last minute to tempt a player away."

Brown will supplement his squad with members of the under-19 squad, who have been promoted from under-17 level last term, for the forthcoming pre-season friendlies against Queen's Park, Celtic Reserves and Partick Thistle.

"I'm hopeful of bringing in other players during August, as not all the players released from senior clubs will get signed up," added Brown.