Published: Wednesday, 24th June, 2009 4:57pm

Physio says bye for now

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HEALING hands Michelle McInnes has decided to hang up her sponge - but don"t expect her to stay away from Dunterlie Park for long.

The physio joined Arthurlie three years ago under then boss Gary Faulds, having been recommended to the Barrhead club by her friend - and former assistant manager - Roland Fabiani.

She went on to nurse many a wounded player back to health and while the Irvine Meadow match earlier this month was her official final bow, Michelle will be back for the legends match in September.

Michelle said: 'I will be back to see the team in the very near future as I have made too many great friends not to.

'I feel lucky as I have had an amazing three years at a wonderful football club. I"ve met some fantastic people and I am going to miss it immensely.

'In fact, I don"t think I realised how big a part of my life Arthurlie was until my final game - when I was saying cheerio to everyone I had a tear in my eye.

'I have however, assured Stuart, the new physio, that if he ever wants a day off he can call me and I will happily stand in for him at any time.'

Michelle points to a Sectional League Cup medal as her most prized possession, having been absent for the Central League Cup win.

But this is just one of a number of moments which stick in her memory.

She added: 'I don"t think I would have time to list all the high points, but if I am pushed to name one it"s actually very easy.

'Playing at St Mirren Park in the semi-final of the Scottish Junior Cup in my first season was without doubt my highlight, but after the defeat to Linlithgow it ended up as one of my lowest times too.

'The disappointment of all the players after how far they had come to lose just one game from the final was heartbreaking.

'I"ll miss the characters at the club - Paul Hilland stands out and everyone was aware when he was about you had to be on your guard.

'The same went for Alan Shields who was another one worth the watching, but of the current squad George Wallace and James Lundie have the most mischief about them.'

'But when Wallace and Craig Higgins are on the bench, they take some beating for their banter.'

There have been plenty of highs, but Michelle knows what she won"t miss too, adding: 'Being at training in the middle of winter, when it is raining, blowing a gale and sub zero, I won"t miss one little bit.

'I didn"t get to run around so I was totally freezing.'