CANNING CAN BE COMEBACK KING
Published 21 Jul 2011 09:30
ANDY Whiteford believes ex-team mate James Canning will be a valuable player to Neilston on and off the park.
Canning, pictured, arrived from Dalry Thistle last week over five years after helping the Farmer's Boys to the league and cup double.
Whiteford, inset, played in the same side as Canning and he reckons he will be an important signing for Bobby Crilly this season.
Whiteford said: "I know him well. I spoke to him about what happened at Dalry with the majority of the players leaving the club.
"I spoke to him about that and I thought it would be good to come back up to Neilston.
"On the park he will be a valuable player because he scored a lot of goals last season.
"And off the park he will be a good player to have around the dressing room because of his experience.
"It's good that he has decided to come back."
Canning was a valuable player in years gone by at Brig O'Lea and Whiteford rated him highly.
Whiteford added: "He was a tricky winger when we
played together. He could get past defenders and he would have quality deliveries into the box.
"He set up a lot of goals and chances for the strikers and he was a good player in a successful team when we won the league and cup double."
Neilston have also added former favourite Gary Madden to their squad along with Bernard McDonald.
But things haven't just changed off the park for Neilston as Whiteford revealed he will be taking a back seat from coaching the team and former Brig O'Lea player Robert Fox will be brought in as coach.
He added: "I have taken a back seat from things with work and family commitments.
"I will still be involved but not as much as last season."
Meanwhile, Neilston will host their annual tournament on Saturday and Sunday at Brig O'Lea. The first game will be Renfrew v Arthurlie United at 1pm.
Neilston v Dumbarton Under-19s kicks off at 3.15pm.
The runners up tie will take place on Sunday at 1pm before the final is contested at 3.15pm
This article appeared in Barrhead News 20 Jul 11
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