Wilson counsels wise Elgin approach
FAILURE to get promoted would now be a major disappointment for Elgin City fans, but in the eyes of Barry Wilson it would still mean progress.
The City assistant boss has warned buoyant supporters not to make assumptions that their team is destined for a place in Division 2 next term, just because they have reached the play-offs for the first time.
Wilson insists that the achievement of venturing into uncharted waters by reaching this new level is the biggest feather in City’s cap.
“It’s great to be in the play-offs, and we’ve got a 25% chance of getting into the Second Division,” Barry said.
“I would love for us to do it and go all the way, but the most important thing from my point of view is that the club is making progress on and off the field.
“Yes, we could get promoted, but also it might not be. You don’t want to be getting carried away.
“The play-offs are a new experience to me and everyone else here, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Wilson has played his part, both as a coach and player, in helping manager Ross Jack to push Elgin into promotion contention this season.
His days on the pitch are numbered, however, and he plans to retire at the end of the campaign.
So he is dreaming of one more opportunity to finish his career on a memorable note, and hopes it could arrive when City play a league match against Queen’s Park at Hampden on Saturday.
The Moray club is expected to make several changes to their line-up for a match which will have no bearing on league positions. Players carrying knocks, or close to suspension will be rested, and 40-year-old Wilson realises it could be a final opportunity for him to pull on the boots and play at the National Stadium.
“I tweaked my hamstring a couple of weeks ago but I’m feeling better, and I think it would be quite nice to draw the curtain down with a game at Hampden.
“I’ve said to Ross I would quite like to be involved at some stage. I’ve played in a couple of cup semis there, and scored a few goals in my time.
“I used to love playing on the big Hampden pitch when I was younger – so I might not like it so much now.”
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