Words of warning from Elgin City manager Gavin Price trigger positive Darry McHardy reaction
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DARRYL McHardy could easily have been on Elgin City’s sub bench last Saturday instead of scoring a last-gasp equaliser and a possible turning point for his team.
The local favourite struck at the death to land 10-man City a point in a 2-2 draw with Stenhousemuir, and three days later the Black and Whites continued their revival with a vital 1-0 victory at Stirling Albion.
WATCH: Darryl McHardy equaliser rescues Elgin City.
McHardy admitted he has been struggling for form and fitness, and his manager Gavin Price has challenged him to step up his efforts over the festive period.
“He spoke to me before the game and I didn’t expect to be playing today,” McHardy said.
“There haven’t been games and sometimes things don’t go and there was a wee stage where I wasn’t training very well and it affects you in games.
“I just need to get my fitness up after new year and back into the gym.
“I don’t feel I’m at my best just now, I’ve had a bit of a blip over a couple of weeks and I said that to the gaffer.
“Things are not going my way, so it was good to get a goal and give me a bit of confidence. Moments like that definitely help.”
Price said that McHardy has needed past reminders about his fitness, but admitted that he has a knack for coming up with important goals.
“We had our yearly chat this week about what he is putting into things and I’m glad he’s repaid me, because I think he was nervous about being out of the side,” he said.
“He’s got to show that desire in training, matches and everything because that is what will get him back to his best and where we saw him towards the end of last season, when I thought he was fantastic. He was fit and strong and you get that from what you do in training.
“After the Annan game I had a sit down and a chat with him. He knows I’m needing more from him again, and I’m pleased he’s repaid me with the goal at the end and he has got that in his locker. He’s got the never-say-die attitude.”
