IT WAS rainy and blustery yesterday at Clydebank. Just the kind of

depressing weather often found around the football scene, but there was

a silver lining at Kilbowie with the arrival of former Scotland and

Celtic defender Danny McGrain.

Unheralded and unsung he has joined the Bankies' backroom team and

will coach ten full-timers and the youngsters employed under the YTS

scheme each weekday morning.

However, it was emphasised that McGrain's presence does not alter the

position of Jim Fallon, who will remain as first team coach.

Ian Steedman, Clydebank's secretary, quickly referred to the undoubted

experience and ability of McGrain and added: ''I am sure that will be of

enormous benefit to us in the months ahead. The young boys in particular

must feel that they should listen intently to a player of such

outstanding merit.''

If McGrain so chooses, he could journey with Clydebank this afternoon

and see for himself a moment of history being made, for the Kilbowie

side will be the visitors as St Johnstone open their new McDiarmid Park

to the public for the first time. The 10,000 capacity all-seated stadium

is certain to become a point of interest for all clubs this season as

they journey there.

On a more sombre note, Hamilton players and officials will this

morning attend the funeral of the father of one of their players, Scott

Archer, who died suddenly in midweek. Later, they will be at Broomfield

for the Lanarkshire derby against Airdrie.

Although the Douglas Park side will not be at full strength, with

Archer absent and both Craig Napier and Steve Morrison struggling with

injuries, it is unlikely that Airdrie will be able to find the time to

relax.

Indeed, the Hamilton players feel they have a point to prove. They

were angered by the fact that the seem to have been written off in the

Skol Cup. Manager Jim Dempsey explained: ''We have heard people suggest

that Dundee United will meet Rangers in the Skol Cup quarter-final. We

play United next week and intend to show over the next few days that we

cannot be discounted.''

Newtongrange Star goalkeeper Alan Carsewell today gets the chance to

show what he can do in the first division. Meadowbank's regular keeper

Jim McQueen has had an unhappy start to the season and manager Terry

Christie has decided to rest him. Carsewell could receive a signing

offer if he looks the part against Alloa and that in turn would put more

pressure on McQueen.

Barely one week into the season injuries are already taking their toll

and Ayr United's John Sludden, who has a suspected cracked ankle bone,

will miss his sides's home match with Forfar.

Albion Rovers, the division's newcomers, take on Partick Thistle at

Firhill and will attempt to upset the promotion favourites following

their outstanding win on the first day of the season.

Falkirk manager Jim Duffy yesterday noted the optimistic sign that

around 1500 fans travelled last week with his club to Forfar and he is

hoping that this trend continues when Raith Rovers are the visitors to

Brockville.