From minor to major, playing the right tune

CLYDE are a unique club. For

a start, the two men pivotal

to their transformation, chief executive Ronnie MacDonald and manager Allan Maitland, have not taken a penny in return for their gargantuan efforts.

The duo, who took over when Clyde were freefalling towards the third division and possible armageddon, have moulded a crop of junior players into a squad destined for great things in less than two years and the Bully Wee aficionados, whose number had dwindled almost to the point of extinction during the years of decay, have also returned with a vengeance.

Support both from the local community and those erstwhile Shawfield regulars was vital to the club's recovery and success on the field has contributed to an unusual relationship between the players and their audience.

According to Brian Carrigan - second division player of the year, second division top scorer, the country's most prolific striker behind Mark Viduka, and Scotland Under-21 internationalist (when was the last time Clyde could lay claim to such a talent?) - it is quite common for the team to meet up with the terrace dwellers after the match for a pint of sanity.

Presumably, the topic of conversation does not revolve around Richie McCusker's sitter or David Wylie's bloomer - although mistakes have been few and far between during their title-winning campaign - but it is clear the bond is contributing to something quite special at Broadwood.

''Yes, we go out with the fans - it's different, but we get on really well with them and it's something the manager and Ronnie told us was important when they took over,'' said Carrigan, the only player to emerge unscathed from the revolution and only one of two people - perennial injury victim Mark McGraw the other - to have been afforded the luxury of a full-time contract.

''They were right, too, because the fans have been absolutely tremendous with us this season and have played a big part in helping us win the title.''

It has been a stark turnaround for the youngster, who feared he would have to find a new club after struggling to break into the team at the start of last season. In hindsight, though, he concedes that he did not embrace change with a positive attitude but is now reaping the rewards for the extra practice he puts in during the day, when the rest of his team-mates are earning a living through various vocations.

''I did let myself down a bit,'' recalled the 20-year-old. ''I had been playing in the first team since I was 16 and all of a sudden I was put on the bench. I didn't know what was happening and, when a lot of the players started leaving, I feared the worst, but my form picked up and I was offered a new contract, which was a relief because I couldn't have gone part time - I cannot do anything else but play football.''

Carrigan joined the club on a YTS scheme seven years ago under Alex Smith and, during his time with Clyde, has experienced more crises than is healthy for a young player starting out on the long, rocky road to success.

His confidence and eye for goal have remained intact, though, his 25 goals so far this season - ''although it should be 26, because John Barret stole one from me'' - evidence of that. His prolific form has reunited him with his mentor, Smith, who called him into the Scotland under-21 squad for the friendly match with Holland last month.

It was an occasion Carrigan admits that he will never forget but hopes it will not be a one-off. ''I only played the last 20 minutes, but it was a fantastic experience. I was not really surprised when I was called up because I knew Alex had been watching me.

''There's a triangular tournament in Ireland this month and I hope to be involved in that, too. Alex has been great to me, he helped me a lot when I was younger.''

After Gardiner Spiers' inauspicious term of office, Carrigan, like the rest of the squad, were sceptical of the appointment of two men from Maryhill Juniors.

Two years on, he is convinced they are the best thing to happen to Clyde in a long, long time. ''Gardner tended to buy players who were coming to the end

of their careers, but Ronnie

and Allan came in with new

ideas, which have been proved successful.

''What Allan has achieved so far is incredible for a young manager. We are criticised for being a kick-and-rush team, but we play some great football and, more importantly, are getting the results.

''It's not over yet, either. I think we can cause a surprise in the first division. We are good enough.''

With their stadium already SPL compliant, their youth teams thriving, and their books now balanced, Clyde regard themselves as a Premier League club in waiting and Carrigan, who has one year left on his contract, is more than happy to help them on their way to realising their lofty ambitions despite growing interest from north and south of the Border.

''As long as we stay in the first division next season, I'll be happy here. Of course, I would love to be able to play in the Premiership, but I have so much to learn and the club have so much still to achieve.''