Ex-captain returns for Greenock game
Gary Pews • Published 10 Feb 2012 13:30
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Neilston v Greenock
FORMER Greenock captain Thomas Docherty has re-joined the club, just six months after leaving for Dalry Thistle.
After 14 years at Ravenscraig, Docherty signed for the Ayrshire club in August, saying he needed a fresh challenge.
But he was put on the transfer list by Dalry two weeks ago, citing the travelling involved as his reason for wanting away in a bid to look for a move back to a club nearer his Greenock home.
A return to his former club looked unlikely, however, after Greenock manager Stevie Mooney seemed to pour cold water on the suggestion.
Just last week, Mooney told the Tele that such a move back did not usually work out, and said it would also be impossible for his club to afford the transfer fee involved.
But that hurdle was removed when the player himself bought out his remaining contract, making him a free agent.
And after he featured as a trialist in Greenock's friendly match against Forth Wanderers on Monday night, he re-signed for the club.
Mooney said: "To get the opportunity to sign a player of Thomas's quality for nothing was too good a chance to turn down.
"I didn't want him to leave in the first place and I think he, too, may have regretted leaving.
"I feel he may give us the spark we need at this stage in the season to push on for promotion, and I am very pleased to have him back."
Docherty added: "I do regret moving away and I am delighted to be back. The boys have been giving me some good-natured banter, but I plan to just get my head down and focus on my football."
Mooney was staying tight-lipped on the prospects of Docherty going straight into the side for tomorrow's league match at Neilston, but it would be a surprise if he did not feature at some point.
There were signs of Greenock's defensive frailties again during Monday's exciting 4-4 draw with Forth, although that could partly be explained by a number of trialists being brought on after Greenock were 3-1 and then 4-2 ahead, their goals coming from Ross Kearns, Kenny Mackay and a Stevie Dallas double.
Mooney admits, though, that the defence will need to tighten up if they are to take anything from tomorrow's match.
He said: "It was an excellent work-out against Forth, but Neilston are a step up in quality.
"I think they are one of the clubs who will be there or thereabouts in the promotion chase, so a win tomorrow would open up a massive points difference between us."
The constant run of postponements has seen John Forsyth's four-match ban extend over several months, but the striker is the only player ruled out of Saturday's match, with everyone else available for selection.
Greenock Juniors are sponsored by Regents Vehicle Sales, Greenock, and the Lighthouse Bar.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 10 Feb 12
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