Brown says open trials have benefited Clyde in the past

Clyde manager John Brown has announced open trials to find a new team after being forced to release all but two of the squad that suffered relegation.

The Cumbernauld club, who had already released 13 out-of-contract players, persuaded 12 others to terminate their contracts to avoid bankruptcy.

"The trials will commence on Monday 22 June," Brown told Clyde's website.

"The likelihood is that the squad will have a maximum of 20 players, so anyone picked will certainly have a chance."

The open trials were a success under previous manager Graham Roberts in 2005.

"Dougie Bell, who has agreed to stay on a voluntary basis, will assist me and together we will assess all of the trialists who attend," said Brown.

"This was a successful venture in the past and we would be wrong to ignore its potential again.

The club lives to fight another day and we will fight back Clyde manager John Brown

"We don't have a great deal of money. However, what we are offering is an opportunity for guys with ambition to take their chance to put themselves in the shop window.

"Clyde has started the careers of many players and, the last time the trials were run, within a matter of months the club was taking Rangers to extra-time and beating Celtic."

Brown did not rule out re-signing players Clyde had been forced to release and vowed to lead the Bully Wee back to Division One.

"It has been a tough time and, most of all, I feel for the players - the whole situation was dictated by the finances of the club," he said.

"I really hope they can get fixed up with other clubs. And for the ones who don't manage then don't be surprised if you see them again. I will certainly keep in touch with them all.

"If they can find other jobs then who knows? Next season, I envisage a mixture of players at the club, as youngsters will be training in the morning and part-timers will be coming in at night.

"Of course, I didn't want relegation, but I am not downhearted. The club lives to fight another day and we will fight back."

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