With just two wins since taking over the reigns back in December and with relegation looming, Yoker co-managers Tommy Montgomery and Peter McKenna haven’t had a lot to cheer about since replacing Maurice George.
However, one bright spark for the former Harmony Row duo is the form of young midfielder Jamie Waddell.
The 24-year-old joined from Cumbernauld Colts in the Scottish Lowland League soon after the management upheaval at Holm Park and, despite the Whe Ho struggling in general, Montgomery was effusive in his praise for the Darnley youngster whose quality has shone through in the middle of the park.
“He’s been outstanding for us and is beginning to really show the talent and form we knew he was capable of,” Montgomery told Post Sport. “Jamie has been a massive positive for us. Myself and Peter managed him at Harmony Row 21s where he was the best player in the league by some distance before he left for Cumbernauld.
“Making the step up from under 21s and then the amateurs has taken him a wee bit of time but he’s been starting to find his feet in recent weeks and really show off his talent. He’s starting to look like the elegant midfielder we know he is - he’s got a bit about him which has been a real bonus since we took over.”
Yoker were out of action at the weekend and have just three fixtures remaining to beat the drop - the first of which comes against Maryhill this Saturday.
And while Waddell has been impressing in the middle of the park, the Whe Ho currently sit third bottom and five points away from safety with Shettleston having three games in hand.
The writing appears to be on the wall for Yoker - and the gaffer knows exactly where the problem lies.
READ MORE: Frustration setting in as Yoker suffer another heavy defeat
He added: “The likes of Jamie, Greig Maitland, Chris Scott and Gary Bissland in midfield have been fantastic for us in general. I feel a lot of sympathy for my midfield because they’re busting their guts, working hard and doing everything right against some of the top teams in the league.
“A number of defensive errors hands the other team the advantage so there’s not much more my midfield could do about that. It’s been so frustrating for those boys.”
With relegation looking likely, Montgomery and McKenna have been hard at work tying down players for League Two with Waddell confirming he’d like to stay at Holm Park.
READ MORE:Individual errors to blame as Yoker fall to high-flying Shotts
He said: “I want to stay. It’s a nice set up here so I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes.”
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