Shotts boys 'deserve a crack' at Premier League next season, says boss
dailyrecord.co.ukShotts boss John McKeown says his hard-working squad deserve a crack at the West of Scotland Premier League next season, after finishing second in the First Division.A 0-0 draw with Blantyre Vics in their season finale earlier this month saw the Bonny overtake Johnstone Burgh, to end up just three points behind champions Drumchapel United.
That’s an impressive campaign from a club with one of the smallest budgets in the division.McKeown says hard work has led to Shotts’ second-placed finish and hopes they can do well in the top flight, though he knows what to expect.He said: “The boys deserve to have finished second, they’ve been excellent all season.“Loads of people doubted them and wrote them off, but these boys just keep producing results through hard work and desire.
They’ve all got each other’s back and been fantastic.“It’s a great opportunity and an achievement. It’s bigger crowds, playing against top-class players, loads of ex-pros and stuff like that, and this league is a big step up and gulf.
I feel as if these guys deserve a crack at the Premier, and I’m glad to give them that chance.”McKeown reckons his side go up to the Premier League with no pressure on them and will see how they go.He said: “The Premier League is where we want to be.“It will be a big ask, but the boys deserve a wee go at it, and I’m just delighted for the group that they’ve managed to get themselves up and what was a huge achievement for the club.“We probably need to look at Benburb, because they went up with probably not a massive budget.
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