Elgin City manager Barry Smith is closing in on a new signing ahead of Tuesday’s League Two home showdown against Stenhousemuir.
The Moray club – and Stenny – have not played since September 30, due to being out of the SPFL Trust Trophy and weather hitting the card.
In fact, this fixture was set for October 7, but was washed out by downpours, while the impact of Storm Babet on Saturday saw Elgin v Forfar wiped out along with the Warriors’ match at home to Peterhead.
Elgin’s last fixture was a gruelling 6-0 defeat at leaders Peterhead, but injuries left Smith with little room for manoeuvre.
Smith, who has only been in charge for three league games, has been on the hunt for fit, available and capable free agents to bolster his squad.
TOMORROW’S MATCH
➡️ Elgin City v Stenhousemuir
⏰ 7:45pm
🏟️ Borough Briggs
🎫 Tickets are available on fanbase or from our turnstiles – https://t.co/Zez9iLeZGX – pic.twitter.com/Z1NqADvVm8— Elgin City F.C. (@ElginCityFC) October 23, 2023
Looking to get signing in before game
Although nothing is confirmed, there is hope there could be a new face in place to be involved against Stenhousemuir – a game where a win would take Elgin off bottom place.
The manager said: “Generally, free agents are guys who have maybe been injured and are looking for an opportunity.
“Hopefully, we will have someone who could come in and be available for Tuesday night. We’re waiting on confirmation on that and it will be announced as soon as we can do so.”
So far, Smith has brought in ex-St Mirren and Clydebank goalkeeper Kyle King, with Daniel Hoban moving on to Highland League side Banks o’ Dee.
Strong defence gives Elgin a chance
Smith, meanwhile, praised his players for knuckling down amid the barren spell of games as his team prepare for lift-off.
He added: “It hasn’t been easy, because you always want to get games under your belt.
“It has been a tough period, but in fairness to the boys, they have worked really hard when we’ve trained and we’re looking forward to the game on Tuesday.
“(Stenny boss) Gary Naysmith won the manager of the month award for September, which shows the type of run they were on before the call-offs, but we will concentrate on ourselves.
“We must make sure we do things properly, defend well and give ourselves a chance in the game, which I am sure we will do.”
Elgin are bottom of the division on five points from their opening eight matches, one point adrift of Clyde, who have played two more games.
The Bully Wee, who lost 3-2 at Spartans on Saturday, are on search for a new manager after parting ways with their former club captain Brian McLean.
Swifts lie in store in Scottish Cup tie
This Saturday, Elgin turn their attention to the Scottish Cup second round when they travel to Jeanfield Swifts, who are third in the East of Scotland Premier League.
The Perth side, whose league match at Luncarty was postponed on Saturday, have two games in hand each on leaders Broxburn Athletic and second-placed Dunbar United.
S E C O N D
R O U N D
W E E K#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/4GhjPEY6kT
— Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) October 23, 2023
Last season, Elgin were one game away from the Scottish Cup quarter-finals when they were halted by Championship side Ayr United, who needed extra-time to record a 4-1 win after City almost won it over 90 minutes.
Highland League champions Brechin City put Swifts out in the first round last season, with a 5-1 result at the Riverside Stadium.
Stenhousemuir are home to Brora Rangers in the Scottish Cup this Saturday.
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