Wake saves Irons from being top of the drops
Last updated 12:17, Tuesday, 29 April 2008
FORMER Gretna boss Davie Irons avoided the unwelcome record of managing two relegated clubs in the same season – after more heroics from ex-Carlisle United saviour Brian Wake.
Five years after his hat-trick for Carlisle against Shrewsbury saved the Blues’ from relegation to the Nationwide Conference, Wake fired home two goals to preserve Morton’s Scottish First Division status with a 3-0 win over Partick Thistle on Saturday.
The victory condemned Clyde to a relegation play-off by virtue of a superior goal difference of just one.
And it spared Irons from being in the hot-seat at two relegated clubs in one season after resigning from SPL basement side Gretna in February to take over at struggling Morton.
It meant another year of end-of-season drama for Irons, who was chief architect of Gretna’s three successive championships and Scottish Cup Final appearance after joining them as a player in 2002 in time for their incredible rags-to-riches rise to the SPL.
Less than 12 months ago Irons was in the dug-out when James Grady’s injury-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Ross County earned Gretna a place in the SPL on the final day of last season.
The former Black and Whites boss said: “I am going to hire myself out for last-day dramas in Scottish football!
“I thought it was close last year, but one goal this year, I don't think if it can get much tighter.
“I don't know if my heart can take much more of this. I did not want to go into the record books as taking two teams down in one season.”
Irons resigned as Gretna’s head coach along with his No2 Derek Collins to take over at Cappielow before the Black and Whites’ plunge into administration in February. It was another hammer-blow for the club which has endured a turbulent season in the SPL as they were docked 10 points as a penalty for going into administration, sealing their relegation to the First Division.
Irons inherited a struggling Morton side following Jim McInally’s resignation, and is now relishing the chance to put his stamp on the team which already contains ex-Gretna players Wake, Ryan McGuffie, Allan Jenkins and Erik Paartalu.
Irons said: “I have told the players, this may feel great but can you imagine what the feeling is like when you actually win something.”
Wake’s double at Firhill on Saturday took his tally to four goals in the last three games.
The 25-year-old striker has rediscovered his form under Irons, which has won over the fans after a slow-start to his Morton career following his move from Hamilton in the January transfer window.
He will receive a championship medal for his role in Hamilton winning the Division One title.
