Jim Geddes reckons Ally magic can inspire Largs Thistle to cup glory

May 21 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

JIM GEDDES reckons some Ally MacLeod magic can help Largs Thistle become heroes.

The seaside minnows face hot favourites Linlithgow Rose in the final of the Emirates Cup at Rugby Park on Sunday.

But Geddes believes his former Ayr United team-mate Sandy MacLean, who is the Largs manager, can inspire the Barrfields men to a shock.

Geddes, who has led Whitletts Vics to league safety, said: “Sandy and I played together for Ayr when Ally was in his third stint as manager. And we still reminisce about the good times.

“I remember going to Kilmarnock on the last day of the season needing to win 8-0 to stay up.

“No one gave us a chance, apart from Ally. He insisted that if their keeper got injured in the first minute, then you never know what could happen.

“Ally was totally out of the ordinary. Sandy and I enjoyed working under him and as managers, you try to take a piece of everyone you work with.”

Geddes believes Largs, who won the cup in 1993-94, have a fighting chance.

He recalled: “We played Linlithgow in the cup this season and should have beaten them in the first game at Ayr. We were the better team in a 1-1 draw.

“However, it was a different kettle of fish in the replay. Linlithgow were streets ahead and beat us 5-0.

“Linlithgow spent £22,000 on one player so that underlines the gap between the two teams. But I honestly believe Largs can win.

“I’ll be rooting for Largs and I’m sure Sandy will hear me because I’ll be the one standing right behind the dugout giving him some stick!”

Sunday’s final kick off at 4pm and is live on BBC Alba.