Cambuslang Rangers wanted to end the season on a high – but they’ve been forced to wave the white flag.
The Somervell Park side were scheduled to play West of Scotland Football League Premier Division champions Darvel in the Kilmarnock Pie League Cup quarter-finals.
It was set to take place last Saturday but had to be cancelled as player and management availability issues began to arise, and they can’t be sorted in time to find a new date.
Camby have now withdrawn from the competition and Darvel progress to face Kilwinning Rangers in the next round.
Having already won Conference B and progression to the WOSFL’s top tier, Campbell says it doesn’t take the shine off their term as a whole, but it is still disappointing.
He said: “From a league perspective we are really pleased with where we have ended it up as it was a tough season, a long one.
“We managed to get it done but we are disappointed to go out the cup in this fashion. To be fair to both clubs, we both tried to reschedule and get this going.
“We just couldn’t get a match on that suited everyone. Unfortunately this is what we have had to do instead of prolonging things for everyone.
“We had to say that we were struggling for a day, both with management and players. We tried three or four dates together but we couldn’t do it.
“Eventually we had to say that with the best will in the world, we have tried. It just wasn’t happening so it had to be given up. Unfortunately that is what we had to do and we know it’s not ideal by any manner.”
Campbell and co-boss Paul McColl will now turn their attentions to Premier Division football, where the first port of call will be establishing themselves at that level.
There’s been time for Conference B reflection though and the Somervell manager reckons they’ll be remembered for a long time after 25 league victories from 28.
The former EK Thistle boss added: “Fundamentally, the main drive was the league. This maybe puts a wee dampener on the cup side of things as we wanted to do well in this cup. It is what it is, we won’t get uptight about it.
“It’s not easy to win a division at any level. The teams who were mid-table were very difficult to play against so we are really pleased with the team.
“Everyone from the committee to the supporters helped get it over the line. It’s another wee achievement and it’s something I spoke to the boys about.
“We said to them that they should be proud as they are now all in the history books of this club.
“They have gone and won a conference. Nobody can ever take that from them. That means a lot for me to be able to play a part in that.
“Paul and I worked hard with the players throughout the season, alongside our coaching staff.”
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