THE GLASWEGIAN REPORTS

New West Of Scotland Boss Keith Robertson Ready For Baptism Of Fire Against Glasgow Hawks
Aug 19 2010 By Matthew Leslie

WE need no motivation for Hawks claims West of Scotland boss Keith Robertson ahead of this weekend's Premiership opener.
Glasgow's big two clash at Hawks' Old Anniesland venue as the new rugby season gets underway with the new West gaffer hoping to hit the ground running.
Robertson took charge this summer after the popular John Beattie stepped down after four years at the Burnbrae helm.
And former Hillhead/Jordanhill boss Robertson can't wait to get started and will be going all out to endear himself to the West faithful with a local derby scalp.
He said: "I'm looking forward to it immensely.
"I'm a wee bit hyper but that's just natural as you always can't wait to get stuck into a new season.
"And what a baptism of fire for my first game. Up against Hawks and for those wondering what my first team talk will be, well we will not need much motivation knowing we're up against Hawks.
"Obviously I've some huge shoes to ll given the tremendous job John Beattie did here but I'll be working hard not only to preserve our Premiership status but also to break into the top eight for the new split that kicks in towards the last quarter of the season.
"Obviously it was a big wrench to leave Hillhead/Jordanhill but with the Hawks and Ayr jobs unavailable, once this chance came up I had to take it."
As for Hawks, boss Peter Wright is looking to make sure the three-year plan he put in place when he returned in 2008, comes to fruition.
He said: "When I came back the plan was to consolidate our position - which we did even though we irted with relegation that year. en last season we aimed to nish higher -whichwedid,althoughwecouldhave gone further up the table.
"Now the plan in its nal stage is to contend for the title itself and at worst, qualify for the British & Irish Cup - which I believe this squad is capable of doing.
"Everything I've done in the game has been pretty successful and having taking Hawks to the top of the tree in my first spell, I want to do so again this season.
"But, and I know it's an old cliche, there are no easy games in this league and each team is just as capable of beating the other.
"However, I don't expect (reigning champions) Currie to have a hangover while Heriot's and Boroughmuir will be up there.
"With the new structure to the league in terms of the split, I'm all for it as the old system had just got too boring with many teams having nothing to play for come the final third of the campaign."

This article was posted on 19-Aug-2010, 10:34 by Hugh Barrow.