Elgin City attacker Jordan Allan feels the long trip to Shropshire to face The New Saints in the third round of the IRN-BRU Cup today is the ideal way to begin life after Jim Weir.
The Black and Whites set off yesterday for their away tie against the Welsh Premier League champions, who are based at Oswestry – 438 miles from Elgin.
It is Elgin’s first game since the departure of manager Weir, who joined League 1 outfit Forfar Athletic on Sunday.
Assistant Gavin Price will be in charge today in what could be his last game before joining up with Weir at Station Park.
Former Derry City and Coleraine forward Allan reckons the camaraderie of the near-900 mile round trip will be the perfect way to lift the spirits after a difficult week.
He said: “It’s been a strange week but we’ve got a great changing-room.
“Gavin Price will take the team and he is going to get some stick.
“He is someone we all get on really well with and we all know the way he works – we all know he will put as much effort in as he always has done.
“It’s a long trip but I’m used to long away trips from my time in Ireland.
“It’s always good team bonding, playing games of cards and things like that. It’s not like we’re going all the way down with our headphones in. It’s all very relaxed until it comes to game day.”
Allan, who joined City in the summer, admits he was surprised by Weir’s sudden exit.
But the former Dundee United player accepts it was an opportunity the manager could not really turn down.
He added: “Talking between the players, we knew there were rumours but there was nothing said about it on Saturday after the game. It wasn’t until Sunday night I found out he had left to join Forfar.
“A few of the lads might feel hard-done by ahead of such a big game but I don’t feel that way. He has done a lot for me and I realise he took the decision in his best interests. He will not have to travel as far, for a start.
“He has done a great job with Elgin and everyone recognises that.”
Allan is expecting a difficult encounter today.
He said: “They are a good team with good players.
“Just because you have never heard of a team does not mean you can go and expect to win these kind of games.
“Just look at Rangers’ Europa League tie against Progres from Luxembourg in the summer.
“I have played outwith Scotland, as have a couple of others such as Jon-Paul McGovern, who played in England.
“It’s always good to test ourselves.”