ONE thing Fraser Duncan has never been accused of is pulling the wool over anyone's eyes.

If a player fails to reach his high standards or gives anything less than 100 per cent, the Sauchie Juniors boss is hardly shy and retiring in telling them in no uncertain terms they must do better.

Mark Finlayson wouldn't have it any other way and he believes an honest assessment dished out by Duncan helped him turn a tricky spell in Clacks around. 

READ MORE: Sauchie full back Mark Finlayson now enjoying football after Falkirk FC misery

The 21-year-old Tullibody lad was in danger of drifting away the Reds last season. But, such was his impact in the final few months, he became one of the first of Duncan's boys to put pen to paper on a new deal. 

"We under achieved with the players we had," Finlayson told Advertiser Sport. "When Fras and Davie (Sauchie assistant boss Davie Beaton) came in, it maybe took a few games for everyone to get to grips with what they were asking us to do.

"We started to play a lot better and started to get better results and I have no doubt we would have stayed up regardless even if they league didn't finish early.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Finlayson, pictured with former boss Iain Diack, has been through the wars during his time in Clacks Finlayson, pictured with former boss Iain Diack, has been through the wars during his time in Clacks

"My own game improved as well when they came in. I was not getting a sniff to start with and then I came on against Tranent (a 1-0 win in February) and I played well.

"I was playing well and was finding my confidence again and they seemed to be impressed by me.

"It was having the confidence and the confidence in the management team. I knew at the start of the season I wasn't playing well and the management team was telling me that.

"You need to be honest and there's no point in lying."

He added: "Last season wasn't good for anyone and not for me personally. I was picking up a lot of wee niggly injuries and that's probably from playing the last ten years and just getting older.

"I wasn't playing as well as I wanted to and the team was not performing well either. 

"Fras and Davie both know this level really well and they gave a wee bit of freshness and dig to the players. 

"We were playing with a lot more heart and the boys started to pick up their game when they came in.

"Whenever the new season starts, I hope I can just get into playing well again. Every night in training I was doing well and was confident before the games." 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Former Sauchie boss Iain Diack brought Finlayson to the club Former Sauchie boss Iain Diack brought Finlayson to the club

Next season will mark three years with the Clacks side for the former Falkirk youth player, who came through the ranks at the Bairns with ex-Sauchie star Conor Langton.

Iain Diack was the one who brought Finlayson to the club and now it's Duncan he is thanking for the chance to stay there. 

READ MORE: Versatile Finlayson is always eager to attack

He said: "I am happy that Fras and Davie wanted to keep me and I couldn't imagine myself playing anywhere else.

"It was a no-brainer to sign on for Sauchie again because it is close to where I stay and I get on with the boys so well.

"I feel at home and just couldn't imagine playing anywhere else."