Tam’s nailed it!

ANNAN Athletic skipper Tommy Muir has nailed down his future at Galabank but admits he had to get his tools in order before committing. The 28-year-old – who is entering his seventh season with the club – revealed that his flourishing private joinery business almost threw a spanner in the works earlier this year. The success of his business meant the first two months of the year were a “struggle” as he fought to balance the physical demands of joinery with football. But Muir – who made over 200 appearances for the club, scoring more than 50 goals along the way – says once that was sorted he would always be signing on the dotted line. Muir said: “I told the manager that my business has been doing really well and I have been struggling to juggle that with playing. “I had to make sure my work situation was sorted so I could be the best version of myself when I play. “I knew I would find a way to figure it out. Once I got it working properly, it was a case of signing on for another year. “I’m thrilled to get signed up. The reaction from the fans has been brilliant. I’ve read a few comments and it’s really nice. It gives me a boost and I’m delighted to get it tied up, there’s nowhere else I’d rather play. “It makes you feel more settled and takes away any unrest of where I would be playing next season. “Hopefully we’re in League One. But if we don’t go up and stay in League Two, with the squad we’ve got, including Aaron Muirhead, we’d be wanting to go for the title.” Annan have breathed fresh life into their promotion push after a commanding 3-0 away win against Elgin City, setting up a high-stakes finale to the season. The clinical performance up north has kept the Galabankies within touching distance of the final play-off place. However, with only three games remaining, the margin for error has vanished. To clinch that coveted fourth spot, Annan likely need a perfect run, starting with this Saturday’s daunting clash against title-chasers Spartans. The run-in doesn’t get any easier with a trip to Clyde followed by a season-ending home game against play-off rival Forfar Athletic. Striker Muir, buoyed by the result at Borough Briggs, believes the team has found its rhythm at just the right time. He said: “The Elgin games are always tough because of the travelling, but it was the best I felt up there during the warm-up. “We played really well and clicked. We need to take that into the next three matches.” The immediate hurdle is a Spartans side that Annan have struggled to break down this term. Despite three attempts, victory against the Edinburgh outfit has remained elusive. Muir said: “We’ve played Spartans three times this season and not beaten them yet. I feel we should’ve won one of those games. “We know how good they can be and they have their own agenda chasing the title. We need to bring our A-game and hopefully, for the first time this campaign, take three points off them to keep our season alive.” The club is pulling out all the stops to ensure a packed Galabank for the run-in, offering a 20 per cent discount on tickets for this Saturday. Muir is calling on the local community to act as the “12th man” during these critical fixtures. He added: “Getting bigger crowds is important, especially at this stage of the season. They can help push us over the line. “When it is busier, it seems to give the boys that bit extra. Hopefully, the offer entices an extra few through the gate to support us.” The fate of their season may depend on results elsewhere, Muir remains confident that if Annan take care of their own business, the post-season awaits. He added: “The play-offs are not in our hands at the moment, but if we win our last three games, then I’d be really surprised if we don’t make it.”