BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Central Park star Greig Spence has hailed Cowdenbeath boss Colin Nish for helping him to satisfy his appetite for goals – as he prepares for a switch to vegetarianism.
The prolific 23-year-old bagged League One player of the month for December after plundering nine goals in his last 10 fixtures, taking his tally to 14 for the season.
Nish’s influence has been invaluable to the former Celtic youngster, with Spence revealing that his gaffer has drawn from personal experience as he embarks on his own coaching career.
He said: “The manager has basically said to me that I should express myself and try to do whatever it takes to feel comfortable and find my best form.
“He told me that he has worked under managers who have asked him to do things he wasn’t comfortable with and his performances suffered. He doesn’t want that to happen to us.
“I’m really enjoying player under the gaffer, who is a young coach and learning all the time himself, and thankfully I’ve enjoyed a good season so far.”
Despite enjoying a purple patch, Spence is taking the unusual step of changing his diet mid-season, as he ditches the junk food for a new super-healthy lifestyle.
With girlfriend, Gabi, already a vegetarian, he will be joining her in giving up meat in the coming weeks.
He added: “Gabi suggested I try to go vegetarian for a while, so it’s something I’ll give a try. During the day at work it’s easy to eat rubbish so hopefully this will get rid of that temptation. I had my last Burger King the other day!
“There are plenty of ways to stay fit and strong, and I have a good friend who is a personal trainer, so I should still be sharp on the pitch.”
And the Blue Brazil will be counting on Spence to spearhead their promotion push as, after a slow start, they are now just four behind the playoff positions ahead of today’s visit of Stranraer.
Spence added: “People need to remember we started the season with a completely new team, almost starting from scratch, as well as a new manager.
“Everyone needed time to gel and get to know each others’ styles. Even getting to know the lads off the pitch takes a bit of time to get a bond.
“But we were unbeaten in December and, barring a blip against Dunfermline, have been good in the league lately, so we feel like things are starting to click and we are pushing towards where we want to be.”
