Host of signings for Lanarkshire's junior clubs

Jun 9 2011 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

LESMAHAGOW manager Robert Irving staged a talk-in last Thursday night with the squad which he claims disappointed last season by finishing ninth when he and the 'Gow committee had high expectations of making a first attempt return to the Central League first division.

He has started his re-building plans by moving in this week to sign Royal Albert's top scorer James McGill and promising young defender Craig Cooper while targeting another proven striker to add a front line threat now that Kevin Barr has been transfer-listed at his own request.

Goalie-skipper Stewart Thomson has signed a two-year extension to his contract and experienced defender Stuart McFarlane was signed from Shettleston after a couple of outings as a trialist.

Defender Andy Brown and Steve Rooney, midfielders Steve Cunningham, James Lawley and Jordon Moore have all re-signed.

Irving is also optimistic that experienced performers Darren Jaffrey, Barry Murdoch, Nicky Sullivan and Scott McGeachie will sign on when pre-season training resumes on Monday night.

Meanwhile, moves on re-signing talks with former Accies' Angolan international Jose Quitongo are stalling.

LANARK UNITED manager Tam McDonald made three new signings this week as he re-vamps the squad for their bid next season to regain Super Premier League status at the first attempt.

Young forward Ross Fletcher, who came through the ranks at Blantyre Vics, gets the chance to move up two divisions and defender John Renwicks from Cumbernauld United steps up into the Super League.

Completing the hat-trick is Scottish Amateur internationalist midfielder Chris Walker, who has been snapped up from crack amateur side Colville Park.

Meanwhile, he has re-signed the backbone of last season's side including Player of the Year Derek Barnes and Young Player of the Year Alan McCrum, defender Davie Middleton, midfielders Grant Cuthill and Paul Woods and striker Alan McFadden.

BLANTYRE VICS staged bounce games on Saturday and Monday to give an outing to players who have either contacted the club or been recommended.

Manager Alan Shields said: “I'm planning a couple more games like this before pre-season training kicks-in.

“I would rather see for myself how players perform in a game rather than sign them purely on someone else's recommendation.

“The offer of a trial outing is still there for players either with or leaving other Junior clubs or playing amateur football to get in contact with club secretary Andy McDade on 07930 128 702.”

CARLUKE ROVERS' new management team of Colin Slater, assistant manager Andy Barr and coach Greg McFarlane have held their first chat-in with the playing squad in their new roles.

Former assistant manager Slater said: “It was a very amicable meeting which gave us the chance to outline some of the changes we were planning to make.

"Some of last season's squad will be leaving and we're hoping to bring in a few new faces to freshen the squad. Quite a few of the players we want to keep have shaken hands on a deal and we intend now to complete the paperwork during the next few days.”