Signing spree isn’t over, says Vics manager

Jul 21 2011 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

ALAN Shields achieved his promised signing spree by adding seven new players and two experienced campaigners to the Blantyre Vics squad during the past week.

After watching his side beat Super First Division side Bellshill Athletic on Saturday he said: “That influx of talent will make a major difference, but I’m still targeting a defender and a striker, to give us a bit more competition in these positions.

“I think we’ll win more games than we will lose this season, but we’ve still got to cut out the mistakes that can often come from lack of fitness.

“We’re looking forward to what the season is going to hold for us but, with what the boys showed against Bellshill, I don’t think we’ll have anything to fear.”

Three of the recruits were part of Clyde’s under-19s set-up – defender Paul Mulholland, left-back Max McKee and midfielder Jordan Dow.

Shields said: “Jordan is a real capture for us – he had the chance to go senior but chose Blantyre because of the contacts my assistant Brian Crawford and I have in the senior game.

“He played with Clyde under-19s and was poised to be chasing a first-team spot, but felt that playing here could be a better platform for him to go on and play for bigger senior teams.

“I was also delighted to eventually sign striker Lee Pettigrew, who I felt was playing within himself at Newmains last season.

“While I was still playing I was following his career for a year-and-a-half, in the eventuality of getting my first job as a manager.

“When I was appointed manager at Blantyre I chased Lee for four or five weeks and eventually got him signed up.”

New faces to arrive at Castle Park are no-nonsense defenders Chris McGarry from Penicuik and Brian Cassidy from Cambuslang Rangers.

Familiar faces to rejoin the club after a fairly lengthy absence are defenders Gary Shearer and Brian Welsh.

BELLSHILL ATHLETIC are well on the way to rebuilding a squad which they hope will hoist them back into the Super Premier League at the first attempt.

Manager Gerry Creaney said: “We’re building a squad with a mixture of good experienced junior players and a bit of youth, with promotion our main aim this season.”

A few players are training and talking with the club but have not yet signed.

But young full-back Anton McDowall, signed from Campsie Black Watch, had a promising debut at the weekend and provided the free-kick for Andy Selkirk’s half-time equaliser.

Former Cumbernauld defender Billy Struthers has been signed from East Kilbride Thistle, and former midfielder Dean Muir is back training at Bellshill, with the prospect of a third stint with his home-town team.

CARLUKE ROVERS’ rookie boss Colin Slater has added experienced midfielder Craig Star – his team-mate at Lanark United during their successful Scottish Cup runs.

He has also signed Craig Walker from Muirkirk and youngsters Ryan Shear and John McCrorie from Cambusnethan Talbot, while continuing to run his eye over two trialists currently training with the squad.