Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
A new era at Cairn
Gary Harkins signs up... with more on the way
Willie Kinniburgh hopes to add more blockbuster signings to Gartcairn after snapping up Gary Harkins last week.
The 35-year-old midifelder penned a deal at MTC Park just weeks after announcing his retirement on social media.
However, gaffer Kinniburgh, who played alongside the talent during his time at the Jags between 2007-09, is delighted to have convinced the 35- year- old to keep playing at the
Airdrie outfit.
Now the MTC boss has revealed he has big plans on the playing from ahead of their West of Scotland League debut after bringing the former Dundee and Partick Thistle star to the Conference B side.
He said: “Gary has now signed with us which is a huge boost.
“I spoke with a couple of the committee members and they have helped him get a job so he can keep playing part-time.
“Gary might come across as a bit of a joker, but he’s a really intelligent guy and a top player.
“I’ve known Gary for years and it’s great to have him coming in for next season; whenever that is.
“We can’t compete with the big wages of other clubs, we can’t offer hundreds of pounds a week to guys who have been playing in the senior leagues like Darvel and other teams can.
“He is the type of calibre of player you really want to bring in, but now he’s leaving the professional game behind and he’s sorted with a job it has worked out for everyone.”
He went on: “The way it is looking for the new season we will be sticking with most of the squad we had last season.
“We will be adding one or two but it won’t just be for the sake of it.
“It’s not going to be a totally new team but if there is an option to add quality like Gary we will try our best to do that.
“Nothing is set in stone but we can to have real go at the conference this year.
“When we are back in training we will have a clearer picture but we have seven or eight boys signed up already.
“Hopefully we will get a few more from last season and can see if we can get a couple more signings announced. We want to have a go next season.”