It’s all change at ‘Lie
Mackie signs 17 players
The opening of the registration window has been met with great excitement at Arthurlie – with the Barrhead side starting the season with 17 new signings.
Boss Chris Mackie had always vowed to overhaul the squad this summer, having been left dismayed by disciplinary issues ever since taking the reins from Stevie Kerrigan at the halfway point of last season.
And the former Clydebank striker has stuck to his word, bringing in 13 new players and tying down four of last season’s side on fresh contracts.
Thirty- one- year- old midfielder Marc McKenzie joins the juniors from League Two side Clyde, where he made 11 appearances last season.
Extensive experience in the senior ranks sees him arrive with more than 300 games under his belt, following stints at the likes of Stenhousemuir and Cowdenbeath. McKenzie started his career with Albion Rovers in 2003.
Former Auchinleck Talbot stalwart Colin Spence has also signed on the dotted line, following a spell with Troon, while former Clyde and Petershill striker Michael Daly became the club’s third addition as he joined from Southside rivals Pollok.
Former trialists Ryan McNeil and Jamie Lindsay have both agreed permanent deals with the club, having played a handful games towards the end of last season, with Lindsay netting a vital goal in the clash with Glenafton as ‘Lie confirmed their league status for another season.
Another man joining the club from rivals Pollok is defender Chris Walker. The 6ft 5in centre back is sure to add a presence on the backline, with Mackie looking to shore up the defence that plagued the side throughout last season.
With that in mind, defender Steven Tart has returned to the club he played for two seasons ago, returning to Barrhead after a spell with Rossvale in the Central District First Division.
Tart was originally signed by Robert Downs but fell out of favour following an injury.
Winger Alex Wyper has signed following a spell in the US on a sports scholarship. Wyper started his career with Hearts, going on to feature for Raith Rovers before taking up the offer to move to the States.
Pacey striker Chris Lennon signs from Cumbernauld United, while left-sided player Jordan Craig has arrived at Dunterlie after a successful spell at Blantyre Victoria, where he impressed with his set piece ability.
Returning to the club is goalkeeper Anton Nugent, who will serve as backup to first-choice stopper Grant Hay. Nugent comes back to Dunterlie following a spell away under Davie Greig at Gartcairn.
And he was quickly followed in the door by final signings MacAuley Wilson and Steven Weir, who join the club from East Region side Fauldhouse United.
The left midfielder arrives to provide competition on the flanks, while Weir is a striker.
Re-signing for the club is Hay, who was a revelation between the sticks, having signed from Maryhill last season.
Hay picked up the end-of-season Player of the Year award.
Joining him in re-signing at the club are youngster Josh Graham, Graham Girvan and full-back and former Kilbirnie Ladeside man, Kieran Brannan.