Neilston get their man at last... and it’s been worth the wait
Neilston have finally got their hands on a local striking talent they’ve been chasing for more than a year.
The Farmer’s Boys have been looking to sign up Greenock Morton youngster and Neilston lad Kieran Brophy since before the start of last season.
Now they’ve managed to fend off interest from teams in the West of Scotland League top flight to persuade him to stick to his roots and link up at the Brig O’Lea Stadium.
Co-manager Chris Cameron, right, is delighted to have the 19-year-old in the club’s ranks as they prepare for life in Conference C.
He told Express Sport: “There were three of four bigger clubs interested in him, certainly in terms of financial clout, so we’re chuffed he’s agreed to sign on with us.
“He’s a Neilston lad who only lives about two minutes away from the park, which probably helped us out.
“We tried to get him on loan at the start of last season when we knew he was going to be sent out to get some experience, but Morton ended up sending him to Largs.
“We could understand that as they’ve got a few boys on loan there. When he became available again in January we looked to make it happen then too but couldn’t quite get the financial side sorted out.
“It was frustrating but we’re delighted to get him on board now. He’s had a few training sessions with us now and you can tell that he’s been coached at a very high level.
“He can play with his back to goal but he’s also good running in behind. He’s quick and he’s got plenty of promise which we can’t wait to develop.” Neilston have also picked up another young talent in the shape of midfielder Olly Smith, who was last with local rivals Johnstone Burgh’s under-21 side. Cameron hopes that the youthful pair will help bring something new to the team that was lacking last season. He said: “Olly was with Burgh’s under-21s and one of my close friends said he was already too good for that level.
“He’s only 21 and we’re really impressed with him so far. He’s a small guy but he’s very tidy on the ball and can pick a good pass.
“Last year we lacked a it of legs and energy in the park, as well as not getting as many goals as we’d have liked.
“Hopefully, in Olly and Kieran we’ve addressed both those issues because they definitely could tick both boxes for us.”
The Farmer’s Boys are still awaiting the fixture list for the new campaign as the West of Scotland League looks to get underway in a matter of weeks.
Cameron added: “We’ve been told the league is looking to start at the start of October, so all our preparations are gearing up towards that.
“We’ve had no confirmation on that yet but the boys can’t wait to get going properly. Hopefully, it won’t be too long till we know our first fixtures.”