Stevo’s comeback will add “class” for Troon
Kirkwood hails returning star’s Portland Park switch
Jimmy Kirkwood reckons two returning stars have fired up Troon for football’s return.
Old favourites Ryan Stevenson and Jack Paterson have given the Portland Parkers a massive boost by agreeing comeback deals.
Stevo, 35, scored 26 goals in 50 games for Troon before adding Stranraer to a long list of senior clubs which includes Ayr, Hearts and Ipswich.
Paterson, 19, was a scoring hit after coming through Kilmarnock’s youth ranks before moving to Qatar.
Stevo initially signed for Troon in November 2018 after a spell out of the game.
He claimed the move had given him “his love of football back” thanks to gaffer Kirkwood.
The club website revealed: “Ryan was the sixth player who has moved up to senior football in the last two and a half seasons, something we’re extremely proud of.
“With the exciting move to the new West of Scotland Football League set- up he is returning to add some class to our midfield and forward areas.
“Everyone at the club is really excited to welcome Jack back into the fold at Troon where we hope he can flourish.
“With Dean Fulton, Jaime Gallagher, Raymond Montgomerie and Scott Chatham already signed up for next season, we are very confident that gives us one of the strongest midfields in the league.”
Leaving Troon is striker Greg Vernon who was Craigmark’s top scorer before signing for the Seasiders in January.
AUCHINLECK hero Mark Shankland is the latest player to extend his contract. He tweeted: “No place I would rather play my football.”
Also staying are Jamie Glasgow, Gareth Armstrong, Bryan Boylan, Kieran Healey, Brian Hewitt, Dwayne Hyslop, Andy Leishman, Willie Lyle, Jack McDowall, Hamish McKinlay, Neil McPherson, Corey Pearson, Gordon Pope, Aiden Wilson, Gordon Wilson, Stephen Wilson, Steven White and Dillon Young.
CUMNOCK have named Brian Whelan as their new goalie coach. He rejoins boss Tony McInally after working with him at Shotts and Pollok.
GLENAFTON are mourning the passing of legendary goal scorer Danny McCulloch.
MAYBOLE have signed experienced fullback Steven Crawford from Cumnock. The club have applied to join the Friday night Lowland Under 20 League.
WHITLETTS have recruited former Ayr United and Stranraer favourite Duncan George to head up their under 20s for the new league.
Duncan said: “Through time it will complete a player pathway for local youngsters to play for Whitletts Victoria and I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”
Callum Ogston, Stewart Davidson, Marc Dyer and Jordan Boyd are among those who have re- signed.