Mick hopes Sam’s the man
Mick McCann hopes his memory for an old face will pay off by providing Glenafton with a natural goalscorer this season.
The new Glens boss got his managerial career off to a flier with a 3-1 friendly win over Kello thanks to goals from Sam McKee, Craig Pettigrew and Sean McIlroy.
Former Ayr United youngster McKee grabbed the opener and then became the club’s latest signing after the final whistle.
Delighted McCann revealed:“He is an exciting prospect with two good feet who can play anywhere up top or wide midfield.
“I played against Sam last season when I was at St Cadoc’s and he was at Irvine Vics. He came to my notice then so I have done my homework and kept tabs on him.
“He looks like a natural goalscorer so it is great to get him on board. I now have 17 signed players but am looking to add three more.
“We had only two training sessions before the Kello game so it was good to finally get back.
“I got what I wanted from the game in terms of fitness, goals and minutes in the legs. It was also good to see some fans back at Loch Park. It was a nice day and the pitch was looking great so everything fell into place. The fixtures for the new season are being released on Friday and we’re buzzing to get going.”
Man of many clubs Pettigrew, who won three Scottish Junior Cups and two Premier League titles with Auchinleck, has been appointed club captain.
Fellow Talbot old boy McIlroy, who spent time playing in Australia, wrapped up the scoring with a tap-in after a Scott Sherrie shot had been saved.
McCann said:“I was pleased for Craig to get a goal in his first game. Sean has missed more football than most but he showed all his class and good touches.”
Glens now entertain Matt Maley’s new-look Girvan on Saturday.
AUCHINLECK head to Pollok on Saturday on the back of a 3-0 win over Johnstone Burgh where goals came from Keir Samson, Graham Wilson and Corey Pearson.
CUMNOCK new boy Callan Veitch bagged a double in a 3-2 win over St Cadoc’s after Greg Ferry opened the scoring.
‘Nock have signed former Ayr defender Nathan Baird who scooped a host of awards when on loan at Townhead Park two years ago. Another signing is defender Liam Douglas from Queen of the South.
TROON have signed exciting forward Ben Black who scored 17 goals in three seasons at Largs Thistle, including a run to the Scottish Junior Cup final in 2019. Prior to that he was at Irvine Meadow.
WHITLETTS have snapped up experienced striker Scott Dempster from Craigmark where he spent 10 seasons separated by a stint at Maybole.
Defender Sean Ewart has signed for an eighth season while midfielder Ross George has returned from Largs for a second spell.
Also staying are former Winton, Kilwinning and Irvine Meadow midfielder Stuart Hannah and striker Marc Walker who joined from Bonnyton but spent last term at Irvine Vics as Whitletts sat out the season.
Whitletts stepped up their preparations with a 1-1 draw away to Kilwinning on Monday as Jordan Boyd hit the target.