Fee joy for McKim

Johnstone Burgh boss Jamie McKim insists he won’t allow other clubs to take advantage of Burgh’s success by snapping up his players for free.

The Keanie Park side have been decimated in recent seasons as players were allowed to leave the club when others came calling.

Neilston have been one of a number of sides to raid them in recent years, with the likes of Connor Milne, Jonny McStay and Scott Arthur all pitching up at the Brig O’Lea over the past 18 months.

But with Burgh captain Scott Robson the latest to make the move to the Farmer’s Boys last week, McKim revealed that he was pleased that Burgh managed to land a rare transfer fee in the process.

McKim told Express Sport: “I got the fee that I wanted for Scott so we are pleased with the deal.

“First thing that happened when I become manager of Johnstone Burgh was that Scott Arthur left for Neilston.

“I let him go because he didn’t want to be here – the same goes for Scott Robson. They tried to sign two of our players, Scott wanted to go and the other one didn’t which shows that we are building here.

“But I wanted to stop sides taking advantage of us – I am not willing to let that happen.

“I want teams to start showing Johnstone Burgh the respect I feel we deserve.

“It is not ideal losing your captain but I am happy that we eventually got the respect I feel we are due.

“They perhaps expected to get him for nothing but we won’t be standing for that anymore.

“We have set a precedent now and in the future people won’t be getting our players for free.”