CRAIG RITCHIE

Johnstone Burgh have hit the ground running in their pursuit of promotion as the boys got back to work at Keanie Park.

Burgh gaffer Jamie McKim welcomed his newlook side back for pre-season as he bids to mount a promotion push in Division Two.

A raft of new signings joined up with the side for the first time, including the likes of Michael Lau and Gordon Meredith from Alba Thistle.

And McKim revealed he was blown away by what he seen from the players at his disposal.

He said: “I was taken aback by the quality and the fitness of the boys and I was really impressed by the standard on show.

“We put the boys through a double session and it really paid dividends as it brought the lads together and gave them the chance to get to know one another.

“My first impressions were great and you could tell that the lads were all glad to get into the thick of it.

“The results of the fitness tests were brilliant, we put the guys through the Cooper Run and bleep test and were happy with that.

“We will continue to monitor their progress but it really isn’t long until the season gets started up again.”

McKim has been busy in the market bringing in a number of new signings and he revealed he is on the verge of adding another.

Former Clydebank and Rossvale midfielder Craig McCready is just the latest in a line of players to move from Alba Thistle, and the boss expects big things.

He added: “I have watched Craig a number of times and I have always been impressed by what I have seen.

“He will add some experience in the midfield and really will be a threat with his delivery and set pieces.

“I think he will add a number of assists to the team while adding a presence in the middle of the park.

“We have been in discussions with him for quite a while but he has come up and had a look and he has been impressed with what he saw.

“He seems really keen and it is players like Craig that we are trying to bring to the club.

“I’m delighted to get him in.”