LEFT ON THE SIDELINES ...
Saunders can’t play again this season
Transfer restrictions have prevented Steven Saunders from following team-mates on loan moves to SPFL clubs.
The East Kilbride star has watched as Paul Paton has joined Airdrie while Chris Erskine and Steven Bell have moved to Partick Thistle.
Lewis Kidd has moved to League Two side Albion Rovers, and Kyle Hutton has joined divisional rivals Cowdenbeath – but Saunders can’t play again this season.
The Rutherglen man has already signed for two clubs this season and Saunders is prevented from kicking a ball until next season.
He said: “I don’t think I can go out on loan because I’ve signed for two other clubs this season, Gartcairn and East Kilbride.
“Even if it was to come up in conversation, it would be a nonstarter because I’ve already signed permanently.
“The rules have changed for loan boys and you can play for three clubs. Jack Hamilton from Livingston had been on-loan at East Fife and Arbroath.
“That’s allowed but it’s because I’ve signed permanent contracts at other clubs that I can’t go out on loan.”
Saunders retired from fulltime football after leaving Partick Thistle in the summer to focus on a career as a financial advisor.
The 29-year-old turned down part-time offers from League One and Two clubs but decided a move outside the SPFL would allow him to focus on his career.
Saunders joined Gartcairn, but moved to East Kilbride when the West of Scotland League was declared non-competitive.
With the Lowland League finished for the season, Saunders admits it’s frustrating that he won’t play again when he had alternative offers, but doesn’t regret his decision.
He said: “When I was leaving Gartcairn when it was called noncompetitive, I had a few options from League One and Two clubs.
“But it was more the fact that I was going through my studies and my new job is a massive part of my future.
“I’m trying to build on that and the offers came at a time when rumours were around that they were going to stop leagues.
“I wanted to concentrate on getting my work life sorted this season and I can have conversations at the end of this season.”