Colin Spence reckons raiding two relegated rivals can prove fruitful for Irvine Meadow.
Spence and co-boss James Latta brought their summer signing tally to seven this week with the captures of right back Rhys Wallace and winger Ronan Kearney who spent last season at Bonntyon Thistle and Blantyre Vics respectively.
The duo might not necessarily spring to mind if asked to recall the top performers in the West of Scotland Premier Division.
Neither Bonnyton or Blantyre set the heather alight in campaign that saw the club’s finish in the bottom two.
But Spence reckons Wallace and former Albion Rovers and East Stirling youngster Kearney, 22, were a cut above and insists he’s delighted to bring them on board.
He said: “Rhys first caught our eye when we played Bonnyton at our place during the Covid season.
“He actually played left back that day but he really impressed and from there we always kept him in mind.
“He stood out again in a Bonnyton team that struggled last season and that says a lot for him.
“He’s a good size, aggressive, and good on the ball. At 24, he comes here at a good age and he has a good pedigree having played college football in America during a scholarship there.
“Ronan really caught our eye the last time we played Blantyre. He’s got a fantastic left foot and is capable of chipping in with lots of goals and assists.
“He’s played at East Stirling so again comes here with a good pedigree.”
Meadow’s players reported back for pre-season training on Monday night, with no injury hangovers from last season.
Long-term absentee Calum Gow has been given the green-light to resume full training in a further boost to Spence and Latta’s defensive options.
Spence added: “I’m happy with the work we’ve done over the summer and we’re raring to go.
“The boys have had five weeks off which is a good break so hopefully they will be coming back with a good appetite.
“We’ve five training sessions before our first friendly against Stranraer on July 2 and we need to be right at it. They are way ahead of us with their preparations.”
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