No Lok in at Newlandsfield

The 32-year-old front man was the subject of a Saturday morning transfer deal that saw him complete a shock move from the Southside club to East Region big guns Linlithgow Rose.

Diack - a Junior Scotland cap with 16 goals to his name this term - revealed he was disappointed not to have the opportunity to say his goodbyes to the Pollok supporters and wants them to know he never at any time expressed an inclination to move elsewhere.

He said "I'm not any wet- behind-the-ears newcomer to the game and I've known from the day Tony McInally walked through the doors that there was every likelihood of him wanting to move players out the door in order to bring others in.

"Nevertheless, the first I knew of any definite transfer interest in myself was when the gaffer took me aside after last week's Scottish Cup defeat by Penicuik Athletic to say Linlithgow, Bo'ness United and Irvine Meadow had made approaches.

"Tony telephoned on Thursday morning to say Pollok had come to an agreement on a transfer fee with both Linlithgow and Bo'ness so I was at liberty to enter into talks over personal terms.

"I did so and plumped for joining the Rose. A bit of a stalemate ensued but Linlithgow manager Mark Bradley then got involved with Tony and they made the deal happen, albeit the paperwork was not signed until late on Saturday morning by which time I'd mentally prepared myself for playing my last game in front of the Pollok supporters.

"It wasn't to be and I ended up playing in Linlithgow's 1-0 defeat by Broxburn which was a disappointing start, however I saw enough to know I've landed lucky in coming here."

He continued: "Some of the people I've come to know at Pollok might think I've walked out on them but my take on things is totally different.

"Nobody wants the team to pick up a few wins to climb away from the relegation zone more than me and if that can be achieved through Tony getting in a few quality players in my stead then I'll be delighted.

"He knows the game and will do whatever is necessary to get the team playing his way so don't be surprised if a few other comings and goings are in the offing."

Ex-Airdrie goalkeeper Andy Duncan came off the substitutes' bench after an hour in Lok's 5-0 rout of Renfrew which marked the first victory of McInally's Newlandsfield reign.

His arrival has led to vastly experienced No.1 Steven Robertson being placed on the open-to-transfer list but Macca denied reports he was looking to trade a number of other players.

He said: "There is no denying Iain Diack's transfer has been good for this club in so far as his departure frees up wages if the right players become available.

"If not, then we have every faith in the players still at the club which is why talk of others being pushed towards the exit doors is utter nonsense."

SATURDAY'S GAMES

2.15pm unless stated

Scottish Junior Cup. Fifth round: Camelon v Sauchie, Dundonald Bluebell v Dalry Thistle, Glenafton Athletic v Shotts Bon Accord, Kilsyth Rangers v Cumnock, Penicuik Athletic v Irvine Meadow, Tayport v Hurlford United, Whitletts Vics v Yoker Athletic. Fourth round: Girvan v Glencairn (venue to be confirmed).

Stagecoach Super Premier: Auchinleck Talbot v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy v Pollok, Largs Thistle v Clydebank, Petershill v Arthurlie.

Super First Division: Greenock v Renfrew, Kilwinning Rangers v Troon, Lesmahagow v Beith (at Carluke), Thorniewood United v Ashfield.

Central District First Division: Benburb v Bellshill Athletic, Cambuslang Rangers v Johnstone Burgh, Larkhall Thistle v St Anthony's, Maryhill v Lanark United, Neilston v Dunipace, Shettleston v Carluke Rovers.

Central District Second Division: East Kilbride Thistle v Newmains United, Forth Wanderers v St Roch's, Royal Albert v Port Glasgow, Vale of Clyde v Rossvale, Wishaw v Blantyre Vics.

Ayrshire District League: Annbank United v Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Craigmark Burntonians v Lugar Boswell Thistle, Darvel v Ardeer Thistle, Muirkirk v Saltcoats Vics.