Terry Hewitt believes the departure of former boss Davie Greig from Blantyre Vics acted as the catalyst for him and his team-mates to head for for pastures new.

The inspirational Vics skipper of the past three and a bit years has just completed a close-season move to Thorniewood United along with full backs Andy Sinclair and Graham Watson.

And the likelihood remains of experienced goalkeeper Paul Burns joining them at Robertson Park.

However an even bigger reunion of the Lanarkshire club’s former players is allegedly on the cards at ambitious Central Second Division outfit Glasgow Perthshire whose long serving manager Billy Adams is thought to have persuaded former Partick Thistle and Pollok midfielder Willie Howie to put pen to paper along with a veritable handful of ex-Castle Park captures in the shape of Brian McLaughlin, Mark Thomson, Willie Ferguson, Lee McShane and speedy front man Craig Smith.

Last night , 28 year old Hewitt was at pains to insist this summer exodus should not be seen as a snub for newly installed Blantyre gaffer John Gibson .

He said: "We had developed into a very close knit group at the Vics, so Greggy’s decision to quit last December hit us all hard and caused a few rumblings that ensured our dressing room was never going to be the same afterwards.

“The guys stayed together until the end of season for ourselves as much as the new boss Murdie McKinnon whose reign was a bit short-lived.

"But make no mistake he would have encountered the exact same re-signing problems if still in charge of team affairs.

“Gibby was then unfortunate to arrive on the scene when everyone’s mind was already made up on heading elsewhere, though I was very impressed with his plans for the club when he argued a strong case to try and get me to stay on board.

“I don’t mind admitting to swithering a little after listening to him, but ultimately the break–up of our team meant the chance to start out anew appealed more than anything else.

"Particularly after the Thorniewood pair of manager Andy Frame and his No.2 J.P. McBride parked themselves in my living room and made it clear they weren’t leaving without my signature.

“Yes, it’s a drop down a division but my experience as a past first division title winner with Blantyre Vics tells me that Thorniewood can be strong contenders for promotion as this is a club geared for success both on and off the pitch.

“The quality of players on the books is frightening and I’m looking forward to lining up on the same side as the likes of Chris Lennon and Stefan Law as they have posed a lot of headaches for me in the past… as opponents.”

“Andy has said he intends pairing me in a central defensive partnership with Davie Hamilton and I’m looking forward to playing alongside someone with his background in the Junior game.”

The physically imposing Hewitt revealed there was no shortage of signing approaches when it became clear that he and his Vics team mates were leaving Castle Park.

He said: "You hear whispers of clubs being interested and I spoke with a few managers, but I was never going to go back on my word to Andy and I know for certain that Kilbirnie Ladeside made a late bid to get Andy Sinclair that he likewise turned down.

“All the other players were also in demand and I was assured Mark Thomson was on the radar of Petershill but the fact he opted for the Shire shows the strong bond existing between the guys and I’m convinced they will be Second Division title challengers.”

Thorniewood gaffer Frame who has added former Partick Thistle midfield partner Billy McDonald to his coaching team expressed his delight at fixing up the Blantyre trio.

“J.P. and I had managed to land former Benburb striker Shane Jackson from the amateur ranks but our other newcomers up to this week were young amateurs Darren Bowie (Stein Amateurs) and goalkeeper Ryan Tweedley (Mill Utd Under 20’s)so to sign three vastly experienced types like Terry , Andy and Graham is a real shot in the arm for our playing resources given that we also managed to hold onto players who were being pursued by higher league sides .

“It’s also our intention to have J.P. figuring more in a playing sense as he has a lot to offer despite being 37 years of age and right now I’m more than satisfied with how our playing squad is shaping up for the season ahead.”

Turning to the addition of McDonald ,he added ,”Billy was in the right place at the right time when Richard Tobin indicated he was taking time away from the Juniors because of work commitments and I didn’t hesitate to ask him on board.

“He had a spell at the helm of Lesmahagow last season which didn’t exactly go according to plan but he’s a fully qualified EUFA coach and we think his knowledge of the latest training methods will bring out the best in our players."