GIRVAN will be playing in the Super Premier Division for the first time this season following back-to-back promotions.

Peter Leonard took over at Hamilton Park in January 2015 and he has since masterminded the club's meteoric rise through the divisions.

The Seasiders didn't lose a game during the 2015/16 season and were promoted from the Ayrshire District League as champions.

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The former St Mirren star then secured the club’s second title in a row by winning the Super First Division last season.

Girvan are now preparing for their debut season in the top flight and Leonard says he can’t wait to get started.

He said: “This season will be the first ever time Girvan have played in the Premier Division and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

“We’ve been on an extraordinary journey over the past two and a half years. When I first took over we were sitting bottom of the Ayrshire League.

“In my first full season we totally turned things around, we got promoted by winning the league and we also went unbeaten, which was a bonus.

“Last season we had to rebuild the squad because we lost 10 players but after an uneasy start we went on to win the First Division.

“Now we’re getting ready for life in the Premier Division and I can’t wait for the summer break to be over so we can get going.”

This season may be the first time Girvan have ever played in the Super Premier Division, but Leonard insists he wants his side to thrive no just survive.

He added: “We’re going up to the Premier Division with the aim of competing against the very best teams the league has to offer.

“There’s no point in going up saying all we want to do is avoid relegation, I think that’s a defeatist attitude to have.

“We’re going into this season with no fear, we’re going to give it a real go and we’ll see where it takes us.”

There has been very little transfer news coming out of Hamilton Park this summer as the Girvan gaffer appears to be keeping things under wraps.

However, Leonard revealed he has managed to re-sign a number of players and admits he is aiming to bring in a few new faces.

He said: “Most of last season’s squad have re-signed, I’m also looking to bring in five or six new players to supplement what we already have.

“I’m currently making progress on a couple of deals but we have yet to make anything official so I’m keeping my cards close to my chest.

“If things go well then I will hopefully be able to announce some new signing in the next couple of weeks but I can’t just now.”

While Leonard is busy getting his squad ready for the new season the groundsmen are working hard to make sure Hamilton Park is in tip-top condition.

Leonard said: “The committee is investing heavily in the park, I think they are spending around five grand on seeding it, sanding it and the underground drainage.

“We need the surface to be in top condition so it’s great news that the club have been able to put forward the money needed to improve the park.”

In other news, it was revealed this week that Neilston have plucked three players away from local rivals Johnstone Burgh.

The trio of Gareth Brown, Jonny McStay and Connor Milne have all decided to switch Keanie Park for the Brig O'Lea Stadium.

Elsewhere, it's been a busy few days for Shotts Bon Accord manager Kieran McGuinness who has signed three new players.

The Bonny gaffer has brought in Scott McHaffie, Ross Foley and Ryan Sullivan all from Cumbernauld United.