Pollok have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Queen's Park striker Ross McPherson.

Lok boss Tony McInally held talks with the 27-year old this week in seeking to head off Super Premier Division rivals Beith for the signature of the former Clydebank ace.

McPherson is a free agent after having reputedly turned down resigning terms at Hampden Park in favour of being reinstated back into the Junior ranks.

Macca is thought to be targeting forward going types like "Archie" as well as former Kilbirnie Ladeside talent Chris Craig as he seeks to further strengthen a playing squad already thought to be bolstered by the additions of midfielder Colin Williamson (Cumnock) and seasoned defensive duo Ross McCabe (Petershill) and Mark Sideserf (Irvine Meadow).

And the ambitious gaffer is keen to tie up business quickly to give him ample time to both bed in his new recruits ahead of Pollok's return to Junior football's top flight as well as to turn his attention to bringing in his other signing targets.

No-nonsense defender Mark Staunton (Medda) remains on his signing radar and Macca has also been linked with lucrative bids to land a couple of Senior midfielders with relatively recent Junior experience.

Sean Frase , formerly of Irvine Meadow and a team-mate of McPherson's with the Spiders, is a name on the Newlandsfield shopping list as is recently released Stranraer midfielder Sean Winter who previously played for Arthurlie and East Kilbride Thistl.

However, both players are said to be keeping their options open by entering into discussions with other interested parties.

Winter could be lost to the Juniors altogether if Lowland League outfit East Kilbride follow up their interest in him and Stair Park travelling companion Barry Russell is yet another ex-Junior in demand.

Johnny Millar of Beith, able to number former Dumbarton goalkeeper Stephen Grindley and winger type Richie Burke from Petershill among his confirmed signings to date, has not given up on the chase to land McPherson or indeed his close friend and former Clydebank team-mate Tommy Martin, who is also believed to be mulling over a signing approach by Petershill.

The Bellsdale Park gaffer said: "Andy Reid's decision to leave on top of Sean McKenna asking to be placed on the transfer list left us with a striking gap to fill and we believe Archie teaming up with Kenny McLean would make for a dream pairing.

"He's listened to what we've had to say about his role in our plans, but problem is that all the top clubs are after the same players and we just cannot compete with some of the contract offers being tabled elsewhere ."

Meanwhile, Beith's arch-rivals Kilbirnie Ladeside have pulled of a sensational signing coup in snapping up their former midfield general Davie Anderson whose promising Queens Park career was cut short by a debilitating ankle injury.

Blasties boss Swifty said: "Davie hasn't played for almost a year other than seven and five-a-side games, but he assures me his fitness is not in doubt and I cannot wait to see him pulling the strings for us.

Former St Mirren goalkeeper Kieron Hughes, 20, whose last club was Albion Rovers is another Valefield recruit and Swift has high hopes of sealing a number of other deals to go along with the hoped for capture of Kyle Rafferty (Arthurlie) as he looks to bring in quality replacements for Ryan Borris (away to Hurlford Utd) , Darren McLean (Petershill), Chris Malone (Glenafton) and Billy Gibson (retired).

He insisted,"My phone has literally not stopped ringing since the season ended and it's been nothing short of chaotic trying to fix up meetings with signing targets who are likewise wanted by other clubs.

"Right now the transfer market is geared towards the players but that will change as the close season drags on."

PLAYING TONIGHT (Kick Offs 7.30 PM): Stagecoach Leagues Central First Division: Benburb v Larkhall Thistle, Wishaw v Blantyre Vics.

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