JAMIE DOCHERTY’S belief that Maryhill are a club on the up looks certain to see him sign on the dotted line for his seventh Junior club.

The experienced and much feted St Anthony's hitman has been going through his pre-season training paces at Lochburn Park prior to turning out in last Saturday’s 9-0 rout of Overtown Amateurs and serving up a display that had Hill boss Jim Delaney singing his praises.

And ahead of completing the formalities of putting pen-to-paper last night, 29-year-old Doc admitted his latest transfer move has given him a “whole new lease of life.”

The one-time Arthurlie, Rob Roy, Pollok, Renfrew and Rutherglen Glencairn signing revealed: “It’s often said in football that you should never go back to a former club and that certainly rings true with myself looking back on my return for another spell with the Ants.

“James McKenna was still manager and many team-mates were the same, however things just never felt like they were before and not being able to settle led to me playing nowhere near my best stuff.

“I had already made my mind up to move away and possibly take a break from football altogether but Maryhill coach Craig Ferguson was forever on my case and he more than anyone persuaded me to come in and see Maryhill’s set-up.

“It was difficult not to be impressed particularly with Jim Delaney’s novel training methods and I enjoyed myself so much that I rediscovered my old urge and enthusiasm for Junior football.

“It also helps that I stay in Partick so the club is practically on my doorstep but another factor is our dressing room make-up which consists of young up-and-coming players along with a sprinkling of older heads like myself, Paul Coyle and Eddie Walton.

“The spirit among the guys is terrific and I cannot help but think there are good times ahead for Maryhill so I’m keen to be involved.

“It’s a wrench to leave the Ants but I’m already looking forward to coming up against them in our league games not least because it will be a whole new experience to play against them competitively.”

Hill gaffer Delaney revealed a sense of satisfaction over his experimental line-up’s showing against their amateur opponents.

He insisted: “Overtown were significantly weakened as a result of losing a handful of players to Newmains United during the summer months but they still offered stiff resistance until our superior fitness told in the second half.

“Jamie put in a good shift and produced a lot of clever touches to link up well with our other attacking players with his top class delivery from set pieces particularly catching the eye and resulting in a couple of our goals.

“Our other front players Andy Monaghan and Shaun Fraser are more physically bustling types so he brings something different to us in the final third and I’m excited about the prospect of working with him.”

The former Maryhill Under-21s supremo added: “Every bit as pleasing was the performances of the two defenders we called up from the Under-21s – David Quinn and Deji Akinyemi – who were outstanding on the day despite playing out of position in wide midfield roles.

“David scored our first goal and set up the second for Monaghan while the pace and drive of Deji down the right kept Overtown on the back foot and it’s encouraging to think how well they have adjusted to stepping up a level.

“We have similar high hopes for Frankie Owens and Michael Mackay, neither of whom was risked on Saturday after picking up knocks in training, however their chance to impress will come before too long.

“Our squad is now up to 19 signed players and the intention is for everyone to have plenty of game time in our remaining friendlies against Drumchapel Amateurs, East Kilbride Thistle, Maryhill Thistle and Petershill.”

Meanwhile, striker Kevin Watt’s return to Rob Roy less than a month after stepping up to Annan Athletic has been hailed by Rabs boss Stewart Maxwell.

He lauded: “It’s no secret that we never wanted to lose Kevin but at the same time we could not stand in his way of going back into the Senior ranks.

“His move didn’t turn out as planned and I was only too happy to sign him up again and he celebrated with an excellent display, capped by a goal after coming off the bench in our 3-1 defeat of Glenafton on Sunday.

“He’s a quality player and having him for the season ahead is a massive boost.”

Meanwhile, in friendly encounters last night, Petershill emerged 3-1 winners at home to a youthful Clyde side thanks to strikes from Chris Ketterer, Michael Daly and Chris Craig, while Willie McLaren netted a brace as Forth Wanderers got the better of West Calder United by a 2-1 scoreline.

And winger Dale Moore netted twice along with Jordan Muir and Adam Forsyth counters as Troon defeated Johnstone Burgh 4-1 at Keanie Park.

LAST NIGHT

Johnstone Burgh 1 Troon 4, Petershill 3 Clyde XI 1, West Calder Utd 1 Forth 2.

TOMORROW

Vale of Leven v St Anthony's, Wishaw v Blackburn Utd, Carluke Rovers v Hearts XI, Annbank Utd v Auchinleck Talbot, Neilston v Ardeer Thistle, Renfrew v Irvine Meadow, Alloa XI v Rossvale, Vale of Clyde v Shotts Bon Accord, Kilsyth Rangers v St Roch's, Blantyre Vics v Shettleston, Maryhill v Drumchapel Utd, Dalziel HSFP v Bellshill Athletic, Ashfield v Larkhall Thistle, West Calder Utd v Royal Albert, Port Glasgow v Whitletts Vics, Broomhouse S.C. v Newmains Utd, Johnstone Burgh v Arthurlie , Irvine Vics v Bonnyton Under 21s, Largs Thistle v Saltcoats Vics, EK Thistle v Clyde XI.

THURSDAY

Forth v Red Star AFC, Kilwinning Rangers v Kilmarnock XI.

FRIDAY

Gartcairn v Albion RoversXI (Excelsior Stadium), Greenock v Morton XI, Vale of Clyde v St Mirren XI.

SATURDAY

St Anthony's v Clydebank, Cambuslang Rangers v Thorniewood Utd, Craigroyston v Arthurlie, Hurlford Utd v Whitletts Vics, Ardeer Thistle v Goldenhill Boys Under 21s, Larkhall Thistle v Drumchapel, Blantyre Vics v Broxburn Athletic, Kilsyth Rangers v Camelon, Carluke Rovers v Kello Rovers, Newmains Utd v Lesmahagow, Shettleston v Bonnyrigg Rose , Bathgate Thistle v Saltcoats Vics, Dalbeattie Star v Johnstone Burgh, Forth v Bellshill Athletic, Irvine Meadow v Kelty Hearts, Beith v Linlithgow Rose, Irvine Vics v Vale of Leven, Cumbernauld Utd v Lanark Utd, Vale of Clyde v Pollok, Crossgates Primrose v Rutherglen Glencairn, Sauchie v Petershill, Yoker v Haddiongton Athletic, Brechin Vics v Neilston, St Roch's v Port Glasgow, Newtongrange Star v Auchinleck Talbot, Scone Thistle v Wishaw, Stoneyburn v Royal Albert.

Dennis Donnelly Memorial Match: Benburb v Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

Duunipace Tournament: Dunipace v East Stirling, East Kilbride Thistle v Maryhill.

James Glen Memorial Tournament (Kilbirnie): Largs Thistle v Rutherglen Glencairn, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Renfrew.

Kilwinning Rangers Tournament: Troon v Ayr Utd XI, Kilwinning Rangers v Broomhill S.C.