JOHN SWEENEY is edging closer to the Newlandsfield exit gates after being placed on the open to transfer list by Pollok.

Last night the 28-year-old ex-Clyde midfielder confirmed he had requested a transfer in the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Rob Roy in which he had been the first of four Lok players to be red carded in a crazy closing nine-minute spell.

His dismissal just five minutes after being introduced off the substitutes bench saw him cut a forlorn figure heading into the dressing rooms and he has admitted to letting simmering frustrations get to him.

He revealed: “It’s no secret that I’ve been unhappy for some considerable time so this is no spur of the moment decision in the wake of my sending off.

“Feeling like I’m being made a scapegoat when results go against us means my frame of mind is not what it should be and when this affects my game and my team-mates then it’s time to move on to pastures new.

“I texted Tony McInally on Saturday night asking what I needed to do to get away from Pollok and his later response was to say I was on the transfer list.

“I need to get the buzz back in my belly and I cannot see it happening as things stand here.”

Earlier today Lok boss Macca insisted: “This club’s decision to put John put up for sale is definitely not a consequence of his sending off on Saturday.

“Being in and out of the team since the start of the season is not to his liking and we’ve probably reached the point now where a parting of the ways is both good for him and for Pollok F.C.

“He is an experienced player with a lot of good qualities and our club officials will discuss his transfer situation at a meeting tomorrow night.”

It’s not known if Sweeney will come into contention for a starting jersey when Hurlford United come through to Newlandsfield this coming weekend for a crunch Super Premier Division clash even though Pollok are already resigned to going without red-card sinners Alan McKenzie and Chris Walker.

The Lok boss added: “My understanding is that big Chris is of a mind to appeal his dismissal but if he doesn’t then the door is opened for Ross McCabe to come in and stake a claim for a regular place.

“He’s waited a long time for his chance yet has never missed so much as a single training session and I cannot speak highly enough of his attitude and professionalism.”

Looking on from the terracings…with no little pride…as Rob Roy put Pollok to the sword on Saturday was Kirkintilloch boss Stewart Maxwell, serving a six-game suspension imposed for his dismissal from the dugout during a 2-0 Greenfield Park defeat by Shettleston which remains his side’s only blemish in seven league starts to date.

Next up for the table-topping Rabs is the visit of Hugh Kelly’s men to Guys Meadow this coming weekend and Maxi is keen for his players to continue their winning ways.

He said: “The guys played good football against Pollok but without creating many clear-cut chances, however a most pleasing aspect was their refusal to get involved in the more heated situations.

“More of the exact same attitude will be needed this week because there’s no doubt Shettleston will try to get in our faces like they did in our earlier meeting.

Asking if he considered his Rabs side to be serious title challengers was met with what appeared to be a tongue in cheek reply.

He said: “As far as I’m concerned, we are relegation candidates until or if 25 points are put on the board.

“Auchinleck Talbot remain favourites to finish top of the pile in my book but I wouldn’t rule out Hurlford United coming with a charge as both teams have the quality and resources to stay the course.

“We cannot compete in terms of finance and new signings so the biggest challenge facing us is keeping our key players fit and available.”

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 1.45pm)

ETHX Energy Scottish Junior Cup third round replays: Arniston Rangers v Neilston.

New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup second round: Girvan v Blantyre Vics, Johnstone Burgh v Irvine Meadow, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Glenafton, Clydebank v Whitletts Vics. First round: Annbank Utd v Vale of Clyde.

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Auchinleck Talbot v Troon, Pollok v Hurlford Utd, Rob Roy v Shettleston, Petershill v Beith.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Shotts Bon Accord v Kilsyth Rangers, Bellshill Athletic v Cumbernauld Utd, Cumnock v Largs Thistle, Winton Rovers v Rutherglen Glencairn, Greenock v Yoker, Kilwinning Rangers v Maybole.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Carluke Rovers v Maryhill, Lesmahagow v Dunipace, Wishaw v St Anthony's, Larkhall Thistle v St Roch's, Renfrew v Thorniewood Utd.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Gartcairn v Ashfield, Vale of Leven v Cambuslang Rangers, Newmains Utd v Forth, Glasgow Perthshire v Benburb, East Kilbride Thistle v Lanark Utd, Port Glasgow v Royal Albert.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Dalry Thistle v Ardeer Thistle, Irvine Vics v Lugar Boswell, Muirkirk, v Saltcoats Vics, Darvel v Kello Rovers.