Colin Clark does not believe Renfrew’s preparations for the new Junior season could have got off to a better start thanks to a number of successful signing ventures.

An initial polish to the Central First Division trophy hadn’t even taken place before Clarky and co-boss Martin Ferry took the first steps towards strengthening their playing squad for the challenge of stepping up to the Super First Division.

And their persuasive tongues have clearly worked the oracle with a handful of newcomers already on board while other new arrivals are thought to be imminent.

One-time Clydebank stopper Martin McInness is a confirmed signing from Neilston and another experienced defender Martin Brogan (Cambuslang Rangers) has allegedly opted to put pen to paper along with highly rated Bellshill Athletic hitman Scott Morton and more youthful Johnstone Burgh pair Keiron Healy and Lee Cochrane.

Clarky said: "You simply cannot rest on your laurels in this game nowadays and both Martin and I were acutely aware that improvements needed to be made despite the guys winning the First Division title.

“The two Martins are a couple of no-nonsense ball winners who can play a number of positions, but more important is the fact they have previously played in the Super First Division.

“Scott is an out-and-out penalty box type and we feel he will score goals for us, while the Burgh lads are outstanding prospects particularly Cochrane whose abilities saw him spend time with Rangers as a youngster and earn a season long stint at Auchinleck Talbot.

“We are also hopeful that another of the impressive crop of Burgh youngsters, Sean Fitzharris, who was previously on the books of Celtic and Morton, will come on board, however up to now he has only agreed to join us for pre-season training.

”Five new faces and a potential sixth adds up to a lot of transfer activity but that won’t stop us making further moves if the right players become available.”

The departure of McInness has come as a body blow to newly-installed Neilston co-bosses Martin Campbell and John Paul Dow, going about the task of holding talks with their Brig O’Lea players following their appointment last week.

Former Greenock gaffer Campbell was previously on Neilston’s books when Alan Urquhart was at the helm. He said: "I was only at the club for a month or so before Sammy Johnston took over as manager and he made it very clear that I was not part of his plans.

“But I was here long enough to know this is an extremely well-run Junior club with a terrific support so I didn’t hesitate to put myself and J.P. forward for the job when it became available recently.

“We did a reasonable job at Greenock in my opinion and wanted to stay in the game so to have landed this opportunity is a dream come true and already the enthusiasm shown by club officials is an eye opener.

“It was a sore one to lose big Martin before getting the chance to speak with him however holding onto Kieron McDade is a major plus and we have high hopes of Mathew Stevenston, Robbie Cameron and Derek Kennedy throwing in their lot with us.

“And approaches have been made to a number of potential new signings which if they come to fruition will see us in good shape for the season to come.”

Meanwhile one hears relegated Petershill are set to complete the signing of outstanding striker prospect Jason Hardie from Johnstone Burgh.

He is tipped to form a partnership with Michael Daly to get on the end of the promptings of the Springburn club’s latest midfield acquisition - Paul Callendar from Maryhill.

Peasy centre-back Jordan Chisholm and former Springburn team-mate Graham Girvan, latterly of Irvine Meadow, are tipped to be reunited next season at Arthurlie whose manager Stevie Kerrigan has completed the signing of midfield playmaker Ian Nimmo from Bo’ness Utd.