After five months in charge, Steve Kerrigan reckons the Arthurlie squad is finally starting to feel like his own following a fresh batch of transfers.

The former Albion Rovers frontman arrived at Dunterlie Park in January to replace outgoing boss Robert Downs.

But he took over a 'Lie side in the midst of a relegation dogfight.

Kerrigan, though, succeeded in keeping Arthurlie up, ending the season one spot above the Super League Premier Division drop zone.

However, he admits it wasn’t an easy task to achieve but says he’s looking forward to next season with his own group of players.

He said: “Taking over any team half way through a campaign is never easy, but we did what we set out to do and that was to stay in the Premier Division.

“Since I took over in late January there’s been a big turnaround in personnel, but it’s been needed in order for us to stay in the league.

“Now that’s done, I’ve turned my attention to putting my own stamp on the squad so I can tackle the new season the way I want, the team is shaping up well and it’s finally starting to feel like my team.

“We’ve had about six players leave, but we’ve brought in about the same amount so far, however, I feel the lads we have brought in are of a higher quality than the ones we’ve lost.”

Arthurlie’s most recent purchases include highly rated shot-stopper Grant Hay from Maryhill and experienced defender Graham Girvan from Irvine Meadow.

The Barrhead club also managed to tie down Ian Nimmo on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell last term.

Kerrigan said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the business we’ve managed to do recently.

"We have finalised two big signings in the form of Grant Hay and Graham Girvan.

“Grant is a great signing for us, he’s a talented keeper who had a lot of big clubs after him such as Pollok and Queen's Park so for us to get in front of them and get him is huge.

“Graham is a player with a great pedigree. He had a good few years at Ross County and has a vast knowledge of the junior game after his time with Petershill and Irvine Meadow.

“He will most likely play right-back for us, but I think he’s capable of playing in a few positions which is great.”

He added: “Ian Nimmo is a dream signing for me. When we brought him in on loan last season we never thought we could get him permanently so to actually go and do that is amazing.”

Kerrigan may be happy with his squad at the moment, but he hasn’t ruled out bringing in one or two more new faces, however, he’s remaining tight-lipped on who they may be.

He said: “As I’ve said I’m very happy with the business we’ve done.

"Everyone we’ve wanted to get we’ve got.

“Everyone we’ve wanted to stay at the club we’ve kept and everyone that’s left has done so because I wanted to make changes.

“I am hoping to get a couple more players in before the start of the season, we are in talks with a few boys we want to bring in but it wouldn’t be fair to name names at this point in case it upsets anyone.”

Elsewhere on the transfer scene, Rossvale have announced the signing of six new players via Twitter.

Steven Tart (formerly of Arthurlie), Jamie Donnelly (formerly of Gartcairn), David Shaw (formerly of Bellshill Athletic) and Craig Holmes (formerly of Gartcairn) have all joined the Central District First Division side.

It was also announced that Phil Bannister and manager Brian McGinty will be performing double duty next season.

Phil Bannister is set to join the club as a goalkeeping coach/player while the former St Mirren star will be lacing up his boots once more to become player/manager.