Hurlford United boss Darren Henderson admits losing Ross Robertson to Troon is a big blow for the club, but insists life will go on without the talented frontman.

Robertson was the Ford's key man in front of goal last season, finding the net more times than any other Hurlford player.

The former Ayr Untied striker was instrumental in helping the Blair Park side secure a second-place finish in the Super League Premier Division last season.

However, it was announced last week that he had officially made the switch to league rivals Troon.

Henderson says Robertson’s presence will be missed both on and off the field, but makes it clear his exit isn’t the end of the world.

He said: “Ross has been a star player for me and this club, he’s a top quality player so to lose him to Troon isn’t an easy one to take.

“However, I totally understand why he made the move, the guys at Troon offered him a full-time job which was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“Having said that I wish he did turn it down as it would have been great to keep hold of him, but as I said I can’t blame him for accepting their offer.

“Ross goes with the best wishes of everyone at the club, we just hope he’s not a thorn in our side next season when we play Troon.”

Henderson said: “While Ross leaving is a big loss for us both on and off the field it’s not the end of the world.

“I feel bringing in John Gemmell from Clyde is a perfect replacement. John’s scored goals at a better level so I’m confident he’ll fill the hole Ross has left in the squad.

“I’ve also brought in former Brechin City captain Craig Molloy to help shore up our attack, so as I’ve said I think bringing in those two has softened the blow of Ross leaving.”

Robertson admits leaving the Ford wasn’t an easy decision to make but insist making the switch to the Seasiders was the correct call for him.

He said: “Leaving Hurlford was a really hard call for me to make, not just for footballing reasons, but also because it meant I’d be leaving behind a great bunch of boys and an amazing management team.

“I had a great time working with Darren, he helped revitalise me in a football sense and for that I’m very grateful.

"I will miss working with him and I want to wish him all the best of luck in the future.

“I would also like to thank Hurlford as a club for giving me the chance to play my football at Blair Park and am sure they will be massively successful this season.”

Robertson added: “Making the decision to leave wasn’t easy, it’s always tough to leave a club especially when you are doing well there.

“I achieved a lot in such a short space of time with Hurlford, every season I was there we won a trophy including the big one, the Scottish Junior Cup, in my first season.

“So it was a difficult decision to leave all that behind, but I’m confident I’ve made the right call, it’s time for a change and I can’t wait to start winning trophies with Troon.”