BUDGIE McGHIE got away to a winning start in his first ever outing as Kilbirnie Ladeside manager this week but is now looking for his revamped Blasties to show more mettle in their annual Hammy Glen Tournament kicking off later this afternoon.

A solitary goal from newcomer Bradley Rodden (son of legendary Kilbirnie midfielder Derek) proved to be the winner in last Monday night’s pre-season friendly contest at home to Ardeer Thistle, however Budgie came away thinking his side’s initial warm up had been far from ideal.

He revealed: “There’s a lot more to be happier about than not considering the squad I inherited from last season …I use the term loosely…amounted to only five players and one of them Ross McKinnon is still recovering from long-term injury.

“He took part in the friendly workout but was clearly out of sorts and it’s probably in everyone’s best interests if he rests up over the next few weeks with the aim of being fit and ready for our Super Premier league campaign.

“A young and energetic Ardeer side made the guys work hard and the major plus was keeping a clean sheet despite defenders playing together for the very first time but we definitely need to strengthen in some areas ahead of the Junior season getting underway in earnest.

“There’s definite room for improvement and this weekend’s tournament gives us the opportunity for a bit more gelling work as well as to run the rule over a number of prospective signings currently training with us.”

Early close season arrivals at Valefield included John Sweeney (St Roch's), Cory Hughes (Greeenock), Gavin Stokes (Maryhill) and a couple of Budgie’s erstwhile Clydebank playing charges in Peter McGill and Robbie Halliday (younger brother of former Rangers midfielder Andy).

And earlier this week Budgie was overjoyed to finally seal a deal to land promising striker David Crerand from Yoker Athletic.

The gaffer insisted: “David is someone I’ve admired as a player ever since he came onto the Junior scene at Yoker and I’m delighted to have the chance to work with him and see what he can bring to the table.

“He and the newcomers from other Junior clubs along with the trio of Possil YM players we snapped up, Rodden, Chris Lafferty and Harry Clark have shown signs of settling in really well and it’s encouraging to hear a good noise about the dressing room.

“I had high hopes of the Glenafton centre-back Chris Meikle also coming on board after he took part in a few training sessions and seemed to be comfortable in his surroundings but at the eleventh hour he surprisingly decided to sign for Cambuslang Rangers which is a bit disappointing but typical of the comings and goings in the Junior game.

“You simply do not know if a player is definitely yours or not until his name is on a contract form and tucked away in a filing cabinet Hampden Park.”

Newly-promoted Super First Division outfit Larkhall head for Ayrshire with a travelling party looking very much along the lines of last season with experienced team boss Dunky Sinclair confirming he has retained fully 17 players from last season’s successful squad.

Indeed a mere three signed newcomers are now included in the Jags camp, striker John McStay (Lesmahagow), goalkeeper David Perry (Selkirk) and midfielder Craig Forbes (Thorniewood United).

Sinky admitted: “We reckon it’s going to be a very difficult season with every team going all out to finish in one of the top six places ahead of league reconstruction and we deliberately set out our stall to only bring in players capable of giving us something different.

“McStay’s height and strength does that in spades and we believe the introduction of his physical attributes will allow us to play a direct game when needed and also help take some of the scoring responsibility off Graham Gracie’s shoulders.

“In saying that, last season was probably Graham’s best ever since I came here as manager...and I’m actually surprised none of the higher league clubs tried to entice him away.

“Perry will provide good competition for Stewart Thomson between the sticks and I have high hopes for Forbes who is another big lad and more than capable of doing a job in defence or midfield.

“Going up against Kilbirnie Ladeside will provide us with a stiff test not least because Budgie always favoured players with good legs and an attacking flair in his time at Clydebank and I don’t see him changing his outlook on the game.

“Unfortunately not all our players are available for our opening tournament game tomorrow against Kilbirnie (3pm) due to work commitments but I can assure any supporters intending to make the journey that the ones posted missing will be available on Sunday…hopefully to play in the final against either Rutherglen Glencairn or Stranraer .”

On the transfer front, Yoker Athletic boss Steff Reilly has moved quickly to fill the gap left by Crerand through the capture of Stevie Young from rivals Clydebank.

PLAYING TODAY

Irvine Meadow v Ashfield, Arthurlie v East Stirling, Bo’ness Utd v Hurlford Utd, Dumbarton v Clydebank, Neilston v Whitletts Vics, Largs Thistle v Gartcairn, Harestanes v St Roch's, Kilwinning Rangers v Stirling University.

Kenny McLean Testimonial game: Beith v All Stars XI.

James 'Hammy' Glen Memorial Tournament (two days): Rutherglen Glencairn v Stranraer Under 20’s, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Larkhall Thistle.

Progrez Trophy (two days): Petershill v Fauldhouse Utd, Rob Roy v Queens Park Under 20’s.

TOMORROW

Steven White Testimonial game: Auchinleck Talbot v Kilmarnock XI.