MARYHILL manager John Hughes reckons his young Lochburn Park playing charges will be “kids in” following his capture of seasoned frontman Chris Zok.

The 30-year-old, a free agent after obtaining his release from Cumbernauld United last week, had found himself pursued by a number of Junior clubs, however a determined Hughes has won the race for his signature ahead of today’s Super First Division clash at home to Troon Juniors.

Last night the team boss said: “We have been crying out for someone to take responsibility for getting on the end of things in the penalty box ever since Jamie Docherty and Justin Begg moved away during the close season and Chris certainly fits the bill.

“He’s a proven goalscorer and our younger guys will benefit immensely from playing and training alongside someone of his pedigree.

“Chris is a naturally fit type as you’d expect given he’s a firefighter in his day job, however his coming on board so late in the week means he’s yet to put in a training session with the team so I have to weigh up whether throwing him straight in against Troon would be fair on him.

“The game is a massive test of character as we let a lot of people down, ourselves included, with a disappointing display against Largs Thistle last weekend when individual errors cost us dearly and we simply have to do a lot better tomorrow.”

Much acclaimed hitman Zok, now at his sixth Junior club after previously playing with Rob Roy, Glenafton, Kilsyth Rangers, Renfrew and Cumbernauld United admitted to being blown away by the speed of signing events.

He said: “I had no intentions of putting pen to paper when agreeing to meet up with John this week for a chat about my future plans but I immediately liked what he had to say about his ambitions for Maryhill and how he wanted to set up his team.

“I have always appreciated straight-talking managers who don’t hold back in telling you what they think and John comes across as that type of guy.

“He explained his need to land a few experienced heads and the more we spoke the more I felt Maryhill would be a good fit for me as a player so I had no hesitation in shaking his hand and agreeing to join up here.

“It’s a massive plus to be moving to yet another Super First Division club because I was thinking I might have to drop down a division or two to keep my career going and I’m confident in my abilities to score goals at this level.”

Elsewhere on the transfer scene comes word of newly-installed Kilsyth Rangers boss Chris McGroarty fixing up goalkeeper David Kane from Camelon Juniors as well as raiding his former club Wishaw to land defender Scott Falconer ahead of Kilsyth’s first home league game of the season against the powerful Largs.

In other Super First contests, pre-season promotion tips Rutherglen Glencairn will look to end a dismal run of three consecutive defeats when hosting the visit of an unpredictable Darvel, while goals are promised in the Gasworks Park meeting of free-scoring pair Larkhall Thistle and Cambuslang Rangers.

Going all out to build on getting away to winning starts to their league campaigns are Kello Rovers and Petershill who lock horns down at the Ayrshire club’s Nithside Park outpost while a tasty affair is on the cards at Guys Meadow where Cumbernauld United and Renfrew (Chris Zok’s two former clubs) go head to head.

TODAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Arthurlie v Rob Roy, Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford Utd, Beith v Glenafton, Clydebank v Kilwinning Rangers, Cumnock v Pollok, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Girvan.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Cumbernauld Utd v Renfrew, Kello Rovers v Petershill, Kilsyth Rangers v Largs Thistle, Rutherglen Glencairn v Darvel, Larkhall Thistle v Cambuslang Rangers, Maryhill v Troon. McBookie.com Central First Division: Greenock v Yoker Athletic, Blantyre Vics v Glasgow Perthshire, Neilston v Forth Wanderers, Port Glasgow v Benburb, Wishaw v East Kilbride Thistle, Rossvale v Thorniewood Utd, Shotts Bon Accord v Lesmahagow.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Bellshill Athletic v Vale of Clyde, Carluke Rovers v Ashfield, Gartcairn v Vale of Leven, Johnstone Burgh v Dunipace, Lanark Utd v Royal Albert, St Anthony's v Newmains Utd.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District Division: Craigmark v Muirkirk, Dalry Thistle v Annbank Utd, Maybole v Saltcoats Vics, Whitletts Vics v Ardeer Thistle.