Mark Crilly reckons this season could be a big one for Kilbirnie Ladeside.

The co-boss - who shares dressing-room duties with best mate Stephen Swift - has brought in some big-name players - and he isn't finished yet.

He has just snapped up talented Chris Wilson from Linlithgow Rose and George Heron from Pollok. Add that to former Dumbarton wide boy Ryan Borris, and you have a recipe for success.

The Valefield duo have also agreed to take a senior goalkeeper on loan - although he's keeping that one under wraps at the moment - and is talking to a further two 'big' signing targets.

All in all, the coming season bodes well for Crilly and Swift, as well as Ladeside followers.

Crilly said: "Stephen and I were disappointed with the way last season fizzled out and we want to make sure we go the distance this time.

"We had gained promotion to the Super Premier League the season before and we were ready to make our mark on the top flight, but it didn't quite pan out that way.

"It was a learning curve, though, and I'm sure we've both taken an awful lot from it.

"To be honest, the main objective at the start of the season was to stay in the league, but I think some of the players quickly realised that they were just as good as many of the players already there, and that spurred them on."

Crilly and Swift will have an extra pair of hands on board this season after former Pollok manager Stephen Docherty agreed to join the backroom team at Valefield.

It's a timely move for the Blasties as they lost the influential Stuart Davidson last season due to family commitments, and Crilly insists that three heads are definitely better than two.

He added: "Having someone like Stephen on board is great news. Naturally we were sorry to lose Stuart, but I'm sure Stephen will do a good job. He will have a lot of input and we will talk regularly to see how we can improve."

The players start back training tomorrow, and will have relished the extra time off.

"It's hoped that they will come back hungrier than ever," said Crilly, who was a top player during his career with the likes of St Mirren and Ayr United.

"Stephen and I have been looking at and identifying possible signing targets since the start of this year. We always had the coming season in mind.

"Our aim is to have Kilbirnie challenging the likes of Auchinleck Talbot for titles and cups. They are the benchmark, and have been for the last few years.

"But Kilbirnie is a sleeping giant, and we are determined to re-awaken them.

"The club has an excellent fan base and a fantastic, hard-working committee.

"They have backed us with our big signings this season and we are determined to repay that faith with some great performances.

"I expect big things of this season and I will be so disappointed if we don't get them.

"Stephen and I want as strong a squad as possible, and while players might not be happy to sit on the bench, it's up to them to make the most of their chances."

Crilly and Swift have been the best of buddies for years now, and have formed a potent managerial partnership that looks as if it will only get stronger.

Crilly said: "We are best mates, but we are like chalk and cheese, and that's probably why we get on so well.

"I'm quite laid back, while Stephen wants everything done yesterday. We fell out plenty of times during our playing days, but we always shared a beer after the game and made sure there were no hard feelings.

"Our families are also very close and we talk every day, which I believe benefits Kilbirnie Ladeside.

"People in all walks of life have arguments, but I think the most important thing is that you don't let them take over, or hold grudges. You sort things out and move on.

"I think the day we both stop having strong opinions is the day that it might stop working."

Crilly added: "We are both very excited about the new season. We reckon we have an excellent pool of players, although that will be put to the test soon.

"Bringing in the likes of Chris Wilson and Ryan Borris can only be a good thing. Both lads have an excellent pedigree.

"We're ready to take the next step up and I'll be hoping that it leads to success for Kilbirnie."