Mark McLeNNan has not enjoyed the sort of season he was hoping after signing for Pollok last summer.

A hardly surprising statement when you consider big things had been expected from the illustrious playing squad assembled by John Richardson that included Junior Scotland striking duo Richie Barr and Iain Diack.

The 22-year-old full-back did not look out of place in this seasoned company but a raft of managerial changes sparked by Richardson's shock resignation back in September wreaked havoc inside the Newlandsfield dressing room and a spate of playing departures followed that saw Mark's trophy aspirations come crashing down around him.

The Southsiders' lot has been the complete opposite with early cup exits and a releagtion battle ensuing for the most part, so former St Mirren full-back McLennan derives scant consolation from being one of the first names on the team sheet regardless of whether Richardson, Stevie Docherty, Rab Sneddon or current gaffer Tony McInally have been at the helm.

He has been a near ever- present, featuring in all but two of his side's matches and a string of impressive performances under Macca have led to him being thrown the captain's armband.

Today he is poised to lead out his team-mates in the vital basement battle away to arch foes Arthurlie where victory could set Pollok up for a surge to safety.

"I look upon it as a fabulous honour to be asked to skipper Pollok and I will not shy away from taking responsibility out on the pitch even if it means taking advice from other players around me," he said.

"Guys like Gowser (Chris McGowan) and Steff Reilly were very supportive for me when I was the youngest in the team and tapping into their great experience has undoubtedly helped my development massively."

He went on: "Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to put the lessons learned to good effect in what is shaping up as a must-win game against Arthurlie

"Taking full points from our remaining three league games would almost certainly help us stay up.

"It still might mean us figuring in the play-off double-header but right now I would bite your hand off for third-bottom place."

He went on: "It's fair to say the last six months have been turmoil on the back of the comings and goings of managers and players.

"Thankfully there are signs of some stability with the arrival of Tony McInally who is a very focused individual and someone I feel will bring back the high playing standards associated with a club of Pollok's stature.

"He has been good for me personally as I have enjoyed the intensity of his training routines and my fitness has improved no end."

New Lok signing Gary Wild looks certain to play in a defence shorn of McGowan (injury) and ex-Dumbarton protege Josh Horne (work commitments).

And new striking sensation Davie Winters is a shoo-in after transfer listed Richie Barr's no-show at training this week.

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Stevie O'Neil has joined former club and Junior Cup semi-finalists Hurlford United from Renfrew.