REECE McGillion is fired up in wanting to shine at Shettleston and prove Pollok were wrong to dump him.

The 21-year-old Possilpark based defender was understandably cock-a-hoop around this time last year after his displays at the heart of Knightswood Juveniles Under 21s defence earned him a step up to the Junior ranks.

Putting pen-to-paper for then Lok boss John Richardson seemed like a dream come true but matters soon turned sour and he ended up playing in a struggling team and out of position for the most part before being

unceremoniously discarded by the Southside giants when the season concluded with their relegation.

Reece at least had the consolation of finding himself in demand upon his release with new Lowland League side Broomhill S.C. and Ashfield among the

suitors chasing his signature, however he did not hesitate in moving to Greenfield Park once Town boss Hugh Kelly declared his interest.

The one-time Morton player insisted: "I have mostly bad memories of my time at Newlandsfield but it would be pushing things too far to say I'm delighted to get away from the place.

"I'd much rather things had been different as Pollok are a massive club with a terrific fan base and initially I was proud to be part of what was a very

professional set-up when the

season kicked off

"Back then our dressing room was a very enjoyable one to be in, however something akin to a revolving door approach made it feel like players were coming and going every week as well as team managers - remember I had four different gaffers in my one season - and a chain of events began which sapped the spirit out of the place.

"Everything that could

possibly go wrong ... went wrong and then some ... both on and off the pitch. I was used as a stopgap left-back and didn't exactly

relish the role but it's not easy to say 'no' when you are asked to help out the team and I tried my best though I'd have loved the opportunity to get a regular run of games in my preferred central defensive position.

"It was even more difficult to grin and bear it when the goals were raining in against us but I persevered to the end of the season despite knowing the writing was on the wall for me and

several others.

"Only now do I feel that whole Pollok experience is behind me and I'm happy to be part of this up and coming Shettleston side.

Reece revealed: "I had several training sessions at Greenfield and was offered signing terms prior to joining Pollok so I owed it to Hugh Kelly to come back and thankfully he was only too willing to bring me on board.

"I previously played at Knightswood with Kenny Marshall while Brian McEwan and several guys remain from my time here before so bedding in has been relatively easy and I'm just looking forward to the competitive stuff getting underway.

"Pollok are one of our Super First Division rivals and hopefully I can go back there and show people my true worth."

TOWN boss Kelly said: "Reece is still relatively young for a defender but he has what it takes to be an important player for Shettleston this season and I'm sure our supporters will take to him and our other newcomers.

"He's a big athletic lad and left sided into the bargain which can help add balance to our backline along with Rikky McIntosh whom we've snapped up from Montrose.

"Our other new face is striker Gary Miller who impressed playing for Bellshill Athletic against us last season while Con Boyle has returned for a second playing spell after a season spent with Lanark United.

"He was a gifted individual first time around so I'd like to think this opportunity to step up into the Super First Division will have a positive impact on him."

Kelly was also believed to be on the verge of recruiting seasoned Senior goalkeeper Bryn Halliwell who spent last season on the books of Sauchie Juniors, however talks have reputedly broken down after a failure to agree personal terms.

SATURDAY JUNIORS

Friendlies: Shettleston v Broxburn Athletic, Winton Rovers v Port Glasgow, Livingston Utd v Carluke Rovers, Beith v Rangers XI, Cambuslang Rangers v Gretna, Larkhall Thistle v Abbey Vale, St Andrews Utd v Blantyre Vics, Hurlford Utd v Whitletts Vics, Bellshill Athletic v Cumbernauld Utd, St Roch's v Dunipace, Vale of Leven v Myre Athletic, St Anthony's v Rob Roy, Arthurlie v Newtongrange Star, Irvine Vics v Fleet Star, Wishaw v Pollok, Petershill v Greenock, Darvel v Glasgow Perthshire, Sauchie v Irvine Meadow, Craigmark v Newmains Utd, Bo'ness Utd v Clydebank, Lugar v Lanark, Shotts v Fauldhouse.

Robbie Glen Tournament (Valefield): Dalry Thistle v Rutherglen Glencairn, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Kilwinning Rangers.

Tommy McGrain Tournament (Show Park): East Kilbride Thistle v Clyde XI, EK Rolls Royce v Whitehills Ams.

Johnstone Burgh Tournament (Keanie Park): Benburb v Thorn Athletic, Johnstone Burgh v Troon.

SUNDAY

Graham Potter Trophy: Cumnock v Hamilton Accies (12noon).

Robbie Glen Tournament: 3rd v 4th play-off game, final.

Tommy McGrain Tournament: 3rd v 4th play-off game, final.

Johnstone Burgh Tournament: 3rd v 4th play-off game, final.