Alan Wardlaw knows only time will tell if East Kilbride Thistle's summer recruitment drive proves to be as successful on the pitch as it has been off it.

The always-ebullient gaffer admits to feeling fairly confident about his side's chances of flying out of the Stagecoach Central Second Division traps after a total of 15 close-season transfer approaches resulted in 14 new signings coming on board.

He revealed: "Billy Campbell and I thought we might experience difficulties in attracting quality players to the club given our lowly league placing last season as well as a lack of finances.

"But the question of monetary rewards was never once mentioned in our various discussions with players, and we now have a playing squad whose only focus is on getting East Kilbride Thistle back up the leagues where the club belongs.

"Nobody will get me to make any bold predictions, but if the commitment and hunger shown by the guys during our early training sessions is carried on to our competitive matches then a top half of the table finish is certainly not beyond us. For certain, you can take it as read that we will be better than last time out."

Wardy has raided his former club Cambuslang Rangers for Chris Treacy, Adam Boyle and veteran campaigner Brian Welsh, who will assume player/coach responsibilities following the departure of Jimmy Kerr, who has joined up with close friend and former Jags boss, John Brogan, at Lowland League new boys Broomhill Sports Club.

Lugar captain Seamus McGeady has arrived, along with another central defender, Scott Faulds from Wishaw Juniors, but the real feather in Wardy's cap could be the acquisition of Scott Chatterton, who played for Rangers Under-17s last season.

The EK boss added: "Scott is only 18 and will need time to adjust to the Junior game, but he is a wonderful prospect who has it in him to step back up to the Senior ranks and I hope he earns recognition through his displays for us.

"We also have another one-time Rangers signing in Scott Hadden, who is coming in from East Kilbride FC, while Peter Driscoll (Wellhouse Amateurs) and David Quinn (Broomhouse Amateurs) will likewise be getting a first taste of the Junior scene.

"It was always in our thoughts that the bedding-in process would be helped by the capture of older heads, and I'm delighted with how seasoned pros like John Fallon and Barry Devine have meshed with the younger guys.

"Getting them all working together, along with the core of players retained from last season's squad, has been painless up till now, and the signs are looking good."