Cumbernauld United boss Andy Frame has made a bigger splash than most in the close season transfer market as he gears up the Guys Meadow side for their bid to win promotion from the Super First Division this season.

United finishing just outside the promotion places last time out was a major disappointment to their ambitious gaffer and led to him making early moves to strengthen his squad through a five-strong influx of new faces.

He’s delighted with his acquisitions but more than a few eyebrows will be raised by his recruitment of Paul Callander and Connor Stevenson (Petershill), Stefan Law (Rob Roy), Div Reid (Larkhall Thistle) and Kieran McAleenan (Arthurlie), considering United mounted a strong finish to their league campaign and were also runners-up to Pollok in the Central League Cup Final .

The one time Hibs midfielder explained: “Emerging as one of the form horses towards the end of season only papered over the cracks if truth be told because the team only kicked on after Ross McCabe from Pollok and Chris Lennon from Arthurlie arrived at the club in January.

“Ross added some much-needed defensive steel, while Chris scored 16 goals in 18 starts but we gave ourselves too much ground to make up following a horribly poor start to the season, so I was determined we would be ready from the off this time.

“And the reason we were able to be quick off the mark was because our signing targets had already been identified in discussions with JP McBride and Billy McDonald so it was a case of moving in to conclude deals before other clubs showed any interest.”

Frame’s capture of Law sees him reunited with the midfield playmaker who previously played under him to great effect at Thorniewood United.

He lauded: “ Stefan was an outstanding talent playing with Strathaven Dynamo Under 18’s when we first signed him and he really excelled at Thorniewood, so much so that he was lined up to join Airdrie only for Queens Park to entice him away at the last minute.

“He never fulfilled his potential at Hampden and I went after him again upon his release but the prospect of playing in the top league with Rob Roy proved too much of an attraction – however I kept in touch and was only too happy to offer him a contract when he revealed his intention to leave the Rabs.

”I’m looking forward to him operating in a midfield with Kieran who provides great experience and balance on top of a wonderful delivery at set pieces that Cumbernauld have lacked since the departure of Paul Murphy.

“Our supporters will also take to our other signings not least Div Reid, a big strong left-sided type who provides a recognised goals threat, and the same applies to Paul Callender who is a terrific middle to front runner and I can pay him no higher compliment than to say he can fill the gap left by Davie Dickson hanging up his boots.

“Our final addition Connor is someone I’ve known for a long time as a truly gifted individual, capable of wonder goals and a real entertainer on his game, so the hope is he can settle here and show his true qualities “

Frame makes no secret of his desire to hit the ground running when his side’s Super First Division campaign starts in August.

He said: “We hope to figure in the mix but a lot of questions will be asked of us in the coming months and we need to come up with the answers.”