Kilbirnie Ladeside's new signing Michael Moore has revealed that he joined the Ayrshire club because he wants to be a winner.

The legendary Stranraer striker rejected a number of Senior club approaches to sign a two-year deal with the Super Premier Division outfit and is excited at the prospect of his first ever Junior campaign.

Moore, 32, who is likely to make his debut in Kilbirnie's friendly match away to Dunbar United today, was sold on a move to Valefield by management team Stevie Swift and Mark Crilly, former team-mates of his at Stranraer.

He said: "Never in a million years did I ever imagine myself dropping down to play Junior football but now I cannot wait to get started.

"I played at Stair Park with Swifty and Dexy Wingate when they stepped up from Benburb and in latter years the former Arthurlie trio of Frank McKeown, Craig Malcolm and Sean Winter moved to Stair Park and were constantly been singing the praises of the game at this level.

"I was still hedging my bets and thinking another Senior contract might be my best option, but Mark, who also played alongside me at Stranraer, Swifty and another part of the old pals' act, Stuart "Arnie" Davidson, kept on my case and I suppose it's close to the truth to say they eventually wore me down .

"The thought had even crossed my mind to hang up the boots but they convinced me I'm going to be a long time retired so why not give the Juniors my best shot when still reasonably fit and I've gone for it."

Moore, who also played for Hamilton Accies, St Johnstone, and Dumbarton in a somewhat chequered playing career that also earned him the accolade of SPFA Third Division Player of the Year and joint record Stranraer goalscorer in single season (27 goals), is putting great faith in the Kilbirnie management duo.

He said: "I've kept in touch with them through the years and know they have done exceptionally well since teaming up in the dugout together.

"It's not surprising as they are steeped in the Scottish game and have a lot of good contacts and coaching ideas acquired during their own playing days.

"I'm genuinely excited about their plans and hopefully I can play a part in using my own experience to help develop what is fundamentally a very young squad. I've only met up with the other guys at training this week and haven't seen them play a game but that could be rectified today.

"I'm keen to play a part even though I'm going to be ring rusty. I haven't kicked a ball since turning out for Stranraer against Stenhousemuir towards the end of last season."

Yet another well-known name on the move is former Hamilton Accies forward Brian Carrigan, who has quit Kilsyth Rangers in order to sign for Sauchie.

Elsewhere, there is a deserved testimonial match taking place tomorrow afternoon for Largs Thistle goalkeeper Stevie Connick, whose loyal and unstinting service for the Theesel is being recognised with a Barrfields game against local Senior side Morton (kick-off 2pm).

And this coming Monday night brings the first competitive cup final of the new season with Carluke Rovers taking on Lesmahagow in the Clydesdale Cup showpiece at the John Cummings Stadium in Carluke (8pm).