Carluke busy on the transfer front
Trio fixed up before big kick-off
Carluke Rovers have signed Craig Grierson (23), a midfielder formerly with Thorniewood United, Peter Byrne (23), a forward from Forth Wanderers, and Eddie Halley (25) who has re-signed after a previous spell with Rovers.
Rovers were one of the first local clubs to launch their pre-season programme after finishing their previous fixture card earlier than rivals because of games not being called off at the John Cumming Stadium.
They kick off a series of Saturday friendlies at the Carluke ground next week (July 7) against Mill United AFC, with matches to follow against Bellshill Athletic (July 14), Kilsyth Rangers (July 21) and Threave Rovers (July 28).
Blantyre Vics have re-signed seven of last season’s squad – Dale Jones, Gary Campbell, Nadeem Zeb, Ross Mckechnie, Craig Kerr, Jake Hughes and Declan Brown.
But manager John Gibson has lost top scorer, 20-goal Sam Mckenzie to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, John Henderson to Fauldhouse United and defender Alan Murdoch to Albion Rovers.
Dean Harper has been signed from a local amateur side.
Dale Jones has received the Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the Year Trophies while first season Junior Nadeem Zeb was voted Players’ Player of the Year.
Lanark United have signed Ian Watt from Carluke Rovers, Joshua Gracie from Stenhousemuir and Whitletts Vics’ left-sided midfielder Craig Hughes.
Forth Wanderers, with a new management team of Ian Rankin and Thomas Devine set to make their Kingshill Park dug-out debut, have signed ex-lesmahagow goalie Ryan Cherrie and ex-hamilton Accies’ defender Matthew Innes
They have also expressed great satisfaction in re-signing experienced striker Kris Jarvie who turned in some top-class performances at Kingshill Park last season, Warren Grenfall and Stephen Tait.
On-loan defender Kieran Brown has also decided to stay for another season at Kingshill Park.
Larkhall Thistle re-started training on Monday night, with 15 to 20 players due to take part. The squad met at Gasworks Park but had to move to Raploch Park for training as the home pitch is being re-seeded and fertilised.
Thorniewood United have resigned Gary Fallon, Damon Welsh, AII Morgan, Gary Livingstone and Gary Stewart.
Bellshill Athletic are raising funds for Ritchie Kane who suffered a tibula/fibula break during a Central League Cup tie against Lanark United.
The club are looking to expand their committee and volunteer group to help the club to continue its Community Academy and senior team.
A club statement said: “There are many ways to get involved at this exciting time for the club: contact is Brian on 07540397115.”
Rovers were one of the first clubs to launch their pre-season programme