Dalbeattie Star have announced five of their summer signings – with more to follow.
The Lowland League side have been waiting on the SFA processing paperwork before unveiling the make-up of new boss Jordan Williamson’s squad.
And while nine registrations are still in the pipeline, five plus the retention of forward Steven Degnan have come through.
Forward Dale Milligan has followed Williamson from St Cuthbert Wanderers with Andrew Caffrey, Jonathan Kavanagh, Steven Logan and Jack Currie all joining the Islecroft side for the new campaign.
Williamson said: “Dale had a great season with us last season and it would probably have been a wrong move not to have brought him with us. Any player that scores that many in any league deserves a chance to pitch themselves at a higher level.
“We’re giving Dale and a few others we’re bringing across the chance to come across to test themselves. They’ve developed in a way under our regime that we can see the progress in them and we’ve no doubt they’ll be able to make that step up.
“Andrew was part of my under-16s at Queen’s Park. He went all the way to the under-20s and training with the first team squad. Unfortunately, he got a bad injury and he wasn’t able to secure a contract off the back of that. He went to East Kilkbride under-20s last season and I can already see he is able to make the step up despite being so young.
“Jonathan was at Airdrie while I was there although I didn’t directly coach him. He is a very strong, solid defender but technically is very good and gives us the option of being able to play out from the back. He played with Rossvale last season so has been playing at a good standard.
“Steven is a solid midfielder who is very good technically on the ball. He has a great vision and understanding of the game, essential for us to play the way we want to. He will be a big asset for us, especially with his upbringing at Newcastle United.
“He picked up a nasty injury at Annan and fell out of football so has been doing his own rehab.
“Jack is one of the strongest number nines I’ve ever come across. He is going to be a nightmare for defenders this season We’ve seen in training and friendlies how he can use his body to hold the ball and link in other players.
“It is going to be so good to watch him linking in with other players around him. He will be so important for us going forward and the way we want to play. I’ve no doubt fans were disappointed when we lost one Currie (Russell) but we’ve certainly brought in a better one.”
Star were convincing 6-1 winners over St Cuthbert Wanderers in their first Jim Hyslop Memorial Trophy game on Wednesday night – despite Williamson’s old club scoring first.
They were due to face Killingworth on Saturday but the game was postponed, so instead the players headed to Sandyhills .
Williamson said: “We worked them hard down on the beach. We’re lucky that we’ve got that on our doorstep. A lot of the boys that come down from the central belt probably haven’t done a session on the beach before.
“Wednesday was a good workout as we need game time and we need time to gel. It was no surprise we conceded quite early on in that spell due to the fact we were disjointed and players were trying to form partnerships.
“It’s all very well having small-sided games at the end of training sessions but it’s a different type of game when you step out as 11-a-side.
“I knew going into the game we’d always be a bit disjointed in the first wee while but after 15 minutes we settled into a rhythm, moved the ball well and dictated the game well.”
Star rounded off the Jim Hyslop Memorial Trophy when they lost 2-0 to Creetown, who retained the cup.
Their final friendly is against against Rossvale on Saturday at 3pm.
“Rossvale were in the West Premier last season so I’m sure it’ll be a good runout.”
