Tommy Sloan insists Auchinleck selling Jamie Glasgow was a ‘no brainer’ after the unsettled star slapped in a transfer request.
But he revealed he would rather have replaced him with another player than bank a hefty fee.
Big spending champions Darvel made the 28-year-old attacking midfielder their latest headline signing. But Glasgow is set for a double quick return to Beechwood Park, where he spent five years, when the teams clash in the Scottish Junior Cup in only four weeks.
Boss Sloan admitted: “We hadn’t been getting the best out of Jamie for a while. There were teams interested in him and perhaps the move should have happened before now.
“Jamie came to me and said he wanted to move. I don’t want to keep players who don’t want to play here so a move was a no brainer and in the best interests.
“I wish Jamie all the best but I’m trying to get bodies in and would rather have had another player, not necessarily from Darvel. I am more interested in getting players than bringing in money and we are actively looking as always.”
Glasgow thanked everyone at Talbot and added: “I had a great time at the club and wish everyone involved nothing but even more success in the future. A great club with great people from management, committee, volunteers and supporters. All the best.”
Talbot, who are chasing the Junior Cup for a 15th time, kept on course with a 4-2 win away to Rossvale while Darvel, with Glasgow scoring a double on his debut, routed Glentanar 10-1.
Goals from Aaron Mason, Bryan Boylan and Aiden Wilson had Auchinleck 3-1 up at the break. The hosts cut the deficit from the spot before a Keir Samson penalty wrapped it up.
Sloan, who leads Talbot to on-form Pollok on Saturday, admitted: “It’s worrying that we lost two cheap goals which shouldn’t be happening, that’s the only negative after winning through to the next round.”
On Sunday, Talbot legends will take on Kilmarnock legends (2pm kick-off) in a testimonial for goalie Andy Leishman, a stalwart since signing from Lugar in 2010.
Ray Montgomerie, Gary Holt, Gary Harkins, Mark Roberts, Craig Bryson and Chris Burke are among those turning out for Killie.
CUMNOCK head to Rob Roy on Saturday with boss Brian McGinty happy to see off Ashfield in the cup, 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Jordan Moore scoring first.
But he warned: “We need to find the second goal when we are on top. The onus will be on us to break down Thorniewood at home in the next round but we will need to play better.”
TROON head to Darvel on Saturday after being left out of pocket after their second round tie at home to Irvine Vics was called off because their opponents fielded an ineligible player in their win over Fraserburgh in the previous round.
Troon ended up beating Vics 3-1 in a friendly with goals from Dean Fulton (2) and Kyle Gilroy but were unhappy at the late call by the SJFA. They will now host Fraserburgh on October 22.
GLENAFTON visit Beith in good spirits after a 5-1 win over Rothie Rovers which earns them a home tie against Stoneyburn. Goals came from Sean McKenzie (2), Dylan O’Kane, Paul Paton and Jamie McKernon.
WHITLETTS return to First Division action at home to Cumbernauld after edging out Forth 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the Strathclyde Demolition Cup. A double from Jordan Boyd and a strike from Dean McColm had Vics 3-1 up at half-time before the visitors twice struck back.
CRAIGMARK entertain MAYBOLE in juicy derby at the top of the Second Division. ‘Mark were given a cup bye after Syngenta scratched, leaving them with a home tie against Kilbirnie in the next round.
Maybole survived the loss of an early goal to hit back with two Mick McCann penalties and beat Wishaw 2-1 to book a home tie against Larkhall. The first came after McCann was pulled down, the second earned the hosts a red card after Craig Reid was tripped at the edge of the box.
MUIRKIRK will attempt to climb off bottom spot when they entertain fifth top Greenock.
GIRVAN have announced their new management as a ‘team appointment’ after naming a six strong backroom line-up to replace Matt Maley who resigned.
Robert Wells and Michael Sandilands from Dailly Amateurs will be joined by Jack Martin, former boss Peter Leonard, Andy McInnes and Alex Bell to coach and manage the team.
A club statement said: “The committee are delighted to make this team appointment and feel it is a positive move as they target promotion over the coming seasons back to the top division.”
An Alan Orr goal earned 10 man Girvan, who had Jordan Bruce sent off, a 1-1 draw away to Lesmahagow. They head to Port Glasgow on Saturday.
KELLO travel to Carluke in the Third Division after going top with a 2-0 win over Lanark. LUGAR will leapfrog Bellshill with victory at Rosebank.
