GLENAFTON can count themselves fortunate Derek Ferguson WASN'T true to his word when he vacated the hot-seat at Stranraer.

He vowed then never to return to a game he had played since knee-high, his Stair Park experience dampening his enthusiasm THAT much.

Mind you, he had felt the same way when in charge of Clydebank - when they were a senior club - and he eventually dragged himself back into football.

The former Rangers and Hearts star revealed: "When I get my teeth into any project, I give it 100%. I'm fully committed. It was like that at the Bankies and again at Stranraer. For different reasons they never worked out and I told myself I was done with the whole thing.

"But then pre-season comes around and your passion returns and before you know it you're back involved again. It's an addiction."

Ferguson has agreed to take over the manager's seat at Loch Park vacated by Gordon Dalziel just over a fortnight ago.

He explained: "My three boys are playing football now and, since I left Stranraer, I've been taking them to their matches. I couldn't have continued to do that AND manage Glens, but my wife came to the rescue by getting her shifts changed!

"One of them plays on a Saturday morning and the other two on a Sunday so I'll still be able to keep tabs on them."

Fergie was first to admit his Junior knowledge is severely limited, and that he'll be leaning on an old pal to keep him right in the first few months.

He said: "I worked with Dougie Ramsay at Stranraer and he's been looking after things at Glenafton the last couple of weeks. He's a great guy and has an excellent knowledge at junior level.

"There are many great people at the club. When I initially went down to speak to them, I picked up good vibes and knew they were the type of people I wanted to work with. In fact, I know quite a few of the players - because I tried to sign them when I was at Stranraer!

"But I'm still fiercely ambitious and that sentiment is echoed at the club. They are all desperate to get back up into the Super Premier League."

And Ferguson revealed he once had a desire to play in that very league!

"I have played in all four senior leagues and had heard lots of good reports about the new junior Super League set-up. It was something I was keen to try but injury got in the way.

"I must admit that when I mentioned it to a few of my mates they asked if I was off my head! But I loved playing football and I've watched the likes of Pollok and Bellshill, so I know the standard is very good indeed.

"Maybe 10 or 15 years ago the Juniors had a reputation for being full of tough guys, but I don't think that's the case any more!"

Fergie admitted he was delighted with the Scottish Cup draw, a home tie with Premier League Kilbirnie, but revealed how it would bring back special memories for him.

He said: "My grandfather's family were from Kilbirnie and he was a big Blasties man. I remember they won the Scottish Cup in the 1970's and the whole town emptied. Grandad and the rest of them all headed off to the final.

"He's no longer with us, but I'm sure he would have cheered on his beloved Kilbirnie - even though I'm now the manager of the Glens!"

He added: "I know enough about the standings of both clubs to realise it'll be a really tough match for us.

"But it's a home draw and that's all you can ask for in any cup competition. We're now in the process of rebuilding, but have nothing to fear from Kilbirnie. It should be a cracker."

Ferguson will receive a baptism of fire when he takes his Glens side to meet high-flying Clydebank, who boast a 100% record from their two games to date.

He said: "That should be an excellent game and it's as tough as they come for starters, but I've always been the committed type and I'm looking forward to getting started.

"There's no substitute for being involved either on or off the pitch on a Saturday and the old enthusiasm will be rekindled the moment the referee blows that first whistle."

And the former Scotland international also knows he can expect a bit of banter from the terracing.

"That's inevitable," he said. "But it's part and parcel of football, and the Juniors in partic-ular. Any time I've been at a Junior game the crack is normally top drawer. I quite often jump in the car after the match and have a good laugh going up the road. And, let's be honest, if you can't enjoy a bit of banter then it's a bad day!" The Junior game's Senior Scottish Cup representatives have found out their fate in the first round draw.

Selected ties: Auchinleck Talbot v Fort William, Brora Rangers v Irvine Meadow, Fraserburgh v Bonnyrigg Rose, Rothes v Banks O Dee. Matches on Saturday, September 26. TOMORROW'S FIXTURES

Stagecoach Super Premier: Vale of Clyde v Largs, Beith v Arthurlie, Kilbirnie v Bellshill, Irvine Meadow v Petershill, Auchinleck v Rob Roy, Pollok v Lanark.

Super First: Annbank v Clydebank, Ashfield v Girvan, Dalry v Glencairn, Glenafton v Kilsyth, Neilston v Cumnock, Renfrew v East Kilbride (1pm), Whitletts v Maybole.

Central District First: Blantyre Vics v Perthshire, Dunipace v Cambuslang, Larkhall v Port Glasgow, Lesmahagow v Cumbernauld, Thorniewood v Maryhill, Vale of Leven v Shotts.

Central District Second: Greenock v Newmains, Shettleston v Johnstone Burgh, St Roch's v Benburb, Wishaw v Forth.

Ayrshire District: Ardeer v Muirkirk, Craigmark v Winton Rov, Darvel v Lugar, Kello v Irvine Vics, Kilwinning v Hurlford, Troon v Saltcoats.