Pollok manager Murdie MacKinnon has employed an 'actions speak louder than words' defence to criticism being levied against him for his management of the Newlandsfield side's playing resources.

The popular gaffer, angered by whispers circulating that he has been a stumbling block in steadfastly refusing to entertain the idea of his Lok playing charges going out on loan to other clubs, has pointed to him brokering no fewer than seven transfer deals since the Southside giants declared an intention to withdraw from the WOSFL's 2020/21 season.

Last week's departures of hitman Adam Forde to Neilston and defensive pair Bryan Wharton and Danny McKenzie to Bo'Ness United has followed hard on the heels of Chris Dallas moving to St Cadoc's, Iain Russell (Cowdenbeath), Stephen McDevitt (Rossvale), Del Esplin (Caledonian Braves) and Darren Christie (BSC Glasgow).

The Lok manager revealed: "It's absolute nonsense to suggest we have put the blockers on any of the guys wanting to keep playing.

"A dressing-room meeting away at the start of the lockdown saw a number of them express a preference to play on even if it meant a temporary move elsewhere and both Pollok's officials and myself have done everything possible to facilitate their requests.

"What has been this club's stance from the very outset, and I’m in full agreement with it, is to turn down any transfers to other Premier Division clubs and nothing is ever going to change in this respect despite one or two rivals being a bit naughty in making direct approaches to players.

"The list of clubs with our players on their books shows we have stayed mainly true to our word other than the case of McDevitt, who only joined us in the close season and was keen to team up with workmate David Gormley at Rossvale, however our supporters can rest assured that we have also retained the contractual right to recall these guys if Pollok are asked to resume playing again.

"The distinct possibility remains of last season's Scottish Junior Cup being played out early in the New Year (Pollok have a semi-final date against Auchinleck Talbot or Hurlford United) and I believe we would need to bring everyone back together for a minimum of six weeks' preparation work."

A definite non-participant in any last-four clash is former Glenafton cup winner Dallas, whose joining Conference League outfit St Cadoc's has been confirmed as a permanent transfer arrangement.

Murdie admitted: "Chris goes with the best wishes of everyone at Pollok as he's a good lad who has been very unfortunate with injuries since coming here and his desire to make a fresh start was a major factor in a move being pushed through.

"All the other players have shipped out on loan deals which on the face of it are perfectly understandable, not least of all Fordy jumping at the chance to play with his pals at hometown team Neilston while Esplin's strong ties with former Rutherglen Glencairn team-mate Ross McNeil was a major persuading factor behind his move to Caledonian Braves."

"And if the threat of coronavirus lessens then I'm not ruling out the prospects of other players going out on loan because the likes of Ryan McGregor and David Barron missed out on major slices of last season through injury so there is a crying need for them to get some extra game time."

Elsewhere on the comings and goings front comes word of Darvel re-signing striker David Grant whose work commitments had led to him leaving Recreation Park over the summer months.

Meanwhile, a vast majority of WOSFL clubs get a break this coming Saturday which had previously been set aside for playing the SoccerShop Challenge Cup second round.

The much-delayed first-round meeting of Thornton Hibs and Rutherglen Glencairn (Memorial Park has been unplayable) is also looking likely to go-ahead after the Fifers took the decision to switch their tie to New Bayview Stadium, home of East Fife.

The prestigious competition was previously known as the South Challenge Cup and the current holders are Lowland League outfit East Kilbride FC (they beat  Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 in last season's final) whose defence of the silverware gets underway with a relatively short hop into Govan to face St Anthony's.

A couple of exceptions to the cup match-ups are to be found in the Conference Leagues, most notably at Brig O' Lea where B Division leading lights Neilston have the opportunity to leapfrog current frontrunners Greenock by getting the better of Wishaw.

And out to underline their C Division title credentials are Glasgow Perthshire whose hosting the visit to Possill of Lanark United could see the Billy Adams-steered Shire ease their way into second in the standings, just three points adrift of co-leaders Kilsyth Rangers and Drumchapel United, albeit the Drum have played one game more than their rivals.

SATURDAY 21st NOVEMBER (kick offs 1.45pm)

SOCCERSHOP CHALLENGE CUP. First Round Thornton Hibs v Rutherglen Glencairn.

SOCCERSHOP CHALLENGE CUP. Second Round Annbank Utd v Vale of Leven, Ardeer Thistle v Tranent, Beith v Clydebank, Bellshill Athletic v Cumbernauld Utd, Broxburn Athletic v Irvine Meadow, Craigmark v Bonnyton Thistle, Darvel v Easthouses Lily, Dundonald Bluebell v Rob Roy, Edinburgh South v Blantyre Vics, Eyemouth Utd v Muirkirk, Forth Wanderers v Threave Rovers, Gartcairn v Inverkeithing Swifts, Glasgow University v Hill O' Beath, Glenrothes v St Cadoc's, Greenock v Vale of Clyde, Hurlford Utd v Civil Service Strollers, St Anthony's v East Kilbride FC, Johnstone Burgh v Maryhill, Kennoway Star Hearts v St Roch's, Kilsyth Rangers v Rossvale, Largs Thistle v Dalbeattie Star, Linlithgow Rose v Kello Rovers, Lothian Thistle v Dalry Thistle, Newmains Utd v Edinburgh University, Newton Stewart v Yoker Athletic, Renfrew v Bonnyrigg Rose, Thorniewood Utd v Craigroyston, Troon v Preston Athletic, Heriot Watt University v Drumchapel Utd, Whitehill Welfare v Carluke Rovers.
WOSFL Conference League B Neilston v Wishaw.
WOSFL Conference League C Glasgow Perthshire v Lanark Utd.