That most knowledgeable of campaigners, Tony Fraser, has warned Dale Simeon not to expect too much of himself upon his return to Rutherglen Glencairn.

The prodigious attacking midfielder, scorer of an astonishing 46 goals in 59 games for the Ru’Glonians over the past two seasons, moved to Arthurlie during the summer however the Barrhead club’s subsequent decision to withdraw from the WOSFL cast him into no-man’s land.

And though his talents put him on every club’s shopping list, 26-year-old Simeon rejected all approaches and stayed on the outside looking in until Glens manager Willie Harvey persuaded him to put pen to paper earlier this week.

Supporters have immediately hailed the Simeon signing as a catalyst for breathing new life into Glencairn’s quest to finish in the top half of the Premier Division this season however former skipper and team-mate Fraser, now in a Glens coaching role, is urging him against thinking he has to do it all.

The highly-respected veteran, recently compelled into hanging up the boots by a recurring and debilitating back problem, admitted: “Playing in the same midfield as Dale allowed me to see at close quarters just what he brings to the party and there can be no denying he’s a terrific footballer with a knack for popping up to score goals.

“Getting him back on board is a wonderful bit of business by the gaffer and Dale has been earmarked to become a central figure for us but let’s not forget this is a team game so it’s going to take all the guys around him playing their parts if this club is to stand any chance of achieving its aims.

“He shouldn’t find too much difficulty adjusting to his midfield surroundings because former allies Harry Mitchell and Sean McGuire are still doing their stuff in there and we see Dale’s addition as further strengthening us in that area.

“And the hope is they can build on their experience of playing together to provide a settled platform and bring on up-and-coming youngsters such as Michael Lone, Tommy Lone and Kieron Maxwell”

Fraser is only too aware an exacting second debut beckons for Simeon today with Glencairn heading out on the road to face Premier frontrunners Clydebank at Holm Park.

He insisted: “Yes it’s a toughie but truth is there are no easy games in this Premier Division and we must look to show ourselves capable of playing at this level.

“We did it during our pre-season games when there was a good shape and style of play to us but recently the guys have lacked the confidence to put our foot on the ball and make passes as Willie wants them to do.

“And it’s more of the same story on training nights as the ball is moved quickly and with good control yet a malaise comes over us on Saturday afternoons and we look a shadow of ourselves.

“Dale’s arrival now gives us an opportunity to reset and if we get back to doing what we do best then I don’t see why we cannot make a game of it even if Moff (Gordon Moffat) has the Bankies playing out of their skins."

Clydebank’s nearest challengers Troon, fresh from last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Glencairn are forced into changing their winning line-up for the visit of Rob Roy with red-card sinner Jamie Gallagher serving a one-match ban, however midweek signing from Whitletts Vics, midfielder Louis Kerr as well as suspension-free pair James McGowan and Jack Sherrie are all available for selection.

Joint-second Hurlford United are also hoping to make home advantage tell when Beith make the short hop to Blair Park while a potential game of the day has Irvine Meadow taking on fellow title hopefuls Darvel at Meadow Park.

In other games, matters are too close to call at the Barrfields meeting of Largs Thistle and Rossvale however Blantyre Vics are strongly fancied to pick up the spoils away to struggling Bonnyton Thistle whose fellow pointless bottom markers Cumbernauld United are hosting an inconsistent Kilwinning Rangers side whose former Largs and Morton winger Alex McWaters was granted a free transfer this week.

On a sadder note comes word of the death of renowned striker Derek Lea, who played in Pollok’s 1985 Scottish Junior Cup winning side.

Today (kick-offs 1.45pm) 
WOSFL Premier Division Cumbernauld Utd v Kilwinning Rangers, Largs Thistle v Rossvale, Clydebank v  Rutherglen Glencairn, Troon v Rob Roy, Irvine Meadow v Darvel, Bonnyton Thistle v Blantyre Vics, Hurlford Utd v Beith. 
WOSFL Conference League A Muirkirk v Ardeer Thistle, Annbank Utd v Ashfield, Maybole v Maryhill, Glasgow University v Kello Rovers, St Roch's v  Bellshill Athletic, Renfrew v Craigmark.
WOSFL Conference League B Port Glasgow v Wishaw, Forth Wanderers v Johnstone Burgh, Gartcairn v Irvine Vics, Neilston v Vale of Clyde, St Cadocs v  Greenock, Lugar Boswell v Carluke Rovers.
WOSFL Conference League C Thorniewood Utd v East Kilbride Thistle, Lanark Utd v Glasgow Perthshire, Newmains Utd v St Anthonys, Kilsyth Rangers v Yoker Athletic.