Glenafton team boss Mick McCann has hit out at critics of his signing policy, insisting they don’t know the first thing about football.

The former striker took his first steps into management as recently as early February after being handed the reins of the New Cumnock outfit, with whom he starred in winning the coveted double of Scottish Junior Cup and Premier Division title in 2017.

And what was always likely to be a tough gig had the added handicap of the squad releasing all their players following their withdrawal from the WoSFL campaign.

Not having a single player on the books made for a torrid baptism and then some, however 39 year old Mick has set about his daunting recruitment  task with a `better the devil you know `approach that has seen him agree deals to enlist a host of his former Glens teammates - with others set to follow.

McCann has convinced classy full back Alan Cairns, Leon Murphy, Craig Pettigrew, Dean Hawkshaw, Cammy Marlow and ex-Kilmarnock starlet David Blyth to make the return journey and re-join the Loch Park fold.

One time Scotland Juniors and Auchinleck Talbot stalwart Pettigrew, now 34 years of age, is undoubtedly the headline-grabbing capture and McCann was quick to sing his praises.

He said: "I know there are some people out there who think Petty’s legs have gone and he’s not the player he once was but let me tell you, not a single opponent over the past season is of that opinion.

“All of us slow up with the passage of time but his reading of the game is easily worth a yard of a start and I cannot think of any forwards to have got the better of him in any race for a through ball .

“And let’s not forget his ability to stride forward from defence with ball at feet which is second to none at this level and makes him one of the few if not the only defender able to  totally control the game’s tempo.

“His outstanding leadership qualities are another attribute that can strongly influence the guys around him and there’s no denying our defence is way more solid when he’s at the heart of it.”

Mick insists he is still on good terms with former boss McEwan despite raiding St Cadoc’s for six of their best .

“I know Southy will be disappointed but he’ll understand I’m only pinching the guys because I rate them every bit as highly as he does," he added.

Newton Mearns has not been the gaffer’s only port of call because yet another transfer swoop this week led to ex-Glens stopper Ryan McChesney agreeing to come back on board. However, McCann has been forced to admit defeat in his attempts to lure another former teammate, Dan Orsi.

He revealed: "Chesney was always on our signing radar  as a born and bred New Cumnock lad so his return will be welcomed by our supporters.

“By the same token , Daniel  lives and works down in Dumfries and has a young family into the bargain so it’s only natural for him to prefer playing his football locally.

Seasoned frontman McCann, who looks set to take on a player/manager role, was tight-lipped as to any further signings, though it is understood he could be on the verge of bringing in ex-Auchinleck Talbot pal Sean McIlroy who currently turns out for Beith. Ex-Pollok goalkeeper Scott Johnstone and Hurlford duo Ross Fisher and Chris Robertson are also on the radar.

Adam Hodge is thought to be interesting Clydebank.

And there’s news of a surprise departure down in  Ayrshire where Annbank United’s entire backroom team of manager Matt Maley and assistants, Robert Love, Jack Martin and Andy McInness have allegedly tendered their resignations.

No explanation is forthcoming and supporters are understandably bemused after Maley’s tutelage saw  the New Pebble Park side top the Conference B standings and remain  unbeaten before Coronavirus restrictions brought the 2020/21 season to a premature halt.