Darren Christie has declared himself ready to boost Beith's hopes of a successful return to the Super Premier Division.

The 26-year-old, who was on the books of both Celtic and St Mirren as a youth, is one of only two additions to the promoted Ayrshiremen's ranks along with vastly experienced campaigner Steven McKeown.

Boss Johnny Millar is confident the signings will suffice to strengthen his Bellsdale playing hand, however there is no doubting the greater weight of expectations rests on the shoulders of Christie after he was hugely instrumental in helping former club Neilston clinch the Stagecoach Central First Division title honours last season.

Netting 18 times and a string of outstanding performances for the Farmers Boys earned him rave reviews as well as the attention of several higher league clubs.

However he insists Beith were the only club on his radar.

He said: "Neilston have been the only Junior club for me ever since I stepped up from St Peter's Under-21s five years ago.

"So turning my back on Andy Whiteford, my team-mates and the fans was not easy.

"I swithered over my decision but ultimately I feel the time is right to try and test myself at the very highest level of the Junior game.

"Kilbirnie Ladeside tried to lure me away but I found Beith a greater attraction because of the strong core of Barrhead boys at the club.

"Settling into my new surroundings has been seamless as a result and I've found the training intense and enjoyable.

"I've worked my socks off to try and show I'm good enough to step up a couple of Divisions and I'm probably as fit as I've ever been, I can't wait to get playing.

"Johnny has put his faith in me and I need to repay that.

"Beith are a marvellous club and I'm delighted to be part of it."

Also on the transfer front comes word of Blantyre Vics gaffer David Greig finally getting his man after swooping earlier this week to fix up experienced no-frills stopper Lee McShane from Ashfield.

Greggy said: "Lee coming on board is great news as I've long admired him as a player who has an unbelievable hunger for the game and never knows when he's beaten.

"His real value will be seen when there's a need to roll up the sleeves and fight our corner particularly in games away from home.

"But people should not get the impression he's only a tough nut because it's only two years since the big man was playing at Super Premier level and you don't strut your stuff on that stage without ability."

Yet another Castle Park newcomer is Andy Sinclair of Benburb whose qualities are well known to Greig after he previously managed him at St Roch's.

Meanwhile, desperate to prove there's life after the Juniors is former Kilwinning Rangers boss George Grierson who has taken up the managerial reins at South of Scotland League side Newton Stewart.

Grierson and his backroom team of Kevin Deeney and Eric Philips were linked with a number of Junior vacancies since walking away from Abbey Park last February so their taking charge of the Creesiders will undoubtedly raise eyebrows.

He said: "Clearly this is a fresh challenge for the guys and me.

"However, it's one we are really excited about, not least because Newton Stewart have entry into the William Hill Scottish Cup.

"We could end up facing the likes of Auchinleck Talbot or Hurlford United in the preliminary round draw, and that is a massive appeal."