Rutherglen Glencairn boss's 'exciting' signings hint as he targets successful season

Rutherglen Glencairn boss Joe Pryce says fans can expect some ‘exciting’ signings to arrive at the Hamish B Allan Stadium next season.

The West of Scotland First Division side will be hoping to mount a promotion push after a disappointing campaign, which saw them finish mid-table in ninth spot.

And new gaffer Pryce is hoping to fill the void left by some big departures last week, including star striker Jack McIlveen, with some quality additions.

He said: “We recognise where we need to strengthen and we have already spoken to players who will be coming in next season.

“We have them lined up so that will be announced soon and I’m sure the fans will be excited by the next group coming through here.

“The players are due back next week and the friendlies will start in early July.

“We’ve got some games organized and we are possibly a wee bit behind the curve with that because of our focus being on the Junior Cup final.

“But we will be ready for the new season when it comes.”

Joining McIlveen in leaving the club are a host of Junior Cup final squad members with Darren Burns, Michael Lone, Harry Mitchell, Reece Pearson, Scott Schoneville and Craig Sideserf all moving to pastures new, while Anton McDowall, Matt McGinley, Tam Miller and Mick O’Byre have retired.

Staying on are Kyle Chrystal, Alan Dunsmore, Roan Fitzpatrick, Matthew Gear, Scott Law, Anthony Maguire, Sean McGuire, Jay McKay, Dom McLaughlin, Ryan McManus and Ross Smith.

Pryce was disappointed with last season’s league finish and knows the 2023/24 squad will need to up their game.

He said: “We are certainly looking to improve on our league form from last season, because it wasn’t great.

“The cup kept us going and possibly made us take the eye off the ball in terms of