East Kilbride boss Stevie Aitken has revealed Celtic legend Peter Grant played his part in helping them land new signing Blair Malcolm.
Former Alloa midfielder Malcolm signed up at K-Park last week to become the club’s eighth summer capture.
Current Dunfermline manager and ex-Scotland coach Grant, who worked with the player when he was in charge of the Wasps last season, recommended the ex-Ross County man to Aitken on a recent visit to K-Park.
And Aitken is delighted with his latest recruit.
He said: “Blair is a player who came to our attention through Peter Grant.
“He was at K-Park a few weeks and we were chatting about players and he highly recommended him for us.
“So you do your background checks, speak to different people and it was all good reports on Blair, that he was a really good team player.
“Somebody who does the ugly stuff really well, covers a number of positions.
“He’s got good experience at Ross County.
“So we managed to bring him in, have a chat with him and get him to sign.
“He just wanted to get out and play football and he’s the perfect fit for us.
“He gives us something we didn’t really have in the midfield, a real workman-like player, and it’s great to get it over the line.”
The 24-year-old, who has also played for Cowdenbeath, follows the capture of ex-Rangers star Gregg Wylde, midfielders Chris Millar, Jamie Stevenson and Neil McLaughlin, as well as strikers Lee Miller, Joao Victoria and Cammy Elliot.
Aitken still expects more to follow as he builds for a Lowland League title tilt.
He added: “Things are coming along well.
“There’s still another two or three to come in that will take us up to 18 in the squad.
“Where we are at the moment is really good. We’ve trained really well, the spirit has been good and the players from last season have responded to players coming in.
“It’s been really encouraging.”
East Kilbride got their pre-season friendly schedule underway on Tuesday at home to Aitken’s former side Dumbarton, claiming a 2-1 win thanks to goals from new signing Neil McLaughlin and striker Craig Malcolm.
On Saturday their preparations for the new Lowland League season on July 24 continues when they travel to West of Scotland League side Beith Juniors, kick-off 2pm.
Kilby then host Tranent on Tuesday, June 29, kick-off 7.45pm, followed by Partick Thistle on Saturday, July 3, kick-off 2pm.
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