Irvine Meadow unveil first summer signing as co-boss Spence reveals joy at new contracts for duo

Irvine Meadow have kick-started their summer recruitment campaign with the signing of striker Dylan Pooler.

The 23-year-old  - who was top scorer for the Portland Park side side  last season - becomes  co-managers Colin Spence and James Latta first new additon since taking the reigns in February.

Pooler came through the youth ranks at Killie and St Mirren and had a spell at Auchinleck Talbot.

Meadow have also re-signed a significant chunk of last season's squad.

Forward Andy McLaughlin became the latest player to extend his contract on Monday as co-managers Colin Spence and James Latta shape their squad for next season.

His signature comes hot on the heels of defender Calum Gow and utility man Mark McLennan agreeing to stay at the weekend.

That brings the number of re-signings to 10, with Eddie McTernan the only first-team regular yet to commit himself to another year.

Spence admits he’d delighted to keep together the core of the side who were sitting fourth in the West Premiership when the season was cut short by coronavirus.

Calum Gow (Irvine Herald)

“We’re delighted Andy, Gowser and Mark have agreed to new deals, he said.

“It was touch and go with Calum and Mark for a while and there was interest from other clubs so it’s massive they want to stay here.

“Gowser is such a real leader of men that it’s sometimes easy to forget he’s only 24. In my opinion, he’s future captain material — and if we an keep him fit, he’s only going to get better and better.

“Mark was Mr Consistent last season and he’s an experienced Premiership player who can play in many positions.

“He’s only 28 and I believe his peak years are ahead of him.”

One player who doesn’t have a future at Meadow Park is attacking midfielder Jordan McGuire, who is poised to sign for Arthurlie.

Spence added: “Jordan has bags of ability but his time here was a bit stop-start. He never really got going. I think he just fancies a fresh challenge and he goes with our best wishes.

“On the whole, we are delighted with the business we’ve done already and we’re on course to have a bigger squad than we planned.”