Kilwinning Rangers boss Chris Strain believes that the signings of Ross Smith and Kieran Wood have filled the final pieces in his defensive jigsaw.
Centre-half Smith, 29, who joins the Buffs from BSC Glasgow, replaces the departed Tommy Maitland as the most experienced defender in a new-look backline.
Former Kilbirnie ace Wood, who spent last season at St Cadoc's, provides a more versatile option for Strain as he looks to plug gaps left by Sam McCloskey and Jamie Whyte.
Kilwinning now have six defenders in their squad and Strain is delighted with the quality at his disposal.
He said: "When you look at last year's team six of the seven defenders we had were in their early 20s.
"I was looking for an experienced, born leader and Ross ticks the boxes. He's spent most of his career at senior level but moving to BSC Glasgow a few years ago gave him a new lease of life.
"He's really developed his leadership qualities in the last few years and we pushed the boat out a bit to get him.
"He had options to go back senior but he liked what he saw here in terms of how ambitious the club are.
"I see him as a long-term partner for David Syme. He will be a strong voice on the park and help guide the younger players.
"That's maybe something we've been lacking in recent years."
"Kieran is someone we tried to bring in last year. He's strong, athletic and dedicated to his football.
At 25, he's a good fit for the club. He can play anywhere across the backline and he will come in and compliment what we have."
Strain has now set his sights on bringing in another midfield players and possibly two strikers as he fine tunes his squad for a cut-throat season in the West of Scotland Premier Division.
But he's willing to be patient to make sure he brings the right people to the club.
He added: "The club have to be cautious just now in the current climate. We're not in a position to flex our muscles financially just yet.
"I'll be honest, players will get better money elsewhere but they won't get as well looked after that's for sure.
"We've got 15 players signed up for next season and were looking to get that up to 18.
"We will take our time to ensure we bring the right players in. We have to bring in boys who are going to improve the squad as a whole."
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