Andy Stirling reckons being knocked back from Auchinleck Talbot was the best thing for his career.
The creative midfielder has joined Darvel after spells with the likes of Stranraer, Dunfermline Athletic, Dumbarton and Queen of the South.
But before all of that, he was told by Tommy Sloan in 2013 that he "wasn't good enough" for the Ayrshire side.
Since then he has had a decent career in the Scottish lower leagues, proving the Talbot boss wrong.
Speaking to Doon the Brae TV, he said: "It's a new challenge, it's completely different from what I've been used to.
"I was contacted last year and I was interested then, so when it came back around and I seen everything the club is doing it was an easy decision.
"The manager told me what his visions are for the club, he wants to follow clubs like Edinburgh City, Kelty and Cove, that's what he sees happening.
"It's exciting, it's a new challenge. The biggest pulling factor was the pressure of winning, that's what the team has to do."
He added: "I had a trial with Auchinleck when I came back from a while ago, but I was told I wasn't good enough.
"But after that I went to Stranraer and then Dunfermline so thank God I wasn't good enough, it worked out better for my career!"
Stirling knows that it won't be easy climbing the leagues but he reckons Darvel have the team to do it.
He said: "Having the best facilities doesn't make you better as a team, you need to do it on the park.
"I know a few of the boys from the Championship, that's the kind of players the club is attracting. Some of these boys could still be playing at that level.
"The full squad are ready to push for the same thing, from what I've seen so far it's all good."
Meanwhile, Darvel captain Daryll Meggatt led by example as he bagged a goal in the Irvine Valley side’s first match since December.
The Vale kicked off their pre-season against Strathclyde University with a resounding 5-0 win.
Meggatt was joined on the scoresheet by Scott Ferguson, Ian McShane and Ross Caldwell who bagged a double.
It was an impressive win for the West of Scotland Premiership side, who are unable to play at home just now due to a new pitch and drains being installed at Recreation Park.
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