Reborn Ryan Stevenson insists Troon have given him back his love for football.
The former Ayr United, Hearts and Partick Thistle star admits his head was done with the game at the age of just 31.
But linking up with former Portland Park boss Jimmy Kirkwood last season proved his biggest blessing.
He revealed: “I was sick of football by the end of my senior days at Raith Rovers.
“For a full year, I was just hating the game and my head was done.
“I honestly thought that was that but contemplating life outside of football can be scary.
“When it’s all you’ve ever known, trying to adjust is a big deal.”
Stevenson, who spent time as a youth at Chelsea and roomed with John Terry, has become a talisman at West Premiership Troon since joining for a second time back in November.
He said: “I’d played about five or six games for them previously then decided I was moving to Australia. Like I say, my head was all over the place and I didn’t know what I wanted.
“So when the chance came up to go back, I felt I owed it to Jimmy.
“He’s a top guy and Troon is a very well run club with ambitions to go far.
“Playing there has given me back my love for the game...one million per cent. I’ve had the odd nibble about going back senior but, at the end of the day, I feel I’ve been there and done that.
“To be honest, I’m at the stage where the only club I’d ever leave for is Ayr.
“I love the set-up at Troon, the people are so professional and we’ve a lot to look forward to.”
That includes a new management team after Kirkwood’s decision to step down following nine years in a variety of roles at the club.
Jonathan Baillie takes over as boss, with Stevenson’s former Ayr team-mate, Dean Keenan, as assistant.
He said: “Jonny has a right chance to go far in management and I think it will prove to be a great appointment for the club.”
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