Brechin City manager Jim Weir has wasted no time in improving his squad for next season by signing two full-backs from Alloa Athletic.
It’s set to be a busy summer at Glebe Park, as Weir is looking to bring in over half a team’s worth of new recruits.
There will be several players moving on Roy McBain is making the switch to Peterhead and the group heading out also could include top scorer Rory McAllister.
Though Weir hasn’t given up hope that the out-of-contract frontman may decide to stay part-time to enable him to complete his plumbing qualifications, he fears that the pull of a return to full-time football may prove to be too strong.
He explained, “I’m still hoping he might decide to remain with us for another season, but his agent is trying to get the best deal he can for him.
“Ideally he’ll make his decision sooner rather than later hopefully by the end of the week because I need to know if I’m going to have to replace him.
“I still think Rory’s got things to learn and has a bit to prove but, if I’m being honest, I think he’ll move on.”
As far as his double signing from the Wasps is concerned, Weir believes he’s captured two of the second division’s best players in their position.
He said, “I know David well because he started out at St Johnstone while I was there. He’s one of the top full-backs in the league and can also play in midfield.
“On the left-hand side of the pitch we lost Callum Booth back to Hibs and Roy McBain is joining Peterhead so we need to fill in that position.Impressed”Mick’s another player who has impressed me when we’ve played against Alloa. Both boys will bring good experience to our side.”
McClune made 16 appearances for Saints before spending three seasons at Forfar and then five at Alloa.
Dunlop has split his career so far between the Wasps, who were relegated to the third division last season, Ayr United, Queen’s Park and Dumbarton.
There could be more transfer news for Brechin fans in the near future. Weir pointed out, “We’re in the process of trying to tie up a few others and I’m hoping deals can be done in the next few days.
“Ideally I’d like to bring in six or seven new faces and there will be boys moving on.
“We’ll be doing our business on a sensible budget. Our finances are a bit better thanks to our Scottish Cup run, but I won’t be jeopardising that by throwing silly money about. That’s happened in the past.”
Sunday’s play-off wounds are still raw, but Weir’s cup is very much half full rather than half empty.
He said, “To say we were disappointed not to get promotion is an understatement. We were 10 minutes away from playing first division football, so it’s a hard one to take.
“But we can’t be too unhappy with how the season’s gone as a whole. With our cup runs as well as the league, it’s been a great adventure.
“Now it’s all about building a squad which is going to be strong enough to challenge for automatic promotion. It will be tough, but that’s the aim.”