JOHNSTONE Burgh boss Jamie McKim reckons keeping hold of his star players this summer will be crucial to the club’s hopes for the 2021/22 campaign.

McKim revealed he has had to fight off interest from rival clubs who are keen to snap up talented members of his squad.

And he believes the fact his players have turned down money-spinning moves in favour of continuing to shine at Keanie Park bodes well for the future.

McKim said: “There has been a huge interest in the majority of our squad from clubs at various levels, with great financial incentives for them to move, but I’m so pleased that we are in a position to keep most of them playing their football in Johnstone.”

The Burgh squad have already played a number of pre-season friendlies as they gear up for the new West of Scotland Football League campaign and also enjoyed a recent training day at the Inverclyde National Sports Centre, in Largs.

A hectic run of fixtures awaits McKim’s troops as they prepare to take on a number of top teams in a bid to make sure they are firing on all cylinders when the real action gets underway.

The likes of Auchinleck Talbot, Darvel, Clydebank and Pollok will all visit Keanie Park in the run-up to the competitive season starting on July 17.

Meanwhile, at Renfrew, boss Colin Clark has also been busy planning for the new season and will be joined in the dugout by former player Ryan Borris.

After enjoying a 14-year playing career in the senior ranks with the likes of Ayr United, Raith Rovers and Dumbarton, Borris went on to star for Renfrew.

The 42-year-old midfielder hung up his boots at the end of last season and now joins Clark and coach Jimmy Quigley as part of the management team at New Western Park.

On the playing front, Clark has secured the signatures of forwards Scott Morton and David McKenna for the 2021/22 campaign, with more names set to be revealed in the coming days.

Renfrew’s first pre-season match is on June 19, when they host Glenvale, with Neilston and Troon also visiting New Western Park before the competitive action begins.

The draw for the South Challenge Cup has now taken place, with both Renfrew and Burgh receiving a bye in the first round.

Burgh will face Ashfield or Greenock in round two, with Renfrew set to welcome Westerton United.