Johnstone Burgh manager Jamie McKim insists he won't let the club’s critics dampen his hopes of a successful season as he prepares for the league campaign getting underway this weekend.

There will be plenty of eyes on Saturday's curtain-raiser at Renfrew after a takeover at Burgh led to some sensational signings this summer.

Backed by investors from the healthcare and engineering sectors who have family ties to the local area, the Keanie Park club has been able to bring in Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty and former Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans, both of whom have played for Rangers.

Burgh have also recruited a number of players, such as Del Esplin, Dale Simeon and Ross McKenzie, who have made big impressions at other West of Scotland Football League clubs.

However, a couple of heavy defeats in pre-season has led to online criticism, with some questioning the ability of McKim's team to shine in the First Division this season.

In response, the Burgh boss said he is focused on making sure his players are ready for what lies ahead.

McKim told Gazette Sport: "The motivation is primarily coming from ourselves but we’re aware that people enjoy that bit of failure.

"The amount of joy people have taken out of a couple of pre-season results is unbelievable but that’s something we expected."

READ MORE: Johnstone Burgh boss believes new signing can take club to 'next level'

McKim is well aware that bringing in high-profile players such as Lafferty has put some added pressure on Burgh to perform well this season but he insists it makes a pleasant change from working with no budget and having to bring in free agents who couldn't be offered a weekly wage.

He added: "It's a huge journey we have been on in the last year – and, in the last five-and-a-half years, it’s been a rollercoaster.

"It's good we are now in a position to go and identify the best players we can for the way we want to play."

Burgh completed their preparations for the new season over the last week by taking on yet more Premier Division opponents in friendly matches.

McKim's team had already played Largs Thistle and Hurlford United before narrowly losing 3-2 at Beechwood Park against Auchinleck Talbot last Wednesday night, with Ross McKenzie and Kieran Brophy netting for the away side.

That was followed by a trip to Bellsdale Park on Saturday to face Premier Division champions Beith, with that game ending goalless.

This Saturday's match against Renfrew at New Western Park will kick-off at 2pm.

Burgh will then be back in action at home to Drumchapel United next Wednesday, with kick-off at 7.15pm.