SHATTERED Irvine Meadow manager Stevie Rankin is ringing the changes after his side slumped to bottom spot in the Premier Division following a second straight defeat.

And he has apologised to the fans after Meadow suffered a shock 4-0 loss away to newboys Shettleston a week after a 1-0 home defeat against Arthurlie.

Now the manager plans to bring in a new goalkeeper and two outfield players in time for Saturday’s crunch home game against Pollok game.

Back-up goalie Jamie Donnelly, who has been unable to command a regular starting place has left the club by mutual consent with Rankin aiming to freshen up the squad.

He was bitterly disappointed with the performance and said: “That was one of the poorest performances we have produced since I took over and I apologise to the fans who travelled up to Glasgow for the game. I can’t fault the players for their efforts but we didn’t create many chances and gave away some poor goals, which were down to bad defending and goalkeeping errors. We are looking to strengthen the squad and I hope to bring in a goalkeeper and two outfield players in time for Saturday. The Pollok match is an important one which we must look to win as they are also struggling.” The boss is refusing to press the panic button despite the poor start to the season and said; “There is no need to panic. If we had two games left I would be worrying but we are just two matches into the league season. We have a strong squad and I’m confident we can improve. The target now is to push up the table.” Kilwinning Rangers manager Chris Strain Jnr was impressed with his team’s showing as they hammered Blantyre Vics 4-0 in their opening home league match, three days after suffering an agonising penalty shootout defeat against Troon in the Ardagh Glass League Cup semi-finals.

And he is delighted to have his former team-mate Liam McGuinness on board after the midfielder’s signing was completed before the cup tie.

Strain said of the newboy: “Liam has so much experience, he is a real playmaker who will have a lot of support from the other guys in the middle of the park and can make things happen. Our other new signing Robert Boyd has also fitted in well to the squad and I am happy with the numbers we have now.” The manager was impressed with the weekend showing following the shock 5-1 opening day loss at Yoker Athletic and said: “It was pleasing to score four goals. I felt we played well in midweek and were unlucky to lose the semi-final.” Buffs on Saturday are away to Largs Thistle before hosting Kilsyth Rangers in the league a week later and Dalry Thistle in the Scottish Cup on September 26.

Strain is looking forward to the challenge and said: “If we can do well in the next three games that will set us up well for the rest of the season. We beat Largs in the Ardagh Cup but they were not at their best that night and have improved since so that game will count for nothing. They have a good manager in Bryan Slavin and it will be a good test for us.”