MIDFIELD ace Ben Carson is gunning for major glory next season after being given the Irvine Meadow captain's armband last week.

The former Ardrossan Winton Rovers player, who was a pivotal player last term, is relishing his new role and has high hopes for the coming season under new manager Ross Wilson.

He said: "It is a great honour to be captain of a club like Irvine Meadow and I look forward to the new season. We have made some good signings this summer, ncluding the likes of Rhys Devlin and have quality players from last season, including Mark McLennan and that's us back training now, things are going well."

After just missing out on promotion last season Carson is hoping to go one better andis also aiming for silverware.

The new skipper said: "I know under reconstruction [potentially fifth and sixth in the Super First Division go up but we want a top four place which would win us automatic promotion. We weren't far away last season but a bad run cost us. I also want us to win a trophy - a club like Irvine Meadow should be doing that. We are are a big club. I am a local boy, live in the town and want to see us doing well."

Meadow on Sunday announced three more new signings, securing former Renfrew and Yoker left-back Alan Cairns, ex-East Kilbride Thistle and Shettleston midfielder Con Boyle and utility player Steven McKeown (formerly of Kilbirnie Ladeside, Beith and Arthurlie).

It takes the total snapped up by boss Ross Wilson to seven so far.

Meanwhile Irvine Victoria FC are inviting fans to watch players being put through their paces on Saturday.

The club are holding an open day training session for supporters of all ages at Victoria Park, from 1pm.

It's a great chance to see what happens during training sessions and hopefully get some of the children involved with the players. There will also be an opportunity to meet some new signings.

After the training, the management team will sit with supporters and take part in a question-and-answer session, outlining their hopes for 2018-19.

The club shop will be open for any refreshments on the day and everyone is welcome.

Kilwinning Rangers, meanwhile have announced their pre-season friendlies as they gear up for the coming campaign after retaining their place in the Super Premier Division.

They are at Stirling University on Saturday, July 15, ko 2pm and two days later are at home to BSC Glasgow, ko 7.30pm.

Buffs host St Anthony's on Friday, July 21, ko 7.15pm and on Wednesday, July 26 they host Shortlees Ams, ko 7.30pm. Saturday, July 29 sees them play Rossvale away, ko 2pm.