Kilwinning Rangers manager Chris Strain says he is delighted to add some experience to his back line, with the club announcing two defenders last week.

Arriving on a three-year deal is 29-year-old centre half Ross Smith who joins from Lowland League side BSC Glasgow.

The other signing is 25-year-old right back Kieran Woods who joins from fellow West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) side St Cadoc’s on a two-year contract.

Strain said: “Ross has a wide range of qualities, he is organised defensively and will be a big player for the coming season.

“Kieran is physical, athletic and has a lot of experience playing at this level with Cumnock and Kilbirnie Ladeside.

“Defensively we have been improving as the years have gone on and these two players just add stature and physicality to the back line.

“At this point in time, we still have a very young back line, so I have added in some experience and I am delighted to get them both over the line.”

The players will go straight into the Buffs squad for pre-season ahead of the return of the WoSFL on July 17. The easing of COVID-19 restrictions sees Kilwinning drop down to level two, meaning as of this week the club can return to full contact training.

Alongside the return to regular training Strain says the club has already started planning out preseason fixtures.

He added: “We have carried out testing and will get all the players in this week just to get kicked on from there.

“We have got a few games scheduled for pre-season including Bonnyrigg Rose, Kilmarnock, and we are just finalising the last few fixtures.”

As well as those scheduled friendlies Kilwinning Rangers will also be taking part in the inaugural Eglinton Cup against local rivals Irvine Meadow.

The two sides will meet on July 10 and 13 for a two-legged affair to crown the first ever champion of the new pre-season competition.

Strain said: “It will be played as a friendly tournament but when you are rivals it adds a bit more meaning to the game.”