BEITH Juniors have begun their preparations for the new season with the announcement that fans’ favourite Carlo Monti has signed up for a third season at Bellsdale Park.

Monti, who moved from Cumnock Juniors to Beith in 2022, missed the closing stages of last season with a hand injury, but the setback hasn’t stopped boss Chris Strain from signing up a key player in the Mighty’s two title wins for another assault on the Premier Division in 2024-25.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Stephen Swift’s reshaping of his Cumnock Juniors squad is continuing with the capture of former Darvel midfielder Callum Scott, who moves to Townhead after spending last season at First Division Thorniewood, and of midfielder Dylan Dykes, who makes the switch to East Ayrshire from relegated Arthurlie.

Glenafton boss Ryan Caddis has added former Craigmark, Troon and Bonnyton defender Andy Strachan to his squad for the new campaign, while Largs Thistle have confirmed the retention of Blair Devine, David McGrath, Stuart Faulds and Laurie McMaster, as well as the appointment of former striker Kevin Struthers in a coaching role.

Shaun Gallagher is the latest addition to Ben Carson’s Irvine Meadow squad after making the move to Ayrshire from Neilston, while Medda have confirmed friendly matches away to Hurlford on July 10 and at home to Cumnock on July 13 and Talbot on July 17, in addition to their participation in Johnstone Burgh’s John Grant Tournament on June 29 and 30 and Kilbirnie Ladeside’s Hammy Glen Tournament on July 20 and 21.

Ross Robertson and Martin Lawrie have left Maybole, while Scott Sherrie has signed on for another season at Craigmark Burntonians – and weeks after his departure as Troon assistant manager was confirmed, Dean Keenan has been unveiled as the new manager at Girvan.

Saltcoats Victoria have confirmed that captain Aaron Tait will remain at Campbell Park for the new season, while Vics have also confirmed details of six friendly matches during July – at home to Ardeer, Glenvale, Stewarton United and Irvine Vics, and away to Vale of Leven and Greenock Juniors.

And Eglinton have retained the services of 2023-24 player of the year Finlay Grier as well as Stuart Anderson, who moves from New Farm Loch, and Kris Chisholm, who makes the step up from Shortlees Amateurs, where he won 14 trophies including three league titles, two West of Scotland Cups and one Scottish Amateur Cup.