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We managed a at the weekend before edging out a decent Gretna side 1-0 in the only away fixture of our pre-season programme.

I've managed to play 120 minutes over the two games and, with a further two matches to come in the annual Annan tournament this weekend, the boys will be raring to go against Queen's Park on 25 July.

The manager must have been delighted with our performance against Morton.

They are a very fit side with some really good players. Unsurprisingly, they had the majority of possession.

But we limited them to very few chances and thoroughly deserved our point when David Cox equalised with his first goal for the club.

I'm delighted for Coxy. I don't think I've ever played with a striker that works as hard as he does and he will go on to be a very important player for us this season.

I'm not sure about the headline on the club website though: 'Tan in the Box Cox Rocks' - dear oh dear!

Although pleased with the win on Monday at Gretna, the performance, especially in the second half, wasn't what we would have liked.

I must say it was strange playing on a water-logged pitch in mid-July as well.

Gretna are a youthful side and although they have my big mate, Simon Ruddick increasing the average age, they are only a couple of experienced players away from being a very good team.

They certainly like a tackle, that's for sure. As well as Simon I also caught up with old friends Kenny 'Mad Dog' Brown and Barry Graham - always a pleasure.

The club has recruited three new signings and they have all played their part in the last two games.

Although great news for the club, it's probably not the best for me personally: they can all play in midfield!

On a serious note though, Lewis Sloan, Jack Steele and Bryan Gilfillan will add quality, strength and depth to an already decent squad.

Bryan was a fans' favourite when he was at the club last season and I'm sure they are delighted he is back with us.

We played together in the middle of the park at Gretna and I thought we worked well as a partnership.

Lewis will excite the fans and Jack will probably amaze them. He's absolutely incredible in the air, even though he is only about 4ft tall.

After speaking with the manager before the Morton game I believe we have a squad of 17 players, all more than capable of playing first-team football.

The club is looking to work with 20, so hopefully, we will see another two or three coming in.

A goalkeeper is a must because we have lost Dougie Calder. The addition of another defender and a striker would do us no harm - just no more midfielders, please!

I'll finish this week by sending my best wishes to.

I always admired him as a player.

He obviously loved a battle on the pitch and the thing I admired most was that he could take as much back as he would dish out himself.

Let's now hope that he can win the toughest battle he has ever faced.

See you next week.