By Gillian McPherson

Bankies manager Kieran McAnespie has bolstered his squad by snapping up Del Hepburn and former Clydebank player Nicky Little who have both been playing for Pollok.

Little previously reached prolific form in white and red, matching now Hamilton Accies player Darian MacKinnon’s record for Bankies of 21 goals in a single season in the 2016/17 campaign.

The 26-year-old did not quite reach the same heights as a Lok player and makes the return to Holm Park after spending one season with the Newlandsfield Park outfit, where he made 34 appearances and scored seven goals.

But McAnespie knows the quality Little can bring to the squad and is thrilled to welcome back the fan favourite, who also previously played for Oakland City Athletics, Largs Thistle and Perth Australia outfit Shamrock Rovers, ahead of joining Bankies in 2015.

He said: “Nicky scored 40 odd goals for us in two seasons and thoroughly deserved his move to Pollok.

“Unfortunately the game time and goalscoring aspect didn’t work out as well as anticipated and we got the chance to speak to him at the end of the season.

“There were a lot of clubs who were interested and thankfully he wanted to come back. He is a goal threat and a physical presence, so it’s good to get him as he fits the way we want to go about business.

“He was adored by the supporters before he left so they will be delighted to see him back. We need to make sure we are building his confidence and belief so he can get back to those heights, as he is very good at scoring goals.”

Hepburn, meanwhile, has been with Lok for three seasons, managing seven goals in 26 appearances during the last campaign.

He will be remembered by their fans for his last gasp heroics as Pollok lifted the West of Scotland Cup in 2017. McAnespie is also pleased to see the versatile player put pen to paper.

He added: “Del brings pace, energy and directness and knows where the back of the net is. We are looking to play him wide or through the middle if we have to. It’s just about finding the right balance and shape to accommodate him next season.

“These are two very experienced junior plays that we are bringing on board.”

Johnny Allan, Josh Watt and Reece Pearson, meanwhile, have all left the club at the end of their contracts, with the latter joining Albion Rovers for pre-season.

Alloa loanee John Cunningham, who was prolific in front of goal for Bankies since he joined in January has also decided to move on and try his luck with the Cliftonhill side.