By Martin Owens

CLYDEBANK boss Kieran McAnepsie believes he now has a ‘formidable’ strike force as he secured a deal to bring experienced striker Sean Higgins to Holm Park in a player/coach role.

The 34-year-old has committed to the Bankies after spending last season at Albion Rovers.

The former Ross County, St. Johnstone and Falkirk forward becomes McAnespie’s third summer signing having already tied up deals for Nicky Little and Del Hepburn earlier this week.

And McAnespie reckons Higgins is key to how he plans to set up and kick on next season.

He said: “We had a lot of competition so we were fortunate he’s decided to come to Clydebank and help out by being part of the coaching staff as well.

“To have someone like Sean in is massive. He’s played at the highest level for most of his days. He brings in a wealth of experience. For me, next season will be about leading from the front. Someone with Sean’s experience will allow us to do that. We want to be on the front foot and go forward, so it’s a huge signing.

“Our front line is quite formidable now. Sean Higgins, Nicky Little, Del Hepburn and Steven Higgins give us a lot of options there.”

As well as tying up the deal for Higgins, the Bankies have also confirmed two re-signings in Marc Waters and Matt McLean.

McAnespie added: “It’s also a massive coup tore-sign Marc Waters and Matt McLean. We’ve kept the nucleolus of the squad from last season nand hopefully we can add a few more before the start of the season. We’ll just need to see what the next couple of weeks bring us.”

Meanwhile the Bankies have also signed up for Kelty Hearts’ Summer Tournament held over the weekend of 21st/22nd July at New Central Park. Clydebank and Kelty Hearts will be joined by Brora Rangers and Thornton Hibs.

McAnespie said: “I met Kelty manager Thomas Courts last year when I was getting my B-license and we clicked right away. We spoke over the summer and tried to arrange a friendly when he said he was trying to set up a tournament. We’re looking forward to it. There’s some decent teams there who we can test ourselves against.”