CLYDEBANK manager Kieran McAnespie says he won’t be held to ransom by his signing targets as he looks to add extra quality to the Bankies squad ahead of their return to the top flight.

The Bankies will play Premier Division football next season after a two-year hiatus and McAnespie is casting his net far and wide as he pieces together his squad ahead of the campaign.

He is looking at players from youth football and amateur ranks, however any recruitment of players dropping down from senior football and seasoned junior players could prove to be crucial as Clydebank make the step up.

McAnespie is under no illusions that money will be a deciding factor for most of those players who are on the move, but he is adamant he won’t jeopardise the dressing room harmony at the club, nor the club’s finances with his signings.

The Bankies will complete the signing of a left-sided centre back on Tuesday afternoon after The Post goes to press.

He said: “I’m signing someone on Tuesday, I’m having a couple of other conversations with some more players this week.

“At this level right away it’s about money, particularly the ones have played most of their days in the juniors.

“One thing I don’t want to happen is to be held to ransom and jeopardise the club, that’s the most important thing.

“But I also need to bear in mind we’re there to compete. I’m confident enough we will compete. It’s about getting the right type of player in as well for the changing room, I won’t sign anyone for the sake of it.

“They need to improve the squad and be worthy of a place as it’s quite a close knit changing room as well and I don’t want to jeopardise that.”

McAnespie will be involved with the PFA Showcase this week where players without a club are given the chance to show what they can do.

And the Bankies gaffer is confident of having a squad capable of going up against the big guns in the top flight by the time the season comes around.

He said: “We’ve had a couple of boys in from the amateurs on trial and a couple of under-19s have come, they are ex-Motherwell pro youths that played for East Renfrew Boys club under-19s last year.

“I’m not ruling anything out as we can find a gem. It’s about confidence – look at Mark Burbidge, he comes in and he’s flying in his first season and then finding his form towards the end of the season, you can find gems like that who have dropped out of the pro youth system.

“I’m involved in the PFA Showcase this week I’m taking sessions so I’ll keep an eye out there as well. I’ll be keeping my ear to the ground and if I can sign someone I’m looking for I’ll be happy.

“With the conversations I’ve had so far – if they all sign then we’re looking very strong.

“It’s all if’s, but’s and maybes at the moment, I’ve had one that let me down but his current club have put under pressure and he’s now been made club captain.”