CRAMB ARRIVAL A GOOD ONE-JIM

Shire coach Jim McInally has hailed the arrival of striker Colin Cramb as a positive step for the club.

The much-travelled 33 year old has agreed terms after leaving First Division Stirling Albion.

McInally believes he is just the kind of player to get the goals the team needs to move away from the wrong end of the Third Division table, and says he is largely unconcerned about the baggage often associated with the striker.

"Some say he is a controversial figure," said McInally. "But Cramb is a player I  have admired for some time. I tried to sign him for Morton during last winter's transfer window but he was injured at the time. He has the kind of experience we need and the ability to get goals."

The Shire boss is also not worried by Cramb's injury problems. "He had a bad time of it last season when he had a broken bone in his foot, but prior to that he was largely injury-free. I don't regard him as injury-prone."

As for his reputation for falling out with clubs, McInally thinks that was all down to a single incident. "He fell out with some of the directors at Stenhousemuir when he was there and that seemed to cost them promotion," he said. "People will tell you this and that about Cramby, but we think we know him well enough to be able to handle him."

McInally is also enthusiastic about the arrival of new keeper John Hillcoat. "We really needed an experienced goalkeeper and we think we have got one. John will certainly do us a turn."

He's also expecting things from 19 year old Sean Anderson, who has been picked up from Dundee United. "Sean is a player we know really well," said McInally. "He's a big lad but also a really good footballer. We are delighted to have him because we feel he could be a real asset for us.

shireTV spoke to Jim this week about the new signings, the free transfers and re-building the squad for next season. You can watch the full interview by clicking on the shireTV option on the main menu and following the instructions.