Paisley Pirates’ boss Ian Turley is getting closer to finalising his roster for the upcoming Scottish National League campaign.

Richard Thorp (above) and Graeme Meechan have both agreed another season with the club, while Turley continues to cast his eye over potential new signings ahead of their opening game against Kilmarnock Storm.

Turley said: “I’ve taken a number of calls from players wanting to try out with us, and we’ve been happy to let them come along and see what they’ve got.

“It’s no secret that we’ve got a few slots to fill after three retirements in the close season.

“There’s a few guys who look as if they might be able to do a job for us, but I want to have another look before I make any decisions.

“I only want players who want to play on the first line every week, and demonstrate the kind of attitude that brings success.

“We don’t need to approach other players to see if they want to come to us. Players know the very high standards we set on the ice, and the way we look after them off it.

“In return they get the chance to play for a very well organised club in an excellent venue – that’s always an attraction for players.

“No-one is guaranteed a starting slot as it’s about attitude, commitment, turning up at training, and a whole lot of other aspects that go into making this club special.

“Not everyone is suited to that, so right now I’m going through a lot of things in my head about who I’ve seen so far and how they would fit into what the plan is for the coming season – that includes the guys who were with us last year.

“We’ve now re-signed Richard and Graeme who were important players for us last year, and while I expect to be signing more of that squad in the coming weeks, I would fully expect there to be some new ones when we get onto the ice for real in September.”

(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)