GORDON Pope says he’s ready to deliver for Auchinleck Talbot after re-signing for the club earlier this week.

The postman left the club 12 months ago to try his luck in the senior game with League One cracks Ayr United.

But the 24-year-old - who was released by Honest Men boss Mark Roberts after their campaign ended in play-off disappointment - said the demands of the senior game were too much.

And after signing on again at Beechwood, he said: “To be honest I was looking to leave and be nearer to home. I know that sounds daft considering it was Ayr United but I’m a postman and work most Saturdays. I’m from Catrine and have just moved to Auchinleck and for some of the long trips, to the likes of Forfar, it was really difficult and hard going.

“So I was looking to leave anyway and the manager was aware of that. I think I did well in League One. It’s not like I was on the bench every week.

“I think I only missed three or four games. Obviously it ended in disappointment in the play-offs against Cowdenbeath but personally I think I did well during the season.” Pope finised his previous spell at Talbot with his hands on the Scottish Junior Cup when he helped the Beechwood boys triumph over Linlithgow.

And he’s looking forward to more success when he wears the gold and black again next season.

He added: “I know the club well. It’s a great club with a brilliant bunch of boys. They’ve won the league again and are in the West final this Saturday so the success just keeps going.

“Tucker (Tommy Sloan) is a brilliant boss too. He knows the junior game inside out and his record is second to none. Hopefully we can kick on again next season.” Pope and his mates will get another crack at the senior Scottish Cup next season as a reward for winning the Superleage Premier Division.

And the left-back is convinced they can again hold their own against the so-called big boys.

He added: “There is no doubt that Talbot have good players that would do well in the senior game.

“They drew with Stranraer and ran them really close over two tight games. And Stranraer finished third and got to the play-offs.”