JOHN Redmond admits today's trip to Troon will be about more than just the banter when he returns to his former club.

Craigmark’s new gaffer spent 14 years - on and off - in various roles at Portland Park and was director of football last season when they won promotion to the Premier League.

He is now taking his new charges to the seaside club determined that he and his players can leave with their heads held high.

Redmond said: “You couldn’t have written the script! My first game for Craigmark being against Troon - it’s a bit special but I’m really looking forward to it.

“I expect some banter to be flying about but it’s a game the players should really look forward to and embrace.

“They can look at the Troon players and the level they are playing at and strive to achieve that for themselves.” He continued: “It’s going to be really tough and anything we do get will be a bonus. Troon have got some really good players, they’ve just brought in Queen’s Park skipper James Brough, have Mick McCann from Talbot and the likes of Dean Keenan who was already there.

“We’re massive underdogs but it will be a good learning curve for the younger players.” Redmond steps into the 'Mark hotseat looking to transform the fortunes of the perennial strugglers.

They failed to win a league match last season but the new manager is keen for that to end as soon as possible.

He added: “I live in Troon and told the players that there is no way that I’m travelling from Troon to Dalmellington to finish bottom of the table.

“The players might not have won a game for a long time but I’ve not noticed any issues in training with a lack of confidence. They are all buzzing and I’ve been really pleased with them.

“I have a longer term plan and you look at Troon, and see what they have done over the years, and that’s the level we have to try and achieve.

“We lost 6-2 in a bounce match with a really sharp Cumnock side but the boys did well and could have scored a couple near the end to make it more respectable.

“Hopefully that will give them some belief.” Redmond has made six summer signings including ex Whitletts keeper Stevie Douglas, former Maybole players Scott Dempster abd Dylan Dunn, while one-time Whitlestts player Dominic Boyle has also arrived.

And the new man in charge is hoping they will help lift them in the forthcoming season.

He said: “I’m pleased with the signings and they’ve shown up well.

“They’ll be looking forward to the season like everyone else.”