A NEW addition has been made to the Auchinleck Talbot Youth Academy as the Crosshouse 2004s are absorbed by the East Ayrshire club.

They will form the u17 part of the academy and will play under the banner of Auchinleck Talbot from next season.

A spokesperson for Auchinleck Talbot said: “Auchinleck Talbot Youth Academy is delighted to announce that we will have a new U17s team when the new season starts.

“Crosshouse 2004s have agreed to move to play under our banner as Auchinleck Talbot u17s. This is a very hard working, driven team who are always pushing themselves to improve.

“Indeed, the team has been very successful in recent years, winning three league titles and 15 cups, and also finishing runners up in seven competitions in the last three/four seasons.

“This is a great addition to the academy as we look to strengthen the pathway towards the new West Development League and hopefully to the first team.

“Please join us in welcoming Scott, Richard, Peter, Morton and their players to our club.”

Scott Campbell, the manager at Crosshouse 2004s for 10 years, said: “As we moved towards u17s football we had to consider our future as the game in the west of Scotland changes with the introduction of the new West of Scotland league.

“We were looking for a club that would help develop the team as well as give them the opportunity of a player pathway into the semi professional game.

“I have been following Talbot for the last couple of years as my nephew Craig McCracken plays there and I felt that Talbot had a real community feel about them, like Crosshouse and are passionate about football.

“We had discussions with Robin Meikle at the Talbot Academy who confirmed this view and the decision was made to join.

“I feel playing out of Auchinleck will enhance the playing experience for the boys as well.”

Talbot recently joined the new SFA West of Scotland League and, as a license requirement, are in the process of installing floodlights at the ground. With groundwork for the floodlights now complete, they are well on their way for being ready for the new season.

In other news, attacking midfielders Jamie Glasgow and Mark Shankland have signed new contracts with the club.