TAM McClelland is looking to repair Saltcoats Victoria's battered reputation after taking over the hotseat on a permanent basis.

The former Campbell Park striker took over as interim boss in late February after Derek Frye left to join Arthurlie.

But last week has took up the reins after accepting a job offer from the District League club.

Although they have lost seven games under his charge and are third bottom, he has seen signs of improvement and plans to bring in new faces as he aims to put his stamp on the team.

McClelland told Sportscene: "I am delighted to take on the manager's job. I am a local man and feel we have been close to the bottom of the league for too long now. I feel we have played better in some games, including at Darvel on Saturday. But I haven't been able to bring in many players and I want to strengthen the squad in the summer.

"The aim at first will be to finish higher in the league, then try to get into mid-table and eventually it would be great to get back into the Super League.

"I was in the team who played there last time under Sam McGivern and Jim Geddes and there was a great spirit. I want to recapture that."

Chairman Ray Montgomerie added: "We are delighted to offer Tam the job - he has Saltcoats at heart."

McClelland's next assignment is a tough one as his team face derby rivals Ardrossan Winton Rovers away in an Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup second round tie under the lights on Friday night.

And he is struggling for players, with up to eight set to miss out through injury and work and personal commitments.

He added: "It will be a tough test, we might only have 12 players but will give it our best shot."

Winton boss Sandy MacLean is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "We expect a difficult game as it's a derby and Tam will have Saltcoats up for it. It's disappointing we are going to miss out on promotion but it would be good to cheer ourselves up with a victory. We have a big incentive as the winners are away to Auchinleck Talbot or Troon in the semi-finals."

Dalry Thistle manager Gavin Friels is aiming for a strong finish after his side defeated Maybole 3-0.

He added: "We have games in hand over Whitletts and Winton and it would be a great achievement if we finished third."

However the boss hit out at fixture scheduling as Thistle faced with a long journey tonight (Wednesday).

He said: "We haven't had a home game since January, but will have to leave at 5pm for Lugar. It's crazy."