LEGENDARY striker Ian Cashmore has called time on his Kilwinning Rangers' career to join Dalry Thistle.

But despite "Cashy" departing, Buffs fans can look forward to an exciting new arrival, with former Ayr United midfielder Michael Wardrope set to join the club.

Former Ayr United and Irvine Vics target man Cashmore (34) admitted he found it hard to leave Abbey Park and said: "This was the toughest decision ever football wise and I would just like to thank everyone connected with the buffs, the gaffer, Stuart Wilson, David Wilson James MacLeod , Alan Mahood James Dean and everyone else and especially the players and fans.

"I have been at Kilwinning for five-and-a-half years over three spells and the highlight for me had to be winning the Super League in my first season with the club. I also had a couple of promotions and it was good to stay in the Premier Division. I am fitter than I have ever been and that's down to working with the manager Chris Strain.

"I joined Buffs this time to get my 100th goal and I did that at Clydebank last season. Thanks for everything. I love the place. Kilwinning wanted me to stay on but I left on very good terms.

" I left because I needed game time and will hopefully get that at Dalry. I know Gavin Friels well through football. They did quite well last season and hopefully I can help them push further up the table. I look forward to playing against Kilwinning in the Ardagh Glass Cup in the new season and it will be a new challenge for me, one which I look forward to."

Strain said: "Ian goes with our very best wishes, he has been such a fantastic servant over the years at the club and a very popular player."

Meanwhile, Sportscene can reveal that Wardrope, who famously scored an extra-time winner in a William Hill Scottish Cup replay against Clyde last season, has agreed terms with the Abbey Park side. He is expected to sign imminently.

The 20-year-old had been attracting interest from a number of other clubs including Auchinleck Talbot and it's a huge coup for Buffs to secure his signature.

Strain has a high regard for the player, whom he feels will add quality to his squad.

Buffs have agreements in place with other new recruits and manager Strain said: "A number of new signings will be coming in and there will be a mix of youth and experience."