As Chris Strain continues to build his squad, he brings back centre back pairing Tommy Maitland and David Syme. Tommy returns for his 7th season at the club and has been a mainstay in the centre of defence alongside Syme. David is an experienced player despite only being 23 years old. A firm fans favourite too. Both players will be an important part of the team for years to come.
Here’s what the manager had to say on the pair, “Tommy is in for the 7th season, he’s been brilliant in them all. Balancing
football with a growing family will be a challenge for Tommy but he’s a real competitor and he’s been terrific value for us over the years. He’s very popular amongst the boys and hopefully he’ll continue to be a leader in the defensive line. David is a great centre back so to get him signed again is good news for the club. He’s a big character, a real fans favourite. The challenge for David is to mature mentally, not to care about what people say or think about him, just play with an unrelenting desire. When the games are too easy for David he lacks concentration but I want him to be more dominate with his own teammates. He is not the best trainer and I’ll be on his case this year, for him to push himself, as in my opinion there’s no one better at our level in his position.”
Tommy is keen to get his testimonial in the books, “I’ve always enjoyed my time playing with Kilwinning. They have got a great bunch of lads in the squad just now. I feel Chris has got the best out of me as a player and is always pushing me to improve more. There is a great set up in Kilwinning and the club just seems to keep moving forward every year and I am hoping to get to my testimonial in a few years.”
Syme hopes to right some wrongs after the season just gone, “I’m delighted to sign for The Buffs for another season and I can’t wait to get the new season started. We have some unfinished business from last season and hopefully as a group we can kick on forward and do one better next season.”