PROMOTION-winning Craigmark Burntonians boss Ian Patterson has sensationally quit Station Park.

Patterson, who steered the Dalmellington team into the Championship last season, has taken over as co-boss of his former team Girvan.

Joining him at the helm is former Craigmark assistant and fellow ex-Girvan player Greg Gallacher.

And they can look forward to games against their old club as the teams are scheduled to play twice next season.

Patterson admitted he was surprised at the move and said: "I got a call from Girvan on Saturday night, it was a bit out of the blue asking if I would be interested in the job. It's a management team so I will be working with Greig.

"I feel it's a new challenge and am looking forward to it. Girvan have a decent bunch of players and a lot of the committee are still there from my time at the club. The players will all have a chance to show what they can do but we will strengthen the squad. Greg and I both have connections to the club, having played there."

Asked his aims, Patterson said: "I would like to think we could challenge go back up to the top league."

He added: "It's good we have the carat of competing in the senior Scottish Cup. Girvan are a good side and Craigmark played them twice last season, with Girvan winning both games."

Meanwhile on to senior football and Ayr United are hoping to sign two new players before the end of the week as they continue the build-up to the start of the new season.

Boss Ian McCall said: "We are close to signing a goalkeeper and a left-back who are both quite young and hope to have them before the end of the week. I also aim to re-sign David Ferguson. If we get the guys we are after hopefully all we need will be a midfielder and centre half."

Meanwhile, long-term injury victims, skipper Ross Docherty and Chris Higgins are continuing their rehabilitation.

Both moved closer to fitness following a special session with physio Steve McGuire in the hydrotherapy pool.

They hope to be back playing by early August.