WoSFL: Ciaran Diver leaves Beith Juniors for St Cadoc's

The club announced at the weekend that Ciaran Diver would be leaving Bellsdale Park for another club - with the club in question quickly revealed as Premier Division rivals St Cadoc's.

He leaves with big boots to fill, having scored an impressive 43 goals in all competitions for the back-to-back Premier Division champions.

Ciaran Diver was exceptional during his time at Beith. (Image: Stephen Kerr)

It's the second summer in a row that manager Chris Strain has had to go searching for a replacement for the Mighty's leading goalscorer after Josh Fowler left for Dubai-based Gulf United in 2023.

Diver was quickly snapped up from Renfrew as a direct replacement for Fowler, and the capture paid off in spades as Diver finished as top scorer not just for Beith, but for the whole of the top flight.

He was also named winner of the club's player of the year and players' player of the year awards.

The talented forward still had a further year left on his contract at Bellsdalebut the Mighty announced last week that Diver would be moving on.

They say that the striker rejected improved terms in lieu of making a move elsewhere, and thanked him for his fantastic service in North Ayrshire.

A club statement said: "Beith Juniors can confirm that Ciaran Diver has rejected the offer of an improved, extended, contract and informed the club of his intention to move on and sign for another club.

"Whilst we are disappointed in this, we would like to thank Ciaran for a phenomenal season, with his 43 goals contributing massively to us retaining our league title.

"Some of the goals and moments of the season just past will be remembered for a very long time."

Diver scored some vital goals this season. (Image: Stephen Kerr)

St Cadoc's, who finished third in the Premier Division last season, announced the signing of Diver the following day.

Diver was one of three players who the reigning champions have confirmed will be leaving the club this summer.

Kian Burns will be departing Bellsdale after his contract expires having featured in both of the club's recent title successes.

And Mikey McWilliams will also leave when his contract expires, having made 36 appearances in his 12 months at the club.

In addition, full back Victor Emordi has been placed on the transfer list after one season at Bellsdale.

But the club has moved to assure supporters that it already has new signings in place to plug the gaps left by the departing players.

A spokesperson said: "We would like to take this opportunity to assure supporters that whilst all posts recently are regarding confirmed departures, several new signings have already been secured and will be announced as soon as we can register them in line with SFA rules."

Details have also been announced of three pre-season friendly matches for the reigning champions, with Strain's men set to host St Roch's on Wednesday, July 10 and Darvel on Saturday, July 13 before travelling to Rutherglen Glencairn on July 17.

The new WoSFL season kicks off on July 27.