FORMER club captain Marc Wardrope has returned to Ardeer Thistle.

The 24-year-old midfielder has re-joined Sean Kenney's side for the coming season, after a year playing with fellow Three Towns outfit Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

His return to Stevenston will also see Wardrope link up - once again - with his brother and fellow midfielder Callum, and his father and assistant manager Michael.

"It’s a great feeling to be back at Ardeer," he commented. "I'm really looking forward to the season starting.

"I know Sean and the club really well. There’s loads of players still there from my spell before and with them and some new additions I’m confident we’ll do well this season.

"Being back playing alongside my brother as well as the rest of the boys that have been there when I was last there is great as we already have great team morale and chemistry, which I think gives us an edge against most teams in our league.

"Having my dad back as my coach is also a massive plus and with his background in the game I’m always learning and taking on board what he has to say.

"I’m sure him and Sean will lead us to promotion this season if we all get stuck in and follow what they have planned for us."

Wardrope is also excited by the chance of playing more regular football at the Ardeer Stadium, after playing time was at a premium last season.

But he said he still enjoyed his time with Gavin Friels' side, who won the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) Second Division last season.

He commented: "Winton are a fantastic club with a great team and people all around it.

"It was a brilliant feeling winning the league and is a something I’ll never forget but, for me, football is all about getting out there and playing on a Saturday and I feel I just didn't play enough last season.

"I wish Gav and the boys all the best for the coming seasons."

Now, his sights are set firmly on the season ahead, and delivering once again for Ardeer Thistle.

Wardrope added: "I have high hopes coming back to Ardeer as they have added well over the past season and this summer.

"The squad's aim will always be to progress as far up the leagues as we can go but to achieve this we all must dig in and get a good pre season so we can start sharp when the first game comes.

"Personally, I’m aiming to secure my place in the team and to be playing consistently this season.

"There’s a lot of competition for places so hopefully that keeps the entire squad focused and fighting to get in the starting team which overall makes us the strongest we could be both on and off the park.

"Also, Ardeer have an amazing fan base, every game feels like a home game with them there behind us and if we aren’t performing how we should be I’m sure they’ll let us know."

The commencement of the WoSFL season is edging closer, with Thistle set to compete in the WoSFL Third Division this coming season.

They will find out who their first league opponents will be when fixtures are released on Wednesday, July 10 at 6pm.