However, the Lie were boosted by the news that Kris Robertson and Gary Wilson were ready to commit their future to Dunterlie as Barrhead Sport reporterd ...

DEFENDER Gary Wilson reckoned Arthurlie’s off-field nightmare brought the players closer together — and he knocked back senior football because he wanted to help them prove their critics wrong.

The Player of the Year rejected an offer from third division outfit Cowdenbeath to stay at Dunterlie and he was joined by keeper Kris Robertson, who knocked back Raith Rovers.

Both players were happy to stay despite the club set to start the 2005 season 12 points behind the rest of the league.

And Wilson insisted the penalty would have the dressing room fired up. He said: “A lot has happened off the pitch which has been disruptive but it has brought the squad closer together and that partly persuaded me to stay for another year. We are all eager to prove a point next season.

“Every player wants to reach the highest level but I feel that the league we are in is just as good as the Scottish Third Division so I was in no hurry to leave for Cowdenbeath.

“On a personal level I’ve had a really good season but it’s all about the team, and we are all disappointed with winning nothing. We fell short at the end, to be in two cup finals and lose them both was hard to take.

“The fact that Kris is staying too is great as he gives the defence a lot of confidence. The only problem is his shouting, which is worse in the changing rooms where he throws some terrible spats!” The 22-year-old keeper had a superb season, and his performances prompted the Kirkcaldy side to offer him the chance to return to senior football.

But the keeper decided to reject their overtures. He explained: “Two years ago, when I left St Mirren, I would have jumped at the sort of offer that Gordon Dalziel and Raith made me — getting back into the senior game was the be all and end all.

“Now my priorities have changed, and my focus is on going to university. I don’t know what course I’ll be doing yet as I have to wait until clearing in August. Raith are staying as a full time outfit in the second division so there is no chance I could do both.

“To be honest, I was messed about the last time I played at senior level when I was at St Mirren. They offered me a contract with half the money I’d been on just when I’d moved into a flat so I am thankful for the stability Arthurlie have provided me.”