COLIN Spence has made winning a habit throughout his career and doesn’t plan to break it at Arthurlie after targeting silverware and league success in Barrhead.

The veteran playmaker spent 11 years at Auchinleck Talbot, amassing 17 major honours including a remarkable four Scottish Junior Cups from six finals.

Despite being one of the most decorated players in the history of junior football, at the age of 33 he says his desire for trophies has not diminished.

And he is aiming for more celebrations after signing a one-year deal at Dunterlie Park, insisting manager Chris Mackie’s new-look squad will make winning the league their target.

He said: “We have to aim for the top, obviously we can’t be stupid and say we can run away with the league or anything but we have a good squad of players. We’re not just going into the league hoping to compete, we want to be aiming for the top.

“A good start is really important, if you can get a few wins on the board early you build a bit of momentum.

“If you look at the Glenafton team who have just won the double, there is nothing complicated about their team, they are fit, organised and work hard for each other without any stand out players.

“I’ve got that hunger myself, sitting watching the Scottish Cup final at the end of the season, that makes you want to be there and I’d give my right arm for another shot of that.”

Spence is one of 15 new arrivals at Arthurlie as Mackie set about a complete overhaul of the squad for his first full season at the helm.

With a blend of senior and junior experience as well as some promising young players, Spence has been impressed with his new teammates during the early pre-season sessions.

The midfielder will be the elder statesman of the squad and he admits its a role he is looking forward to.

He said: “That’s something I relish, maybe some of the boys will look at what I’ve achieved in the juniors. Hopefully I can pass on some of the knowledge I have, being successful is not rocket science, it’s about working had and maybe getting a bit of luck in the cup competitions.

“I’m looking forward to being one of the oldest if not the oldest in the squad and trying to help the younger guys through the season.

“I’m impressed with the squad the manager has put together, there is some good experience and some talented young players. But they all seem hungry to do well.

“There’s a lot of pace in the team and we’ve done our business early so that will help us, having a full pre-season with everyone together.”

There was a lot to consider for Spence before agreeing to move the the Lie from Troon where he spent a season. Living in Dreghorn, just outside Irvine, he was a stones throw away from training and home games at both Troon and Talbot.

He has decided to swap that for trips to Barrhead, despite offers to stay in Ayrshire, and he says his new manager played a big part in convincing him Arthurlie was the right club.

He said: “The manager was quite persuasive, he sold the club really well to me. It seemed like the right thing to, it’s always nice to feel wanted and he let me know a few of his signing targets which I was impressed by.

“It was never about just joining another club in the Premier League for me it was about finding a club that would compete.

“I had another few offers. I had two really good offers to stay in Ayrshire. Chris played a big part in me signing. He phoned me a lot and really showed an interest, he made me feel really wanted."