KELTY HEARTS have appointed former Raith Rovers star David McGurn as their new goalkeeping coach.

The 41-year-old, who was most recently with Cowdenbeath last term, has become manager John Potter's first appointment onto his coaching staff.

Having started his career with Greenock Morton, McGurn moved to Raith for the first of two spells at Stark's Park in 2008, where he would go on to become a fans' favourite.

During his time as a player in Kirkcaldy, either side of a three-year spell with Cowdenbeath, McGurn played 256 times and is third on the all-time appearance list for goalkeepers with the Rovers, which also saw him inducted into their hall of fame.

His latter stint with the club, alongside that of his second spell with the Blue Brazil last term, saw him move into coaching, and Potter said: "Everyone we spoke to gave us rave reviews, so I'm delighted to get him in the door.

"He has been around a bit, he's been around Fife as well, so he is perfect for what we've been looking for."

On the playing front, Potter followed tying influential midfield star, Jamie Barjonas, up on a new contract last week by making Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts starlet Brodie Strang his first signing.

The 19-year-old has been on the club's radar since last season but Potter admits that further bolstering his squad is proving frustrating, noting: "It is difficult, to be honest.

"We're trying to get the right ones in but we're probably chasing a little bit.

"There's nothing imminent. We've spoken to loads of people but it's probably a bit of a waiting game just now. It's frustrating for us because we've not got a massive squad at the minute, and games are coming up quickly.

"We can sign players no problem tomorrow but there's a decent core there and we want to improve because we are stepping up a level.

"We've just got to be patient."

On the arrival of Strang, Potter continued: "He's someone that, when I joined, had been on the radar of the staff and people at Kelty for a while. We watched him six or seven times, and I have done my homework as well.

"He's keen, he's got a good attitude and wants to learn. He's settled in no problem and is one that has got good potential."

A familiar face is, however, back at the club, with Potter revealing that Dougie Hill is lending a hand on the training pitch.

The 37-year-old centre back, who played 24 times in last season's League Two title-winning campaign, retired from senior football but has returned to the fold on an initial short-term basis, with Potter relaxed over adding further to his backroom team.

"I'm not in a massive rush at the moment," he responded when asked if any appointments were on the horizon.

"Dougie Hill is back helping out a bit, doing a bit of training, and is another pair of hands. He's experienced, he knows the players, the squad and everyone around the place.

"It's got to fit for everybody but we've left things open and we'll see how it goes."

Preparations on the park will step up in earnest tonight (Friday) when Potter takes charge of his first match against Championship Partick Thistle in a New Central Park friendly.

That is followed by a game with Glenrothes FC at Warout Stadium on Tuesday – both games kick-off at 7.45pm – with Kelty's first week of pre-season training complete.

"It's where I enjoy, on the training pitch, and it's been great," Potter added.

"The players have come in and worked hard. They have been tough sessions but they have come back in good condition.

"The games have come around quick but we need to get fitness and minutes into their legs, and ideas of how we want to play. There's loads to do, especially in the first couple of games against Partick Thistle and Glenrothes.

"These games are generally about fitness and getting a feel for playing again, and we'll rotate the squad a bit."