Two new players for Annan

Dec 28 2012 by Stuart Gillespie, Dumfries & Galloway Standard

Managerless Annan have strengthened their squad with two players.

Hibs youngster Harry Monaghan has joined the Galabank side on loan for a month.

And striker David Hopkirk (pictured right) is set to return to the club permanently, after scoring five goals in just three games during a loan spell from Queen of the South earlier in the season.

Chairman Henry McClelland said: “Harry comes from Hibs U20s and is signed until February 2.

“He’s 19-years-old and can play as a holding midfielder or right centre back.

“We have agreed terms to sign David until the end of the season - his contract finishes on December 31 and we expect the paperwork to be completed on January 1 so that he will be available to play against Rangers the following day.”

Annan officials were due to meet yesterday afternoon to discuss the future following Harry Cairney’s resignation last week.

And they were expected to agree to invite applications from anyone interested in the vacant position.

In the meantime Euan Brydson and Stuart Sorbie will take the team, having overseen a 2-2 draw at East Stirlingshire last Saturday.

“It was a good result as we finished with 10 men,” said Mr McClelland. “If we had 11 men I would maybe have expected a win.

“We expected a bit of a bounce back with the manager resigning as that often seems to be the way in football.

“We could have had all three points but it ends a run of five defeats and we’ll look to kick on.”Annan welcome Elgin to Galabank tomorrow before hosting Rangers on Wednesday in what will be the club’s first experience of live TV coverage.

The chairman added: “We’re all geared up, all the ESPN towers are in place and messages are being communicated.

“It’s our first time on TV - the last time they came it was shown on Rangers media but only to people overseas so it’s another first.

“However, before that we have the Elgin game to focus on.”