NEW Glenafton signing Adam Strachan is looking to put his past behind him and get people talking about his performance on the pitch rather than his troubles off of it.

Strachan penned a one year deal with the Loch Park boys last week and admits he is raring to go for his new side.

The former Partick Thistle, Ross County and Clyde man will join up with Tommy Bryce’s side this week for pre season training.

Strachan has attracted controversy after weapons and drugs charges - but the midfielder says he is sick of talking about them as he feels his past has cost him a shot at playing at a higher level.

The player was jailed in 2012 for possession of knives and also faced drug charges this year.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Strachan said: “I don’t really like to talk about my past. People have read about me in the papers and they get ideas about me, but sometimes they just ignore anything good you say and focus on the bad stuff.

“I think I’ve grown up a wee bit and hopefully people only talk about my football. I’m hoping it’s a new club, fresh start.” Strachan also revealed that newspaper reports about him may have cost an opportunity to play at the top level.

Championship runners up, Hamilton Accies, wanted to sign Strachan from Clydebank last term.

He said: “Hamilton were interested and contacted Clydebank but they wanted to see how my court case went, quite rightly, before making a decision. A lot of clubs today are family clubs and they really don’t want to be associated with things like that. A lot of things that were in the newspapers about me probably put Hamilton off and the deal never happened.

“It’s not the same as it maybe was in the 90’s, were you could come back and still play after things like that. Today a lot of clubs just don’t want to be associated with you” Strachan joined up with the Glens squad for the first time on Monday night to begin a gruelling pre-season training camp.

Strachan added: “Pre-season training is usually murder for me but I’m really looking forward to it. Glenafton are a club on the up and from what I hear they are a really good team to play for. It’s a well-run club and I know a couple of the players having played with some of them in the past so I can’t wait to get started.” Tommy Bryce said of his new recruit: “The boy might have been involved in some things in his personal life but I don’t feel we are throwing him an opportunity, he has shown that he is more than capable.

“I’m sure if he comes in and performs he can do a real job for us.”