Auchinleck Talbot: New signing Ross Clark has high ambitions

The Beechwood Park side confirmed the signing of midfielder Ross Clark from the SJFA North Premier champions earlier this month.

Clark comes with high pedigree, having scored 51 times and registering 34 assists in 74 appearances with Culter.

His time with the North Premier side also coincided with an incredible run of success for the club who won eight consecutive trophies - two league titles, two regional cups, a pair of league cups and two cup winners cups - following his arrival in the summer of 2022.

Credit: Simon Greig

Despite moving from Aberdeen City suburb, Clark is a player very familiar with the area.

The local lad played his boys club football across Ayrshire before moving to Aberdeen to study sports science at university in 2017.

He played for Aberdeen University in both the university and junior leagues for four seasons - even earning calls to the national university team.

He briefly returned home to Ayrshire, where he played for Girvan FC for six months, prior to returning north to complete a post-graduate degree - which is when he made the move to Culter.

It proved a valuable experience with Clark who says he thoroughly enjoyed his spell with the club.

He commented: "My time at Culter has been incredibly successful both on a personal and collective level.

"I won players' player of the season, supporters player of the season and goal of the season all in my first season which I took great pride in.

"Furthermore, the support from coaching staff, committee and fans from day one was overwhelming and I have formed lifelong friendships within the club."

Now, Clark says he is delighted to be making his return to Ayrshire with a club like Auchinleck.

Credit: Craig Duff

He added: "I’m absolutely delighted to have signed with Talbot. I’m really looking forward to getting started and meeting my new team mates.

"I’m excited for pre-season and the games to begin and look forward to being challenged at this level in this highly competitive division."

And he admits it was not a difficult decision to move to Beechwood Park after he became aware of their interest.

Clark continued: "When I knew Talbot and Tommy (Sloan) were interested I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

"Tommy is the most successful and experienced junior manager and has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of this level of football.

"I feel with this knowledge I will further develop as person and player under his management. When it was announced to my team mates at Culter I was leaving and moving back to Ayrshire they all commented on what an opportunity it would be to join Talbot."

He added: "Auchinleck Talbot have been the most successful junior club in Scotland and their trophy count and history speaks for itself having won multiple league and junior cups.

"Talbot have always had a popular following and dedicated fan base and playing in front of a larger support is an attractive additive.

"Any time I’ve been out watching Talbot the pitch has always been in great condition and you can’t beat a good grass park.

"I’d also love to gain more experience and challenge myself against professional, full-time, teams from the senior leagues and achieve a run in the senior Scottish Cup having been knocked out in the first round last year whilst playing for Culter."

Credit: Simon Greig

Clark has high ambitions, both on a personal and team level, for his move to Beechwood Park.

The 24-year-old said: "I have always been successful with every club I have played with from boys club to junior whether it be team trophies or personal awards, something which I look to continue with Talbot.

"I always thrive to be successful and look to contribute towards a successful season with the club.

"Personally my initial target is to establish myself as a regular first team player and play an influential role in bringing more success to the club.

"I always set myself personal goals at the start of each season in terms of goals and assists however I’m sure the gaffer will have his own targets for me and the squad.

"I’d love to be challenging for every trophy this season and experience silverware with this club and my new team mates."

And the midfielder says he is ready to give his all to show the Talbot faithful why the club were keen to bring him on board.

He added: "The fans can expect a hard working and energetic player who gives 100% every week.

"I’m am also a very committed player and hope to replicate my form and continue to contribute with goals and assists.

"I’m attack minded and play direct but am also very versatile and can play in a number of positions.

"I love winning and give maximum effort to achieve this. I have a positive attitude thrive to be successful."