Coach Jim McInally has added to the list of players for next season by enlisting the services of former Rangers, Clyde and Partick Thistle man, Jimmy Gibson.

Nicknamed 'The Tank', Jimmy will bring both a combative approach to the Shire midfield and some finely-honed football skills as well.

"It's the first time Jimmy has ever been part-time, so it's a big switch for him and a big capture for us," said the Shire coach. "He is a good player who has spent all his career at a much higher level.

"We are really delighted he has agreed to come to East Stirlingshire for this season."

28 year old Gibson started his senior career with Rangers but, despite playing two SPL matches for the Ibrox club, faiiled to establish himself and moved on to Broadwood.

Jimmy made more than 60 first team appearances for the Bully Wee before making the switch to their bitter rivals at Firhill, where he spent three seasons.

He moved back to Clyde in January after being released by Partick manager Ian McCall and played in all four end-of-season play-off matches that saw John Brown's team preserve their First Divison status.

Gibson was offered the chance to prove his worth with Clyde in pre-season but has rejected the opportunity of winning a new full-time deal.

It's understood Shire beat off interest from a number of other clubs to persuade Jimmy to sign.

Shire's 'Stirlingshire Cup' fixture against Stenhousemuir will go ahead on the 22nd July at Ochilview with a 7:30 Kick Off.

This is a 'home' game for Shire, with a date for the trip to Dumbarton still to be decided.

This will be Shire's first game as the home side at Ochilview, so come along and cheer the Shire boys on to a successful start to the 08/09 season!

Shire will face St. Johnstone in a pre-season friendly match on the 15th of July. The game will have a 19:30 kick off.

The match will no doubt be a tough test for Jim McInally's men, and will be the ideal way for the team to prepare to head down south for their games versus Boston Utd and Retford Utd.