FAIRYDEAN boss Garry Fraser admits he was disappointed after failing to net former hitman Stuart Noble.

The former Fulham, Airdrie and Alloa Athletic striker, who was top goal scorer at the East of Scotland League club before he moved to the Scottish Football League, was released by Berwick Rangers last week after injury had ruled him out for most of the season.

But despite efforts from Fraser he couldn't be lured to the Dean.

Garry told us: "We spoke to Stuart about coming to the club but he said he just wanted to get some games and he was going to play amateur football.

"We certainly tried to get him but you can't make a player sign. It's disappointing as Stuart would have been a great asset for us." The 29-year-old turned out for Gala Rovers in their league match with Leithen Rovers on Saturday.

And he scored within 15 minutes to help the Netherdale team to victory.

The Fairydean are busily searching for players after the departure of Jay Wilson, Dean Boyne and Paul Sutherland last week.

And it remains uncertain if club captain Gerry Rossi will return after being unavailable for most of this year because of work commitments.

The manager added: "We still have 17 signed players with most of them really good young boys who will help take this club forward.

"We are talking to players regularly and I hope to have one or two more coming to join us over the next week or two." Gala Fairydean host in-form Duns on Saturday.

Selkirk, who sit just a point above the bottom of the First Division, travel to promotion favourites Leith Athletic.

Jamie Gibson is due to return from suspension for Mike McKinnon's team.