Stirling Albion star Marc McKenzie says he is looking forward to linking up with the club's other new signings and says they can help the Binos launch a promotion bid.

The winger narrowly missed out on a second consecutive promotion with Elgin City, a year after winning the title with Albion Rovers, and he reckons his league-winning experience can help his new side to glory.

McKenzie told Stirling News Sport: “The manager has got his business done early. He hasn't messed about. Blair Henderson was a handful when I played against him this season so he will definitely give us an advantage. I know Darren Petrie because he was on loan at Albion Rovers last season, so I was training with him and I know a bit about him. Eddie Ferns came to Rovers on loan when we won League Two, and I'm quite friendly with him. I've known him for a good few years. It's good to see the club getting their business done early, which means we can now focus on getting fit and making sure we are ready for the start of the season.

“The gaffer is wanting us to finish higher than last season but there is no reason that we can't go for the league with the players we have. I've won this league before and the main thing is consistency. If you have that you are going to be up there with a chance of winning the league.

“I'd like to think my experience of winning this league will be an advantage. I think it was one of the reasons the manager was so keen to sign me. I don't like getting beaten and I think I've got good character in the dressing room. I can also bring experience because I will be one of the older players.”

Stirling's season begins on July 16 as the League Cup takes on a new format, and McKenzie says the early start can benefit the club's league campaign.

He said: “There is a new format to the league cup this season so the games will be coming thick and fast. We are starting a lot earlier than we would be usually which isn't a bad thing. It gives us a chance to start to find our best team and a bit of rhythm in time for the league season starting.

“I had spoken to the manager and Martyn, and they gave me a look about the setup. With the facilities the club has got, it has the potential to go up a couple of divisions. I spoke to the chairman about his plans for the club. The gaffer seems really keen to get pushed on. The last couple of seasons have been disappointing for the club but hopefully I can help them get back to where they should be.”

The 30-year-old revealed he has already been made to feel welcome at the club, and he believes the club is capable of competing at a higher level.

McKenzie added: “I was glad to get everything tied up because it's never a good time when you don't know what's happening. I had been offered a new deal by Elgin but I wasn't getting enough playing time there. It was a great club but I didn't train with the boys so I didn't really feel part of it enough. It was good to get everything tied up early and now I'm looking forward to getting back into pre-season training. I know a couple of the boys through years of playing against them and I've already been speaking to a lot of them. They have made me feel really welcome.”