BARRY FERGUSON has set his sights on the Lowland League title after finalising six "real quality" signings for Kelty Hearts.

At an open day at New Central Park last Sunday, which also saw the club unveil their new home and away kits, the club's boss revealed the identities of the new half-a-dozen players that he said completed "most of the business" he was looking for this summer.

Nathan Austin, who was part of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle side recently defeated by Dundee United in the Premiership play-off semi-finals, has moved to Kelty alongside Forfar Athletic pair Dylan Easton and Thomas Reilly, East Fife defender Scott Linton, Whitehill Welfare goalkeeper Ross Jardine, and East Stirlingshire skipper Danny Ashe.

Ferguson believes that completing deals for four players that were playing in the SPFL last season, as well as for two key players with rival league clubs, is a signal of intent that can propel the club to a title challenge, having finished third in their maiden Lowland League campaign that ended last month.

"They were the guys I set out to try and get in December / January time. It's taken a few months to get it over the line, but I'm delighted with them and looking forward to working with them," he told his club's video channel.

"I think they bring real quality, but they've also got a good mentality, which I was desperate to get in.

"We've got one aim next year and that's to try and win the league. I'm not going to beat about the bush; that's what we're going to try and do.

"It's going to be a lot of hard work but, with the players I've brought in and the quality I've brought in, if we put the hard work in then I think it's achievable."

Arguably the capture of Austin, who scored 13 goals in 48 games for Inverness is their most eye-catching recruit.

After beginning his career with local team East Fife, he won a move to Falkirk in 2016 after a return of 43 goals in 107 appearances for the Methil men.

During his time with the Bairns, the 25-year-old scored 12 times in 44 appearances – helping them reach the Premiership play-off semi-finals during his first season – before moving to the Highlands last January.

Austin commented: "Inverness offered me a new deal but I'm at the stage of my career where I want to play and enjoy football again. The gaffer offered me that opportunity and it was hard to turn down.

"I had a lot of offers but once you get that enthusiasm, and you're wanted that much, it's hard to say no."

Meanwhile, season tickets for the upcoming campaign are on sale, with early bird adult pricing starting from £90, with more details available online at the club's website.

In addition, Kelty Hearts' social club handed over a cheque for £1,000 to CHAS on Sunday after carrying out fundraising throughout the year.