SAM Collumbine is back on familiar ground after sealing a switch to Sauchie Juniors - and the former Alloa Athletic youngster is sure the club is going places. 

The 22-year-old followed in the footsteps of Danny Smith in joining the Reds from Linlithgow Rose ahead of the Premier Division campaign. 

Having trained with Sauchie last summer before his switch to the West Lothian outfit, Collumbine didn't need much convincing when Fraser Duncan came calling and offered the chance of a permanent move to Beechwood Park. 

READ MORE: Ollie Fleming returns to very unfamiliar surroundings at Sauchie

There was never any doubt in his mind that it was the place for him to be when football finally returns in October and the midfielder is excited at the chance to work at the "ambitious" club.

"I'm really excited and just can't wait to get back and playing football again," Collumbine told Advertiser Sport. "It has been such a slow couple of months.

"My whole life I have been playing football and going from playing football three times a week to nothing has been pretty tough.

"It's good for your mental health and that's one thing I have been missing. Going to Sauchie and speaking to the gaffer, it all seems very positive and Fras is showing a lot of ambition.

"It is a club that wants to go places, so it has been really quite exciting to make the move. 

 

"It's great seeing what they are doing and the committee really cares about the club. The fans also put in so much time to help out and that's great to see. They really care.

"The team looks really strong and I am sure we will be competing at the top, where Sauchie should be. It's an exciting season ahead." 

After spending time with Clacks other major team as a teenager, Collumbine moved to then Junior giants Bo'ness United where he admits it was a "difficult experience" due to his youth. 

Looking back now, he is thankful for the chance to learn from such experienced players, however, and is sure it has helped shape his game for the better. 

Time with Armadale Thistle followed before the switch to Linlithgow and now it's the red of Sauchie he can't wait to represent. 

READ MORE: Preston back in with the Sauchie set-up at Beechwood Park

"Going to Bo'ness was a completely different experience for me, going into the big Junior league," he said. "It was hard to adapt for me at that age. 

"Everything was different and I was suddenly with very experienced players who had been at the top of the game. But, it was good and a great experience for me.

"I want to go out there, enjoy my football, and give the team the best I have got."