SCARBOROUGH manager Mick Wadsworth has begun his rebuilding programme at the McCain Stadium.

The Boro boss has put the disappointment of the 7-2 play-off thrashing by Torquay firmly behind him and turned his attention towards strengthening for the 1998/9 campaign.

Wadsworth has signed 30-year-old Alex Mirenkov from French third division side Raon L'Etape as a replacement for centre back Jason Rockett, who has quit the game following a troublesome knee injury.

Mirenkov, who can also play at left back, has played for various sides in the French league in an 11 year career and almost signed for the Seasiders after an impressive trial during the last close season.

Said Wadsworth: "It is a good signing for us. He will partner Gary Bennett at the heart of the defence and I have no doubt he will prove to be a valuable signing."

The manager also swooped for a second signing from slightly closer to home, capturing 19-year-old Ian Milbourne, who has been released by Premiership side Newcastle United.

Prudhoe-based Milbourne, who has signed a two year deal, said: "I was very disappointed about Newcastle letting me go, but in the long run it could be a good thing.

"There are so many star names at the club and I would just be in the reserves. At Boro I think I can break through into the first team."I want to get goals and better myself and I think coming here will improve me as a player."

Milbourne scored 21 goals for the United reserves last season and is rated highly by Wadsworth.

"I was amazed he was released by Newcastle and we had strong competition from Burnley and Carlisle to sign him," said the manager."When he was at Newcastle last season I tried to take him on a long-term loan basis, but Kenny Dalglish said no because he was close to being in the first team squad.

Meanwhile, Boro have announced a six-figure, three year sponsorship deal with North East based insurance company Arnott.Arnott marketing director Brian Quigley will join the board.

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