Partick Thistle manager John Lambie believes the fear factor was behind the last-minute rush.

He claimed: 'The clubs are all in a panic - some want to get promotion and get out of this league while others want to avert relegation and stay in it.

'The ten club league set-up is woeful - it is a joke. You play a club and turn around and you are playing them again.'

But Lambie also joined in the signing spree as he fixed up striker Swedish striker Peter Lindau from Ayr United and former Jag Jered Stirling on a one-month deal.

Lindau, however, is suffering from food poisoning and will miss today ' s match at Arbroath, who yesterday signed Bolton left-back Ian Good and former Raith defender Kevin Fotheringham.

Clydebank continued their signing spree yesterday when they captured the experienced striker Tommy Coyne and also fixed up former Morton and Clyde keeper David Wylie ahead of their visit to Stirling Albion.

But Stirling manager Ray Stewart was not to be out-done and he signed former Middlesbrough defender Tony McStay, striker Mark McGraw who was with Clyde last season, and defender Kevin Milne, formerly of Aberdeen and Bolton.

Queen of the South manager John Connolly has also been busy, fixing up Dean Muir from Hamilton and right-back Paddy Atkinson from Middlesbrough. Both are included in the squad to visit Stenhousemuir.

Third Division champions Queen's Park will unfurl their title-winning flag before they face Berwick, who also gained promotion.

Stranraer yesterday signed striker Scott Edgar, who had been on loan to them last seasn from Queen's Park. Edgar is likely to feature against Forfar, who are chasing Ross County midfielder John McGlashan.

Div Three: Rovers youngster of Premier interest

And even before a ball is kicked in today's season opener the three clubs have inquired about the youngster.

Albion manager John McVeigh said yesterday: 'The lad has been watched in our pre-season games and has certainly created an impression.'

Beguis will be in the line-up to face East Fife, who include six newcomers and whose manager Rab Shannon said: 'We must learn from last season. Queen's Park had a great start and that was important for them in winning promotion. That's a lesson to us all.'

Brechin will include their new strike force of Roddy Grant and Murray Leask from Berwick as they open against newcomers Elgin.

Manager Dick Campbell said: 'I am delighted to get Roddy as he is the kind of striker who will make his presence felt. And I have paid out a substantial fee for Murray. But I am not finished yet and want to bring in another two or three.'

Elgin will include a number of newcomers, including Colin Milne, formerly with Montrose, for their first game in senior football and manager Alex Caldwell said: 'It is a step into the unknown for a number of our players who have previously been in the Highland League. But over the next six or seven weeks we will get an indication of what we can achieve.'

Peterhead - the other newcomers to senior football - are expecting a crowd of around 2,500 for their home opener against Montrose.

Manager Ian Wilson said; 'Everyone is very excited and it will be a major change for this club. There are great expectations here but we will find out over the next few weeks how well equipped we are.'

Wilson will include former Aberdeen midfielder David Craig, Scott Paterson - who was previously with Plymouth - and Martin Johnstone, who has been signed from Cove Rangers.