DARRYL WESTLAKE, the new Kilmarnock signing, says he is glad he took his time find a new club after his release by Sheffield United.

The 23-year-old's career at United crumbled after Nigel Clough replaced David Weir as manager, and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Mansfield.

The right-back, who started out at Walsall, made a total of 27 appearances for the Bramall Lane club and held out for a decent offer in the summer. He has taken his chance at Rugby Park after training with the SPFL Premiership club for several weeks, having appeared as a triallist in a pre-season friendly against Morecambe.

Westlake, who signed this week and could make his debut at home to St Mirren on Saturday, said: "I had a few teams come in for me but the money wasn't right.

"I just waited and I was pleased when the gaffer rang me up and I took the chance to come up here. There was a League 2 team back in England and I could have signed for them but I'm pleased that I held out. It's a great club and I'm pleased to be here."

Westlake had two seasons in South Yorkshire after 78 appearances with Walsall, so he was experienced enough to take the end of his Bramall Lane career on the chin.

"Obviously, things didn't work out last season when the new manager came in. That's the ups and downs of football and you just have to learn and get on with it."

Meanwhile, Gary Teale says it's hard not to let his family suffer from St Mirren's dismal start to the season.

The new player-coach is still adapting to his role on the Paisley club's backroom staff.

But after watching his side lose their first four Premiership matches without a goal, the former Scotland winger admits he struggles to leave his work at the front door.

Teale said: "I definitely linger over the defeats a lot more now that I'm on the coaching staff because I've got that added responsibility.

"When things go right then great, but when they go wrong we have to go back to the drawing board.

"As a player, you are able just to go home, maybe analyse your own performance - 'where could you have done better?' - but then switch off.

"However, now I'm on this side of the fence I'm analysing how everybody did and it's harder to switch off. I try not take it home with me though.

"As a player you are fortunate you have a lot of time to spend with your family once you finish training but now I'm a coach there is a lot more work. I try my best to switch off after a game too because my wife and kids have been there to support me and it's unfair on them to make that continue into our Saturday night."