The 27-year-old had helped the Black and Whites move up through the divisions after moving to Raydale Park in 2002 and is devastated by the club's descent in to oblivion.

"I knew the end was coming for Gretna but that didn't make it any better when I heard the news it was all over," said Skelton.

"I feel worse for the people who put a lot of hard work into the club and for the supporters. It was a big part of the community and the fans lost their football club so I feel really sad for them.

"But nobody can take those good times away from me and I'll always look back on them with great pride and enjoyment.

"But I've been given a great opportunity by Kilmarnock and obviously I'm pleased. I needed a couple of weeks after the season finished to clear my head.

"So many things had happened and I was all over the place. But now I'm really looking forward to getting going again.

"I'm delighted to be staying in the SPL and feel I still have to prove I'm good enough to be playing in it. It's a big challenge but one I'm looking forward to."