Kirk, who quit as Ballyclare Comrades manager last season, has wasted little time in signing a host of experienced players who are ready to do battle in Division 1A.
In comes former Comrades captain Stuart McClean - a player who has been with Kirk since he was a teenager - as well as former Dixon Park favourites Ian Mannus, striker Darren McKay and Kieran Loughran. Ex-reds Joe McRoberts, Davey Freyne and Gary Bell have also signed up for the new era at the Factory Grounds.
And what better way for that new era to begin than with a home pre-season glamour tie against Irish Premier League champions Glentoran. Alan McDonald's men will play Kirk's new boys on Saturday July 11th (ko 2pm).
"Its Glentoran's final preparation game before their European tie so it could prove to be a very tough game for Nortel," Jamesy told the Times.
"I have a lot of new faces coming in and things are going well in training and everyone is looking forward to the new season."
He may not be admitting it, but with the squad Kirk has already assembled, many are expecting the club to bounce straight back by winning the league title this season.
After a nightmare season which saw Nortel relegated from the top flight Jamesy was approached and asked to get things right on the pitch.
"The club wanted me in to solidify things on the pitch because it had went off the boil," he said. "Whether I can deliver any trophies next season is another matter but I have brought in some very experienced players and it would be nice to get a run in some of the cups but the number one target is to get promotion back into the premier division."
Also lined up for pre-season friendlies against Nortel are: Newington Rangers, H&W Welders, Carrick Rangers and PSNI.