Key personnel have departed for a new adventure.
But Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion is backing his squad to step up and challenge for Premier Division honours.
Swifts head into the East of Scotland League season this weekend having lost centre-half Jake Dolzanski to Elgin and playmaker Paul Simpson to Tranent.
While a blow to lose both players, Gunnion is sure others in the Riverside camp are ready to make their mark.
“We had interest in Paul Simpson last year so anticipated it again,” Gunnion said. “We had managed to resist it and, to be fair to Paul, he rejected approaches last season.
“But the opportunity to play in the Lowland League was one he felt he had to take.
“He wanted to give it a try. If he doesn’t go now, he might not get the opportunity.
“He has done pretty well with them early doors. If it doesn’t work out, the door will always be open for him.
“But I think he’ll kick on and I actually think he has the capabilities to play higher again.”
Gunnion added: “I had a good chat with Jake and, like Paul, he thought if he didn’t go now, he might never get the opportunity.
“I always thought he was the perfect candidate to play at that level. He is quick, strong and aggressive.
“He can improve on a couple of things but working with Jim Weir will help him massively.”
Gunnion continued: “Kieran Sweeney came in last year and played a number of games.
“There was a point in the season when he was pushing to be a starter, never mind being back-up.
“He now has an opportunity. As a 19-year-old centre-half, he has great potential long term.
“If he can keep himself fit and get more experience, there are opportunities at a higher level.
“And if you’re asking for someone to step in where Paul left off, Shaun Struthers is the perfect candidate.
“He can play in the 10, wide or up top. He’s got strength, skill and will be ready to go for the start of the season.”
Gunnion purposely packed the friendly schedule with difficult tests to ready his team for the Premier Division start.
Swifts open with a home game tomorrow (2.30pm) against Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.
“We set ourselves up in pre-season to play teams who were what you would class a level above us,” said Gunnion.
“We wanted to test ourselves and I think it’s going reasonably well. You get the usual things like holidays and injuries.
“We’ve had to call in some of our U20s but there are definitely promising signs there.
“We would like to have added one permanently, which we’re getting close to. Hopefully he will be in by Saturday.”
On the curtain-raiser, he added: “Lothian Thistle managed to stay in the league by the skin of their teeth.
“From what I gather they have lost their captain to Linlithgow and an experienced centre-half.
“They have a very good forward department but we need to be looking to put a marker down.
“We need to go out with confidence and attack them, which is what we’ll do.”
