Rutherglen Glencairn boss Willie Harvey has targeted an immediate return to the West of Scotland Premier League and warned his squad to look elsewhere if they “just want a kick-about”.
Harvey says pressure will be intense in a tough First Division, and there will be no let-up in demands from him this season to make sure they’re in contention at the top of the division.
With the league kicking off on July 30, Harvey will make sure his side are ready for the challenge.
“We’re not in it to take part, we’re in it to win it,” said Harvey.
“We’ve told the players that if they’re only here to get a kick-about to go somewhere else.
“Hopefully we get a good start, get flying, and stay in contention with the top group all the time, so that come towards the end of the season we’re always going to be there and have a chance.
“This is going to be a year where we’re going to expect an awful lot, and we’re going to demand an awful lot, because this is going to be a very hard league.
“But we’re going to make ourselves a very hard team to beat, and our main ambition this year, above anything, is to bounce right back.”
To that end, Glencairn extended the contract of play-maker Harry Mitchell as they returned to pre-season training on Saturday.
Their pre-season programme has them travelling to near-neighbours Cambuslang Rangers for the William Skinner Memorial Cup on July 9, before heading to the Townhead Tournament, hosted by Cumnock, where they will clash with Cumbernauld United on July 16. They then face either the hosts or Lesmahagow on the Sunday.
A visit by Beith on July 20 follows, with EK Thistle travelling on Saturday, July 23 for the Hamish B. Allan Centenary Cup.
Harvey added: “Harry Mitchell was a big part of the jigsaw, but we’re still trying to bring in one or two just to add a bit of experience to the squad.
“It’s quite young just now. Not that I’m complaining because it gives us good legs and good energy, and we have the likes of Tam Miller and Mick O’Byrne, who have experience. I’m very close to the squad I want.”
Heading out the door is defender Keirin Coleman, who is moving to an as-yet undisclosed Premier League team.
Harvey said: “We’re very disappointed to lose one of our top players, but we wish him all the best.”
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