The hard work gets under way for Stirling Albion tomorrow night as the squad begin their pre-season preparations for their League One campaign.
The Binos will be competing in the third tier for the first time since 2012 – and boss Darren Young is keen to ensure his side are fit, firing and ready for the challenge ahead.
It will be a stiff test for Stirling as they compete in a division where three sides have full-time status – Falkirk, Hamilton Academical and Queen of the South – while Cove Rangers are implementing a ‘hybrid’ system ahead of moving full-time next season.
In addition, Stirling will also face up to seasoned League One regulars in rivals Alloa Athletic and Montrose, upstarts in Kelty Hearts and Edinburgh, as well as promotion play-off winners Annan Athletic.
The players report back to training tomorrow, before a punishing double session awaits on Saturday ahead of the kick-off of the Viaplay Cup campaign at home to Ayr United on July 15.
Ahead of that opening session, Young said: “We’ll be having a lighter session on Thursday, just checking on body fat and weights and getting the legs moving before we have a double session on Saturday.
“There are a lot of full-time teams in the league next season, with nearly half of the league like that so straight away that is a big difference from last season compared to before where League One was lots of part-time sides and maybe the odd team relegated from the league above.
“The standard is high but we feel really comfortable with the squad. We signed guys last year on two-year deals because we felt confident in them at this level if we were promoted and we have guys who have played in League One and in the Championship before.
“We’ve hopefully got a nice blend of older and younger guys and we have good spirit and togetherness in the group – you don’t go on the unbeaten run we had without that.”
The Stirling gaffer added to his side with the signing of Arbroath forward Dale Hilson to his ranks for the upcoming campaign, with the Binos hopeful of adding another fresh face with League One experience to the squad in the coming days.
Young added: “Dale will bring a bit of quality to the team, he can play all over the front line as the main striker or off both sides and he’s been in the Championship for the past few seasons.
“I’ve managed against him before and been an admirer, he’s hard working and a decent finisher in front of goal as well so he’s been there and done it with a good attitude.”
