Published: Wednesday, 23rd July, 2008 9:00am

Brownlee hoping to make the most of the reprieve

by David knox

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SELKIRK’S third season in the East of Scotland Premier League is quickly looming.

And new boss Paul Brownlee believes his players have nothing to fear against the non-league big boys.

The Souters won a reprieve from relegation earlier this month after Annan Athletic won a place in the Scottish leagues.

And despite losing several of his leading players the former Berwick Rangers defender has high hopes of keeping his team up.

Brownlee told the Border Telegraph: “We were preparing for life in the First Division but getting our place back in the Premier has to be welcomed.

“As long as our players are fit enough and give us their best each week we can certainly compete with the top teams.

“We have a pretty solid squad of 18 players and I’m on the look out for another one or two before the season kicks of.”

Selkirk started their pre-season last night with fellow Premier League boys Peebles at Whitestone Park.

And they will entertain Kelso United on Saturday at Yarrow Park before welcoming Broxburn the following Saturday.

The Souters have been boosted by the return of captain John Waldie and full back Stuart Anderson, who were both considering moves at the end of last season.

And Hawick duo Mark Deans and Tony Craggs have also been added to Brownlee’s squad.

The manager added: “I am delighted John and Stuart are coming over. The vast majority of last season’s squad is still here and there are a few new boys who should do well for us.”

Gala Fairydean are already three matches into their warm-up – with wins against Peebles and Enfield Celtic to go with a three-nil defeat at the hands of Stranraer.

And the pre-season matches continue tonight (Wednesday) with a trip to Coldstream.

With a fourth and a fifth place First Division finish over the past two seasons, managers Bryan Templeton and Derek Hancock are determined to make it third-time-lucky.

Templeton told us: “Everyone at Gala Fairydean wants promotion – that’s our one goal this season.

“We have a really good squad of players that work hard for us every week and I believe they can take us up.”

The Fairydean’s pre-season continues with a trip to face Berwick United on Saturday and Easthouses Lilly next Thursday before entertaining Motherwell at Netherdale.

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