The likes of Daryl Devlin, Ross Aitchison and Darran Thomson bring plenty of experience as well as quality to Steven Noble’s squad.

But one returning player, who has arrived beneath the radar, could well be the key to bulldozing down a few of the league’s toughest defences.

Craig Pinnons wasn’t much more than a bit player during his first spell at his hometown club some six or seven years ago.

But the attacking midfielder quickly established himself as a potent threat during his season at rivals Selkirk.

Even greater things followed as he became one of Civil Service Strollers’ most influential players after moving to the capital.

A season-long spell in Australia followed for the retail manager before a move back to Edinburgh.

And in a fortnight’s time he will make his Lowland League debut with Gala Fairydean Rovers.

The 31-year-old admits he’s excited by the prospect. He told us: “There have been a lot of changes here at Gala – the whole community is behind the club and we have this fantastic 3G facility.

“I’m looking forward to the Lowland League – I’ve played against a lot of these teams before with Civil and know how good they are.

“With the prospect of promotion to the national leagues many of those teams will be strengthening and will be even better.

“I like what Steven (Noble) has done down here. There’s a good squad with a mix of experience and youth – I think we’ll do well.” Manager Noble now has 20 players signed up for the forthcoming season.

And he admits that a fully-fit Pinnons will be a huge boost for his team.

Noble said: “Craig is a strong runner and good finisher. He will cause teams problems and brings something different to the squad.”