THE Lowland League kicks off on Saturday and Gala Fairydean Rovers boss Martin Scott says he is feeling ‘positive’ ahead of his first full season as a manager.
Rovers are the only Borders representatives in the fifth-tier league following Vale of Leithen’s relegation at the end of last season along with Selkirk’s dissolution and Hawick Royal Albert’s demotion four years ago.
The league has now expanded to 19 teams by the addition of a Heart of Midlothian B side to accompany the Celtic and Rangers’ colts.
Other newcomers include Cowdenbeath relegated from League 2, and Tranent Juniors, who were promoted from the East of Scotland Football League premier division.
Rovers start with season with eight away fixtures to accommodate the laying of an upgraded artificial pitch and the repairs to their iconic stand.
Their opening game is against Caledonian Braves at Alliance Park Motherwell on Saturday and Scott believes his squad is ready.
Scott said: “Pre season has been going well. At this level it’s difficult with players trying to fit in holidays but everyone’s back and we are all looking forward to the league starting on Saturday against Caledonian Braves.
“I’m not reading too much into the friendlies against Clyde and Cove Rangers although I thought we played well for the opening 45-minutes in both, then we played Coldstream the day after Cove so it was taxing on the legs.
“With Cowdenbeath coming down and Tranent coming up it will be exciting to go to new venues.
“Everyone can see that the Lowland League gets stronger each year and from what I see, lots of teams have made shrewd signings. Open Goal Broomhill have been signing internationals so we are under no illusions about how difficult it will be.
“But we have added to our squad from last season. Danny Galbraith is back and we have Kyle Wilkie on a permanent deal. And with Jacko (Jack Beaumont) coming back from his injury sand Ciaran Chalmers we will have a strong midfield.
“Ben Herdman is back running in straight lines which is encouraging after his bad injury last season and when he is fully fit it will be like a new signing.
“In Ryan Goodfellow we have an experienced goalkeeper and Alan Smith will give us more depth up front.
“We’ve also signed Kelvin Daniel who is a big strong athletic central defender so at the moment I’m working with a squad of around 20 players but we are keen to get another one or two over the line and maybe a couple of loan players to bolster the squad.
“But on the whole, I’m happy and feeling pretty positive about my first full season in charge.”
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