McKim eyes league title

Johnstone Burgh boss Jamie McKim has called on his side to put their best foot forward as they begin their hunt for the league title.

The revamped Burgh kick off their League Two campaign away to Forth Wanderers this afternoon having already sealed their spot in the last 16 of the Sectional League Cup – with McKim keen to build on their early season success.

However, he insists that the league remains his top priority as he looks to achieve promotion in his first full season in charge.

McKim said: “I have made no secret of the fact that I want to win the league this season and all the players know that.

“It isn’t going to be easy but I have built a squad that I believe is capable of doing just that.

“We have competition for places throughout and the early signs in the cup have also been good so it is shaping up nicely.

“We have got to believe we have what it takes to win this league, confidence is vital.

“But a good start is key to whatever we are going to do. We need to get points on the board early on and prove that we are here to challenge. There is a lot of football to be played in the early weeks of the season and I want the boys to lay down a marker.”

Burgh, however, have already been dealt a blow as they head into today’s game at Kingshill Park without three of their regular back four.

Niall Herron, Lee Salisbury and Kevin Watson will all miss out on the trip – but McKim remains confident.

He added: “There are a massive blow. Even if we were missing just one of them we would be disappointed.

“But this gives the other guys in the squad the opportunity to stake their claim and show me why they should be playing.

“They have the jersey now and it is up to them to keep it. We can have no excuses for not winning on Saturday. The boys know what is expected of them.”