Gunnion pleased with race for places

Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion will soon have even greater competition for places as players return from injury and unavailability.

And the Riverside boss reckons that can only be another positive for the club ahead of what is expected to be a long and gruelling season.

Swifts have made the perfect start, which included last week’s impressive 4-1 win away at East Kilbride.

Gunnion, right, said:“We’re approaching full strength now. James Yates is back approaching fitness and Allan Leith will be back in the squad after a holiday. The players who performed well against East Kilbride understand that we pick the team for each game based on a combination of factors, not least to suit the opponents we’re up against.

“It’s a long season and we have a tremendous asset in the strength in depth we have in our squad.”

Gunnion insists Swifts’strong opening to East of Scotland League football will count for nothing if performance levels aren’t maintained.

He added:“We’re showing good form at the moment but we need to appreciate that despite winning six games we really only have three points to show for those efforts. Yes, we’ve progressed in the cup competitions, but if you get knocked out in the next round it all counts for nothing.

“The league is the true test of a team and we need to make sure that we are fully focused and look to improve on the performance levels we’ve established already.

“I genuinely believe that we are still some way off our best form and I hope the players recognise that there are still areas we need to improve in.”

Kick-off at the Riverside on Saturday is 2.30pm.