Strength in depth is pleasing for Eagles
pre-season in great shape and you have others who aren’t. But it’s starting to come together well.
“We looked at teams that we struggled against last year and they were just bigger and stronger, not a skill level thing. It was a size thing so long term this should do us a lot of good.”
In terms of numbers, the turnout at training has been promising with over 30 players attending each session.
And a number of familiar faces are planning on making a return, which is music to the ears of Clark.
“I got a nice text from Ross Dougan who has not been around for a couple of years through injury or various other things,” he said.
“There were a couple of guys who left us from the Colts three or four years ago who have now come back.
“I think they’re seeing what is going on. Murray Ormiston has come back in and Murray Davidson is hopefully back into the squad.
“And then we have the core of the guys who have been here for the last few years, so we haven’t really lost anyone.
“Duncan Clow has taken a step back - not necessarily retired - but just not committing as much as he has in the Putting in the hard graft and, inset, coach Alan Clark past. But there’s a guy joining us, a New Zealander, who has been travelling around the UK. He is joining us for a year.”
Shire continue preparations with a team-building day and match against the army at Leuchars this weekend. Then there are further friendly fixtures against Stirling County seconds, Linlithgow and Stewart’s Melville linedup in the coming weeks.
Speaking about aims for the Tennent’s National League Division 3 season, Clark said: “We have discussed it with the committee and players.
“Top four is the first target. We want to be in that position before Christmas and then challenge for the spoils after that. We’ll take the season in two parts.”
Shire begin their season on Saturday, September 7 at home to Greenock Wanderers.