Swifts should be flying high Newcomer sets his sights on glory
New Jeanfield Swifts signing Keiran Stewart sees no reason why the Perth club cannot challenge for Premier Division honours.
The midfielder is excited to begin a new chapter at the Riverside having most recently been playing his football with Edinburgh City in Scottish League Two.
Stewart has joined up with his new team-mates as Swifts prepare for a proposed October East of Scotland League start.
Now 26, Stewart is keen to nail down regular football and said: “Having been out with a long term injury to my Achilles, I was in and out of the team last season.
“Joining the Swifts was an easy decision as I just want to get back playing regularly at a good level.
“Speaking to the gaffer and Logan [McConachie] - as well as knowing most of the boys - made it an easy decision.
“I know a lot of the boys very well, either from previous clubs or just locally. We have a good squad assembled and it’s just a case of showing it this forthcoming season.
“We have a lot of boys who have played at a higher level and, in my opinion, still could.
“With the overall strength of the squad I see no reason why we can’t be right up there challenging for top position. That’s the mentality we need to keep throughout the season.”
Stewart has picked up plenty of experience in the SPFL through the years with former clubs also including Berwick Rangers, Elgin and Arbroath.
“Having played at that level for a few years you gain experience playing with and against some top players,” said Stewart, who came through St Johnstone’s youth academy.
“I was close to winning leagues several times and hope I can bring experience and quality to the squad when needed.”
The final touches, meanwhile, are being put to Swifts’ new under-20 side as manager Alan Campbell gets set for a debut season in the Lowland Development League.
Six players from the club’s youth set-up have been promoted into the team, all with a strong desire to impress further.
Josef Honeyman, Joe Jeffers, Sean Mills, Fraser Cumming, Jack Ridley and Craig Donald are all on board for the 2020/21 campaign, much to the delight of boss Campbell.
“I’ve been impressed with the talent at the club since we joined a few months ago,” said Campbell.
“As well as bringing in players from outside the club, Shaun (Park) and I were keen to make sure we spotted potential talent already here.
“The aim was always to get the player pathway working quickly, so we’re delighted to be able to do that so soon and congratulations to all these lads.”
Campbell also stressed that this is only the beginning of what will be a productive relationship with the older age groups from the youth section.
He is keen to continue to offer opportunities for progression over the coming season and beyond.
The campaign is set to get underway next month, with matches scheduled to take place on Friday evenings.
Jeanfield’s young team can look forward to some exciting fixtures against quality opponents in Conference B, including the likes of Leith Athletic, Whitehill Welfare, Tynecastle and East Fife.
Players interested in joining the club from the 02/03/04 age groups should email jeanfieldswiftsfc@outlook.com