New boss sets his sights on early improvement at Canniepairt

Having only just taken over, Tayport boss Charlie King feels it is too early to assess the season’s prospects, but did acknowledge: “I am sure the club will want to improve on last season.”

His first competitive game in charge is away to newly relegated Musselburgh, which he rates a huge game against a very good side.

He will have been encouraged seeing his side hold Super League Camelon in a friendly last week, but on the downside, he admitted, “We are short on numbers, but everyone is very excited to get going again.”

New look Downfield travel to newly promoted Blackburn United.

Over the summer, the experienced striker Paul Blackwood has been signed from Lochee United with the other newcomers being Calvin Colquhoun, Dale Davidson, Bryan Duell, Blair Mudie and Ryan Winter.

In addition, two new keepers – Ronnie Adam and Darren Clarkson – have been brought in.

Kirrie Thistle make their return to the Premier Division by hosting Whitburn.

Replacing last season’s goal machines Darren Scott and Bryan Duell has been boss Jim Finlayson’s biggest summer headache, but Alan Cruickshank has shown in pre-season that he could help fill the void.

He is one of nine newcomers in a squad minus Stuart McKenna and former Pansies striker Connor McLeod.

Injuries have badly hampered Glenrothes’ pre-season and as they head to Dunbar they are dreadfully short-handed.

Boss Willie Campbell hopes to add one or two new faces before the big kickoff but admits time is running out.

Meanwhile, St Andrews face a tricky trip to Tranent who completed the double over Saints last term.

The absence of no fewer than seven regulars – Ryan McInnes, Derek Wallace, Scott Orrock, Liam McDaid, Lee Duffy, Ross Graham and Scott Mayne – leaves boss Craig Morrison with a real headache.

In previous seasons, Thornton have come straight back down after promotion to either of the top two tiers and will be out to prevent a repeat this term, getting under way at home to Arniston Rangers.

New players include Adam Drummond, signing on for Hibs for a fourth time, Liam Forbes, Nathan Feeley and Bryan Strachan.