Blue Brazil’s Ross: We’re heading for the unknown
MAURICE ROSS is facing his first taste of Lowland League football with a new Cowdenbeath squad after a total clear-out.
As he prepares for a tough opener against Celtic B, Ross said: “We had not one employee left, all of the staff were gone with the exception of me and every single player bar one.
“That’s 24 new bodies needing to gel and the players I’m going for are a bunch of 17-18-year-olds who need love, support and encouragement.
“To say we have to go back up after a total clearout is unrealistic. It’s about managing the expectations and having a professional outlook and going and doing the best we can.”
Ross, whose side lost all four cup matches, added: “We’re going into the unknown. We may have unearthed three or four good talents or it could be too much for them.”
East Kilbride gaffer Kevin Rutkiewicz is looking for a big start from his side when they take on Tranent.
He said: “It’s a tough start, Tranent will be on a high after promotion last season and it will probably be a carnival atmosphere.”
Gretna boss Stephen Hatfield is determined not to be fighting it out at the bottom this season and has 17 new faces for the clash against Stirling Uni.
But he said: “The start is probably a week or two early for us with a couple of injuries and a couple on holiday. If we can finish outside the bottom two, it will be progress.”
Dalbeattie Star host Edinburgh Uni and new boss Jordan Williamson, who has only two of last year’s players left, suffered a blow when striker Scott Ballantyne broke his leg in a friendly last week.