Gaffer will keep it lean
No flurry of new faces at EKFC
Billy Stark says he will keep his squad lean to keep them keen at East Kilbride FC.
The new Kilby boss took charge of his first training session at K-Park on Monday night.
Stark has inherited a group of 17 players which includes two goalkeepers and is also taking a look at a number of trialists.
But he insists he has no plans to bring in a flurry of new faces – and is instead focused on working with the current crop and making them better.
“I’ve got a good starting point in terms of the squad and it’s even more important as we are straight into games which gives me a chance to assess what we’ve got,” said the man who replaced Martin Lauchlan as manager.
“We can establish the way we want to play. You can have fancy ideas but at the end of the day it’s players who dictate. I’m not a great fun of working with a massive squad as that can create problems of its own.
“We’ve got 15 signed outfield players and two goalkeepers so I wouldn’t push it much more than adding another couple.
“The template is there to go ahead without too much fuss.
“We all enjoy playing. The next thing when you go in to coaching and management is to impart that knowledge.
“It’s not just about winning, it’s about seeing players carry out in training and in games what you have spoken to them about.”
Stark says the players are in good nick as they get down to work.
He added: “The composition is that the seasons are almost running into each other now. The players don’t get
to be much out of shape – they just need a wee rest to allow them to recuperate and recharge the batteries.”
The Lowland League champions have four warm-up matches lined up ahead of their return to competitive action on Saturday, July 15 at home to Premiership Hamilton Accies in the Betfred Cup.
Kilby host East of Scotland League side Leith Athletic this Saturday (kick-off 3pm) before tackling Championship outfit Brechin City next Wednesday (July 5).
A glamour showdown with Celtic at K-Park follows on Saturday, July 8 before facing League One full-timers Airdrieonians on Tuesday, July 12.
It is, therefore, shaping up to be a busy month for East Kilbride who missed out on promotion to the SPFL last month after losing to Cowdenbeath on penalties at Central Park.
But Stark wouldn’t have it any other way as he embarks on a fresh challenge.
“The excitement is there,”he said.“It’s another pre-season and you’re desperate to be involved.
“You have a break and, inevitably, after one or two weeks you’re champing at the bit to get started again.
“I think the Lowland League has been a positive development for the game in allowing teams the chance of being promoted into the league.
“It was something which had been spoken about for many years. I think it is healthy that there can be a progression there for anybody who feels they can go for it.”