Turley’s got his summer cut out ahead of new term

Paisley Pirates coach Ian Turley says it’s been business as usual over the summer months as he builds towards defending the league title.

The Pirates had a bumper season, winning the Scottish National League and getting to the finals in two knockout competitions, and now they are looking to build on that success.

Turley said: “We don’t really get much of a breather from the end of one season until the work begins for the next.

“Folk saw how this preparation and attention to detail paid off for us last season as we won the Scottish National League for the second time in recent seasons, and, while we were disappointed only to be finalists in the other two knockout competitions, that’s the kind of season that any club would take, so I think we’re entitled to say that, over the piece, it was a successful campaign.”

Turley revealed his team will take a few weeks off before coming back together to plot their assault on the league.

“There’s a spate of holidays coming up for most of the management team over the next few weeks, so we’ll all have a chance to recharge the batteries before it’s time to get the show on the road again,” he added.

“I don’t know in precise terms what the team will be for next year.

“As is the case in most seasons, some players won’t be returning, but, as usual, I’ve had a few enquiries both locally and from further afield.

“And the league decision to permit one import from an EEC country makes it that bit more interesting, although, at this stage, there’s no guarantee that we’ll be playing one next year.”

We don’t really get much of a breather Ian Turley