The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
No parking bus in League 2
Cove: Megginson confident squad has the experience to compete in SPFL
Cove Rangers forward Mitch Megginson accepts it will be difficult to replicate his goal-scoring prowess in League 2 but is confident his side are ready to compete at a higher level.
The 26-year-old is one of several members in the Cove squad with SPFL experience, having spent time at Aberdeen, Dumbarton, Raith Rovers and Alloa prior to joining the Highland League champions in 2016.
Megginson notched 99 goals over the past two seasons in the Highland League, following up a 50-goal campaign in the 2017-18 season with a tally of 49 last term.
However, the attacker knows finding the back of the net will be a tougher assignment in Cove’s maiden season in the SPFL.
He said: “I don’t really set myself targets for the season.
“It is something I haven’t done over the last couple of years.
“I tend to look at it in fives. I try to reach five goals and then I go for 10 and then 15. I know it will be tough, although League 2 is actually the only league in the SPFL I have not yet played in.
“I have played in the other leagues so I know what to expect.
“We will be playing against better and more experienced players, who know how to manage games.
“We will have to be on it every week and I will be happy if I can chip in with a few goals.
“We had a winning mentality in the Highland League and that will to win games won’t change – but we are moving up a league and we know it won’t be a walk in the park.
“Survival is the main aim but we have players with SPFL experience so we are
“Will to win won’t change – but we know it won’t be a walk in the park”
confident we can compete at this level.”
Cove begin their preseason fixtures with a friendly against Inverurie Locos at Balmoral Stadium this evening, although the club have yet to announce whether John Sheran will be in the dugout.
The Cove co-manager suffered a heart attack in April and has been considering whether he will remain at the helm alongside Graeme Mathieson this season.
Megginson said: “John brought me to the club.
“I don’t know what is going to happen but it would be good if he is still involved, whether that is as manager or in a different role.
“Hopefully he is still here in some capacity.”
Fountain Executive has agreed to become Cove Rangers’ transport partners for the 2019-20 season.
The transport firm will provide coaches to take Cove’s first team and youth sides to every away match.
Mike Ewen, who runs the Newmachar-based transport firm with his partner Fiona Gill, said: “Our staff are delighted to get the opportunity to travel around the country with the team in what we all hope will be a season to remember.”