Planning for new season well underway

Season 2008/09 may be barely over but the focus is already firmly on the new campaign with the squad returning for pre-season training in just over two weeks time.

The team made massive strides forward last season, after Manger Danny Lennon was faced with a massive re-building exercise following relegation, but were left bitterly disappointed after narrowly losing out on promotion.

Despite the disappointing end to the season, there is no need for major surgery this summer with the vast majority of Lennon's talented young squad signed up for the new campaign. The manager is looking to add three or four new faces to his pool with a deal for a higher league forward already verbally agreed.

Lennon reflected on his first season as a manager and his burning desire to continue improvements on the park, learn lessons from last season, and go one better this time around.

"My first season as a manager has been a roller coaster with many ups and downs over the course of the year", said Lennon.

"We had a poor start to the league campaign but recovered well and went on a fantastic unbeaten run which took us clear at the top of the league. Unfortunately a dip in form and injuries hit us at a crucial stage of the season and ultimately cost us promotion.

"Losing out on promotion on penalties was desperately disappointing and I'm gutted for the players, everyone at the club and especially the supporters. To lose out first on the title and then after four games in the play-offs has been a double blow. You can either be badly effected by it or learn from the experience and come back stronger.

"The objective at the start of the season was promotion and as manager I take full responsibility for not achieving that. However, we could not have come much closer and I believe that we made good progress on the park following relegation the previous year. The players can be proud of their efforts and we will come back from the experience of last season stronger with the aim of going one better this time around.

"The players have been first class for me and I feel we have the basis of a very good squad for next season but it's clear that we missed a bit of creativity and a goal scoring threat at times. I will be looking to address this over the summer and plan to bring in three or four new players. I have verbally agreed a deal with a 2nd division striker and have held talks with a number of targets.

"I have had a short break and recharged my batteries. The mood around Central Park is very positive and I can't wait for the challenges that will face us in the new campaign. Preparations for the new season are well under way with the squad returning for pre-season training at the end of the month and the programme of friendlies kicks off on 4th July against Partick Thistle.

"Once gain I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the fans. They have been a tremendous support to me and the team in my first season as a manger, from the fans who helped out around the club last summer to those who traveled many miles to follow the team.

"I would also like to record my appreciation of my staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and also Jim Methven and the Board of Directors who provided great support last season."