Albion Rovers boss Brian Reid says he lost players during the summer because having them on one-year contracts means his hands are tied.
And Reid says he's working constantly to build a squad that will be capable of competing in League Two next season.
Reid has lost goalkeeper Cammy Binnie, captain Aron Lynas, defender Lewis Wilson and midfielder David Wilson.
Midfielders Jamie Leslie and Scott Roberts, right-back Adam Fernie and goalkeeper Chris Smith have extended their contracts at the Coatbridge club, while talks will be held with others as they return from holiday.
But Reid says there is a lot of work to be done over the summer, ahead of their involvement in the Broadwood Cup in Cumbernauld on July 4 and 5, which also features Cumbernauld Colts, Clyde and Airdrieonians.
He said: "I'm working hard behind the scenes, trying to get players all tied up, and we'll continue to do that for as long as it takes to get us to where we need to be.
"I need a decent squad to make an impact. We've lost a few players and we need to try and get others in.
"It's not easy at Albion Rovers, because it's well documented that with our budget and stuff like that we can't offer what everybody else is offering, and it sometimes takes a bit longer than most.
"Losing players as well doesn't help things, but some of them did well last season and moved on.
"Sometimes you can't do anything about it, when it's a one-year contract and your hands are tied, but it's just the nature of the beast.
"It's a tough period for any manager at this time, and it's all right if you can throw cash about, but we have to be a wee bit more patient.
"Since before the end of the season I've been looking constantly, it's not like I'm, sitting here enjoying the sunshine and not looking for players. It's constant, every day, speaking to people, but it takes a wee bit of time, sometimes."
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