Chris Aitken insists he is “excited” about the summer of change at Kilwinning Rangers.
Buffs were relegated to the West of Scotland League First Division but boss Aitken is confident the foundations are in place to bounce straight back up to the top flight.
He said: “I didn’t really get the chance to come in and implement the way I’m going to try and play as we couldn’t get on the training pitch as we had games Monday, Wednesday, Saturday. I’m lucky if I’ve had a handful of training sessions.
“The infrastructure we’ve got at the club is excellent – top drawer – and I mean that at any part-time level.
“I’m excited about this next period of time and I’ve said that to the committee. Although we’re hurting just now, we have to stay positive.
“I can see big things ahead for the club and I’m here to take charge of it. It all starts now.”
In terms of the squad, striker Thomas Collins has been sold to Premier Division Clydebank for an undisclosed fee while seven players are being released.
They are Chris Millar, Mark Millar, Dom Boland, Jonny Kavanagh, Craig Leitch, Ally McInnes and Robbie Torrance. An eighth player, Paul Hale, is departing by mutual consent with Drumchapel United's Kenny Marshall's loan also expiring.
However, keepers Craig Gordon and Ewan Henderson together with Aldin El-Zubaidi, Jack McMahon, Blair MacIntyre, Jack MacCalman, Ben Lewis, Mark Lamont, Dylan Mackin, Gavin Millar, Jordan Stuart, Keiren Wood and Josh Loudoun are all under contract for next season.
Meanwhile, forward Ally McColm has been offered a new contract.
Read next:
- Hugh Grant stuns diners at Ayrshire restaurant after arriving in town
- New parking restrictions at Ayrshire retail park with £100 fine warning issued
- Ayrshire takeaways in 'sad copycat' war of words over logo and brand colours
- Retired Ayrshire teacher sheds six stone after 'challenging herself'
- 'Horrendous' Ayr High Street flats plan approved as local makes 'torture' comparison
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter