Shotts boss faces financial barrier but is keen to strengthen his squad for season ahead

Shotts boss John McKeown admits it’s getting harder to compete financially in the West of Scotland League First Division, but has a ‘few irons in the fire’ for signing fresh faces for the new season.

The Hannah Park side ended their campaign 10th in the 16-team First Division last season, and have had to cope with the financial withdrawal of main sponsor Bell’s, though the local firm still provide food on matchdays.

McKeown reckons they’ve done well, against some pretty big odds, but knows his side face another tough year in the 2023/24 campaign.

Shotts returned for pre-season training last night (Tuesday) and McKeown said: “We finished mid-table, we got safe, and I hate harping on about it, but in terms of budget, we’re probably one of the lowest in that league.

“In general, it’s hard to attract players to Shotts, in terms of some of the money that’s flying about.

“We really struggled to attract players financially – we’ve got guys who want to play there for the love of the game.

McKeown (right) admits he has players who are at Shotts for the love of the game, and wants more of that (Gavin Campbell)

“It’s becoming harder and harder to compete every season, with the financial side of things, but the boys have done well.

“I have an idea of what I want to bring in, and you’re meeting players, but the ball is in their court and they can decide when they want to commit.

“We have a few irons in the fire.

“It has been an incredibly long, hard season. But credit to them for getting the job done, and having good, excellent cup runs.

“Hopefully we can improve the squad a wee bit now and go a wee bit further, in terms of cups and league positions.

“But if you reflect on it with a clear head, it was a decent season.

“Now, we just need to try and freshen things up a wee bit.”

The league fixtures for next season will be announced in the coming weeks, but Shotts have learned their opponents for the opening match of their 2023/24 West of Scotland Cup campaign.

Shotts received a bye in the first round draw and in round two they will travel to Thorniewood United, on Saturday, October 21, for a 2pm kick-off.

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