A fortnight after the start of pre-season training, the Warriors squad took to the field at Ochilview last Saturday and the Warriors boss was thrilled with what he saw.

''The boys have all come back looking in good shape," he said. "They had a programme to conform to during the break – diet, fitness regime and the like – and I have been pleased with the response.

''These days there is hardly any break at all and it doesn't give the players long to get out of shape – even if they wanted to – but I have been delighted with the way they have responded to our fitness programme and the full-scale practice match we had last week went
really well.''

Although the Warriors are a part-time club, the approach Coughlin and his staff have taken is totally professional.

''The modern game is very different from the way it was a few years ago," he said. "We have taken full advantage of our physio Alan Davidson's skills with modern technology and Matt Kerr, Alex Connon,
Arthur Bell and myself can check players' weight, measurements and so on to monitor their progress by clicking into our lap-tops."

Coughlin (pictured) also praised the support of the backroom staff at the club.

''We are grateful for all the assistance we have received from the staff at Grangemouth Stadium where we have been training," he said.

''We have been able to do track-work and carry out other programmes. I have to thank everyone down there, they have been brilliant with us.

''We always return to the ground afterwards and Mary Anderson and the ladies have been terrific at supplying the meals that have been programmed.''

The squad for the new campaign barely resembles the side from last season and Coughlin paid tribute to the board for backing the changes.

''The reality is that the side was not good enough last term – the league does not lie – so we had to bring in what is almost a new team and the board have been wonderful in their support,'' he said.

''If we fail to do well I won't be making excuses, but the way the lads have shaped up, we are confident of a decent season.''

The gaffer is also keen to re-establish an East Of Scotland scouting network and this week he signed three youngsters from Edinburgh juvenile sides for the reserve team.

The Warriors boss also had former Berwick striker Kevin Haynes in for pre-season.