Lesmahagow Juniors boss Neil Schoneville already has squad of 17 players secured for next season

Schoneville, who recently replaced club legend Robert Irving in the Craighead Park hotseat, told the Carluke and Lanark Gazette: “If you include me and Nicky (player/coach Nicky Paterson) you are up to a 17-man squad so it’s taking shape and looking good.

"I’m chuffed to bits with it. I’ve got a squad there and I’m waiting on another three or four coming back to me so if I get those ones in as well then I’ll be sitting with a really good squad.

"We’re champing at the bit to get going.”

Schoneville’s excitement for football’s returned is heightened by the fact that his club is part of a new Lanarkshire League running from May 29 which will also feature hosts Newmains, Carluke, Forth, Bellshill and Royal Albert.

He added: “We’ll have five games in that and it’s a kind of pre-season tournament that Newmains are running.

"That will be five of our pre-season friendlies but it will add a bit of competition to it as well.

"A wee bit of competitive edge will be good and gets us going right from the off, preparing for the league starting on July 17.

"All going good the fans will be in for that.

"Fingers crossed that happens because that’s what we need.”

After Lesmahagow withdrew from last season’s West of Scotland League before it began due to coronavirus restrictions, everybody of a ’Gow persuasion has great reason to be full of optimism about getting back into competitive action in next season’s set-up.

Schoneville, who although registered as a player will only turn out in emergencies, revealed that Lesmahagow will start pre-season training on Thursday, May 6 (non contact) before thc contact stuff begins on Monday, May 17.

He added: “That gives us two weeks to work on game plans, setpieces etcetera and I think everybody’s desperate to get back.

"We are trying to do things right so hopefully we get back and the buzz is there, we do well and keep them buzzing for the full season.