Things can only get better for Bishopbriggs juniors side

This time last year Rossvale still had no idea if they were going to be allowed into junior football and eventually only had a matter of weeks to prepare for the step-up.

Fast forward to now and Rossvale are in a healthy positition to push on next season – and sponsors are being sought.

Gray reckons he just needs a few more bodies to be able to make a challenge for promotion next season.

He said: “I’ve got 20 players to contact over the next couple of weeks. If I can get three or four I will be happy.

“I only need to bring in another three or four and we should be in a decent position to challenge.”

A total of 12 of the current squad have re-signed for next year so far, with two considering their options.

A lack of personnel has cost Rossvale in the final games of the season, with the team dogged by suspensions, injuries and lack of availability.

It was a similar story on Saturday for their final match – at home to promotion-chasing Forth Wanderers.

Rossvale, missing two forwards and with no central defenders, were beaten 3-0. They pictured in action on the right.

Gray said: “I only had 11 players again. Most of the team were missing. Forth had to win to stay in the hunt for promotion.

“For the first 10 minutes they were the better team. I thought we were the better team for the rest of the first half. We certainly had the best chances.”

However, Rossvale passed up a host of golden opportunities, while Forth scored. When the visitors scored again in the second half it was game over.

Gray sighed: “That’s what happens at the end of the season. They’re playing for something – our boys weren’t really playing for anything.”

The season is now over for Rossvale, but work continues behind the scenes and the lads will be back for training towards the end of June.

Gray said: “The season went quite well. If I had the squad I had at the end of the season at the start then we would have finished much higher up the league. Next season we will be tightening a lot of things up.

“The team will be far better off for the experience. They will know what to expect. It won’t be as much of a culture shock.

“This season’s experience will stand them in good stead.”

Meanwhile, Rossvale FC Under 17s won the C&KDYL League Cup on Saturday – beating Wolves FC Under 17s 2-0.

The team scored once in either half to wrap up the cup.

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