Sean Kenney reckons his all-new, all-action Ardeer Thistle side are already beginning to win over supporters.
A crowd of more than 100 poured into Ardeer Stadium on Monday night to watch the hosts push Whitletts all the way before a late goal condemned them to a 3-1 friendly defeat.
The attendance dwarfed the 68 that turned out for Kenney's first home game in charge two days earlier as Ardeer and AS Aidrie served up a eight-goal thriller - the hosts emerging 5-3 victors.
The 31-year-old gaffer has made it his mission to win back fans after a difficult few years at the Stevenston club.
He stepped into the hotseat from Kilbride Thistle on May 31 after answering an SOS from Ardeer secretary Peter McBlain, bringing his players and backroom team with him.
And he's been delighted with the reaction from the local community so far.
He said: "I think at the first game people came down just to have a look at us.
"They weren't just coming down to look at us against Whitletts though. They were really getting behind the team.
"The crowd have a big part to play here and that's why it was great to see such a good turnout. They were vocal too which was even better.
"That kind of support really lifts the players and can give them that extra five, 10 per cent in terms of energy.
"It's been unbelievable to see how quickly people have come out to support us. I'm hoping the fans can see the kind of entertaining team we are trying to build here.
"We had seven local boys starting the other day which is the way it should be. Hopefully that can have an effect going forward.
"We're seeing a difference on social media too. We put up a poll asking fans to choose between two strip designs and the response was brilliant."
Ardeer returned to winning ways last night with a thumping 6-1 win against amateur outfit Crosshouse Waverly in the Stewarton United Tournament.
The match kicked off a run of six games in the competition - all against amateur opposition.
"We've basicaly just taken across the pre-season schedule we had at Kilbride Thistle," said Kenney.
"It made perfect sense to do that in the circumstances."
Kenney admits the Whitletts match marked a step up in class for his imported squad but was delighted with how they showed up.
He reckons playing West of Scotland League sides will be as much a learning experience for him as his players.
He added: "I would know everything about all the teams in the amateurs, I can't say the same just yet for the West of Scotland League.
"But we've got guys out watching teams and we will get profiles on every team.
"We're building up that knowledge but actually there's an exciting freshness about playing teams you've never come across before."
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