Shotts Bon Accord have been dealt a major blow with news that long-term sponsors Bells Food Group have pulled out.
The local firm, famous for producing pies, pastries and cakes, have cited a difficult financial climate for the move, but will still supply the Hannah Park club with food on matchdays.
Boss John McKeown said: “We’ve had a wee bit of disappointing news that Bell’s aren’t going to be our main sponsor anymore.
“They have been kind enough to sponsor us food-wise and stuff throughout the season, which is great, but they’re not going to be the main strip sponsor this year.
“It’s a bit of a blow, but it's just due to the financial climate, which we can understand.
“They’ve been brilliant with the club and they’re still going to continue to sponsor the club, but we’re now looking for some more sponsors to come on board.”
That blow, plus previously existing budget restrains means that McKeown feels Shotts are up against it as they head into the West of Scotland League First Division, but hopes they have enough about them.
McKeown says he has a sizeable squad, but would like to add one or two more to bolster it.
He said: “I think it’s going to be a tough league.
“There are big teams coming down and there’s loads of money being spent by various clubs, but we have to budget again, so we’re up against it.
“But we’re looking strong enough, we’ve got 19 signed now, so I’m quite happy with what we’ve got, but I wouldn’t mind adding one or two more, because I know one or two of them will probably move on as well.
“We’re probably looking for one or two more, if they turn up to be the right ones, but they have to be the right ones, rather than just bringing people in.
“We have a good squad from last season, and they’ve mostly signed up again, so hopefully those boys and some fresh faces can do well for us.”
Shotts resumed pre-season training earlier this month, giving McKeown a chance to look over his new players.
He said: “It was good. We had a number of trialists and the four new signings were there.
“We’re just plodding away, trying to get them fit and organised – that’s the plan.
“But they all worked hard, so it was good.”
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