Scott Clelland is eyeing a top-half finish with Kello Rovers this season.
The Dumfriesshire outfit's pre-season has been disrupted due to Covid issues – but boss Clelland looks to a pre-season friendly draw with Auchinleck Talbot as what his side will be capable of when everybody is fit and available.
He has also paid tribute to No 2 Alex Smith who combines coaching with his jobs as club secretary and Covid officer.
Kello begin their West of Scotland League Conference B campaign this weekend and Clelland thinks they can cause a surprise or two.
"I've got faith in the boys to finish in the top half of the table if we get a good run," Clelland told Ayrshire Live.
"We started pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Auchinleck Talbot which was a great result but we've had issues with Covid since then.
"The club definitely punches above its weight. My assistant manager, Alex Smith, is actually the secretary and our Covid officer.
"You need to take your hat off to him as he has had a lot to do as we get back to it with all this going on."
Clelland is delighted to bring former Kilmarnock kid TJ Shirkie to Kirkconnel with last season's young Queen of the South loanees Kai Bell and Ewan Lawrie deciding to stay put at Kello.
While there is continuity, it is a mainly youthful squad at Nithside Park, so Clelland will be leaning on the experience of keeper Ryan Dunsmuir, midfielder Paul Weir and striker Mark Armour. Departing, however, is talented full-back Sean Bennie who has joined Premier Division Glenafton Athletic.
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