NEW Cowdenbeath boss, Dougie Hill, feels he has been left some really good players by former manager, Calum Elliot, but he is aware that he needs to add some key recruits before the big kick-off in late July.

Hill learned a lot during his year as assistant boss, under John Potter at Kelty Hearts, when they were in League One, and he is hoping to use that experience to help Cowden do well in the Lowland League in the 2024-25 season.

He told the Times: “Calum has left a core of some really talented young players on which to build for next season, but I know that we will have to bring in players to put together a squad, within our budgetary limits, that will allow us to compete well in what will be a tough division next season.

“One of the areas where we will have to improve is our home results, for three victories at Central Park was a hindrance to finishing higher up the table last season, to build on what was a very good away record.

Central Fife Times: Dougie Hill will look to recruit a few key players to add to his squad.Dougie Hill will look to recruit a few key players to add to his squad. (Image: David Wardle)

“I remember when I was a player in the team that won the Second Division title, no opposition felt comfortable against us at Central Park, and we need to be more resilient at grinding out home wins.

“I will be working hard on getting in a few experienced players in, through the spine of the team, to give the young talent we have the assistance to achieve that. We need to ensure we hold on to leads late in games, as turning these situations into wins boosts the points total.”

The new manager hopes to get some physicality into Cowden’s play, to make them tough opponents for whoever the opposition is in next season’s Lowland League.

“A bit of nastiness in our play is something that can be an important part of turning tight games into wins, and getting the right organisation into our structure will be something we will work hard on,” added the new boss, who plans to do a full pre-season’s training, but while he will be keeping himself as fit as possible, he plans not to play unless absolutely necessary.

“I will see how pre-season goes, and while I could be around if needed, I believe we will have better players than myself available to produce results.”

Hill has already been speaking to possible additions to the coaching staff and hopes to get the right people on board over the next week or two.