Cowdenbeath's new manager looks forward to pre-season

Paul McLean is set to take charge of his first game in the pre-season opener against Gartcairn <i>(Image: Cowdenbeath FC)</i>
Paul McLean is set to take charge of his first game in the pre-season opener against Gartcairn (Image: Cowdenbeath FC)
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Cowdenbeath's new manager is excited for the pre-season friendlies that start this weekend.

The Blue Brazil, under the leadership of Paul McLean, will face Gartcairn at Central Park.

This marks the first encounter between Cowdenbeath and the Airdrie club.

After four pre-season training sessions, Mr McLean is keen to see his squad in action.

Despite ongoing recruitment, he believes he has the foundation of the team that will compete in the 2025-26 Lowland League season.

The manager said: "The sessions have gone really well and I have to congratulate the players for the condition they came in last weekend to the fitness checks, and every one of them was in great shape, clearly having looked after themselves during the close season."

"They have worked really hard over the past two weeks and are now really looking forward to the Gartcairn game."

In the last two weeks, ten trialists have trained with the club, impressing Mr McLean.

He said: "These lads have been eager to show us what they can do in training, and now it will be good to see what they can achieve in a match scene.

"We are looking to operate with a squad of around 20 players, so there are a lot of spaces to be filled, and these lads will have the chance to show me, and my backroom team, what they can do over the next three weeks."

The manager praised Gartcairn's performance in the West of Scotland league structure, stating they will be "ideal opposition to open our friendly programme."

He said: "Match action is the way to build up key relationships between players all over the pitch, and these games are vital to us being ready for the big Lowland League kick-off."

Cowdenbeath also plans to use the loan system to ensure they have a squad ready to make an impact in 2025-26.

The manager said: "We have a few targets in our sights and we hope that we can persuade clubs that Central Park is a place where young players can learn good football lessons."

He highlighted the contributions of last season's loan players, including Olly Whyte from Motherwell, forward Rhys Walker from Falkirk, and striker Jake Sutherland from Dunfermline.

After the Gartcairn match, Cowdenbeath will host East of Scotland Premier League side Dundonald Bluebell on Saturday, July 12, and EoS First Division side Crossgates Primrose on Tuesday, July 15.

They will then face EoS First Division club Tynecastle in Edinburgh on the 19th.

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