University of Stirling Football Club Head Coach, Chris Geddes, and Chaplain, Gary Caldwell, look ahead to the new season.
Chris Geddes
“I am looking forward to seeing the boys back playing games after a long period away from the pitch. It has been very difficult for everyone.
“It will be very different when we return to action, with no fans to start the season and with other virus-related restrictions in place, but we are all anticipating the return of Lowland League football.
“The League is even stronger this year, with the top sides recruiting high-end league professionals to bolster their squads, with a view to fighting for the title and gaining promotion to League Two. As always, our boys will embrace the challenge of facing this calibre of teams.
“We didn’t lose many players over the summer, so the squad is very similar to last season’s, with a few new players joining the squad. We are looking for our players to develop further this year and playing at this level will help them do that.
“Training has gone well since we have been back, and the players are ready to get going in the opening game against East Kilbride. Many people have East Kilbride as favourites for the league, but, with the quality of top sides, there are several contenders. The league is full of excellent players and we are all looking forward to it re-starting after a long layoff.”
Chris Geddes, Head Coach at the University of Stirling Football Club
Gary Caldwell
“I guess that people might say that Stirling Uni often punches above it’s weight. In my view, that would be a little unfair as we have a squad full of quality and an experienced management team at this level.
“The Lowland League gets stronger and more challenging every year and this year is no different. If we can at least maintain our position in the league and have a good run at defending the BUCS Northern Premier then the season will be a great success.
“For our programme that’s not the be all and end all. Another successful year would see all the boys continuing to develop individually and as a team; the senior boys graduating and moving to a higher level and from a Chaplain’s viewpoint everyone remaining strong in mind and body with no long term injuries.”
Gary Caldwell, Club Chaplain at the University of Stirling Football Club