The Warriors' first Second Division game is away to Stirling Albion on August 8, but prior to that they meet Clyde in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, July 25, at 3 p.m.

Then the team faces SPL newcomers St Johnstone in the Co-operative Insurance Cup the following week, August 1, at home.

And manager John Coughlin is close to finalising his squad for the new campaign, telling Heraldsport that the jigsaw is nearing completion.

"I have discussed my intentions with the board and agreed that we will pursue quality rather than quantity this season," he said.

"I want to go with a squad of 18 to take advantage of the youngsters that are being brought through at the club and leave spaces to promote those that show potential to the first team.

"That was not always possible last season because we had a big pool, but we do have some exciting players coming through the system and they have to know that they will get the chance to progress if they merit it."

Coughlin returned from holiday in Rhodes to confront the news that Dumbarton skipper and former Warrior Gordon Lennon had tragically died pursuing his hobby of off-road driving in Argyle.

Lennon endeared himself to everybody at Ochilview during a half term there with his honesty and decency. Indeed, the defender confessed to this scribe that he would have renewed a contract at 'Muir at the drop of a hat because of the feeling he had developed for the manager and the club.

Loyal to the core, Lennon could not turn down his mentor at Albion Rovers, Jim Chapman, when he called and at the time of his death he had just captained Dumbarton's league winning side.

"Gordon was a really decent human being," Coughlin said this week. "At his funeral it was easy to understand why. His family are lovely and
the service will leave a mark on me for ever.

"Some family members sang and others recited in a background that was surrounded with pictures of him as he grew up. It's an occasion I will never forget."

As is always the case, life has to go on and the Warriors gaffer has been working hard.

"I'm delighted that I have signed up the players I wanted to retain from last season," he said.

"Kevin Motion has penned a new deal and Darren Smith and Chris McLeod have done likewise.

"The aim after that was to get five new players in and that has nearly been achieved."

Experienced striker Craig O'Reilly has put pen to paper after being released from cash-strapped Clyde.

Left back Stephen Thomson has also been added from Montrose and central midfielder Pat Scullion has come aboard from Alloa.

"I have already brought in keeper Chris McCluskey from Brechin City and there is only one other we need and can afford," the boss explained.

"I want a creative midfielder and would hope to be able to fix that up before the weekend.

"Ideally I want our squad to be together on Thursday night for our first training session and – holiday commitments apart – that will be the case."

The manager has arranged pre-season games against Cove Rangers and Forfar on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, but will have had a chance to assess his team before travelling north.

Falkirk visit Ochilview on Tuesday, July 7, for a Stirlingshire Cup tie and that's followed by a home match with Berwick on Saturday, July 11.

'Muir then travel to Recreation Park to take on Alloa for another Stirlingshire Cup tie on Tuesday, July 14, kick-off 7.30pm.

YOUNGSTERS under the age of 16 still have time to pick up a FREE season ticket.

They should pop along to the club's office in Gladstone Road with a passport sized photograph and ID proving their age between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to obtain their brief.

The early bird offer of season tickets at last year's prices (£140) is also available up to June 30, and concessions range from £40 to £90 until that date.