Lowland League East: East Stirlingshire's Callum Tapping looking forward to fresh start
Callum Tapping says he is happy with how his East Stirlingshire squad is shaping up for the maiden Lowland League East season.
The Shire player-boss joined the Ochilview Park club last September with the team rock bottom. And although he couldn’t steer the Shire away from finishing bottom of the pile – results did eventually improve towards the end of the campaign.
Midfielder Stephen O’Neill and a handful of other stars did also impress throughout season and Tapping believes that he has a decent core to build from with the likes of O’Neill already signed up for next term.
Goalkeeper Jay Cantley, Tony Coutts, Adam MacDonald, Ben Lamont, Finlay Malcolm and Alex Walker have all penned new deals already with new signings on the way including Ryan Duncan from Civil Service Strollers and Harley Ewen from Stirling Albion. One popular figure who has departed is midfielder Morgaro Gomis, who has has signed for Broxburn Athletic.
“Over the last couple of months, I think you could see a more consistent side on the park,” Tapping told the Falkirk Herald. “It wasn’t perfect but it was much improved. We had boys who really stepped up. The strongest team we put was right towards the end of the season. We had guys actually playing in their strongest positions and a bit of cohesion.
“We aren’t going to completely start again but we know that we have to add for sure. I am happy with who we have been able to sign up so far. We’re in a good position going into the new season. We got a few boys signed quickly and we have another few signings down the line."
Tapping also said he was looking forward to the new East set-up: “We are looking forward to it. The change will bring a bit of freshness. I’m delighted to have so many local sides involved and clearly Dunipace who I was previously with.
"From a selfish point of view I was hoping they came up with Camelon but to have them and the likes of Bo’ness and Linlithgow is brilliant. I coached some of the Dunipace lads when I was U20s coach.
"It’s a win win for all of us. Of course, it is clubs nearby you that are hunting in the same market for players but it is a positive thing overall for me. I am buzzing for the new season.”