THEY'RE BACK !

It's only a few weeks since the team made a disappointing exit from the promotion play-offs, but already they are set to return to pre-season training.

Jim McInally will gather those players who have signed or who have agreed to sign, along with a number of hopefuls on trial who want to earn a deal.

The coach says the break might seem a short one but he has to get the players in the right shape for the big kick-off.

"I think you'll find we didn't have any longer a break last season," he said. "Because we have a bye in the first round of the Challenge Cup our season effectively starts a week later than everyone elses, and that might not be a bad thing.

"The good thing about a short summer is that the players shouldn't be really out of condition.

"There will be some fitness work but I  use the same kind of pre-season that we used when I  was at Celtic and that involves a lot of the ball.

"We will also have games to play, the first is just over a week away at Brechin and that, in effect, will be a training exercise too.

"The nucleus of last season's squad will be with us and I think that's important because of the continuity that will give us. But we will also have a few players coming in on trial hoping to impress.

"I  have to say I  am looking forward to it."

Shire's first competitive fixture of the new season will be the Co-operative Insurance Cup-tie against St. Mirren on Sunday 2nd August.