Ambitious Annan targeting play-offs

The chairman says that he has already sensed a change in attitude despite two cup defeats in the first two weekends of the new season.

Now, with the opening SFL game of the league campaign only hours away, McClelland and manager Harry Cairney say they are capable of beating East Stirlingshire at Galabank this afternoon. However, Cairney warned: "They (East Stirling] were in the running for promotion last season and they have kept most of their players. There is no doubt this is going to be a very tough match for us."

McClelland said: "There is competition in every section of the team this season and I'm sure we're ready to start winning now. The honeymoon period is well and truly over. A good number of our players have two seasons in the SFL under their belts.

"Accordingly it is time to push on, and just being part of the league is no longer good enough. It is not about participation anymore. We have to set our aims higher, a realistic target for this season is the play-offs.

"I know Harry's expectations on the field. In our first two seasons we have frustratingly made too many repeated mistakes in certain areas, we now expect the players to step up to the mark.

"Our squad has been strengthened in preparation for the season ahead and I have a feeling it may well be a memorable one for the club."

For today's match Graeme Bell will be missing after undergoing a groin operation on Monday and Steven Sloan is doubtful because of a sickness bug.