Manager McGinn insists step-up would be ‘bonus’ for new-look Tranent

After years of having only one promotion spot to play for, this season’s South Division contenders will be battling for four places in the Premier League. One of the sides who’ll 
welcome the new structure is Tranent.

Manager Chris McGinn, though, isn’t so sure his side are one of the favourites.

“We lost a lot of players during the close season and we’re now working with a very small budget,” he revealed. “We’re looking at a three-year plan to get us where we feel we belong. If we get anything this season then it will be a bonus. Arniston tomorrow will be a real test for our youngsters.”

Haddington are another strong candidate for promotion if they can find and maintain the form that saw them hit the net regularly last season.

“They play host to Harthill tomorrow looking for a good start to the campaign. Boss Steve McLeish said: “A lot of clubs will have aspirations of promotion so it’s a very difficult job to get out of the South Division.

“If we can find some of the form we showed in some games last year then we’ll be there or 
thereabouts come May.”

Elsewhere tomorrow, Edinburgh visit West Calder while Whitburn travel to Dunbar. Spartans entertain Pumpherston and Livingston are at home to near neighbours Stoneyburn. Fauldhouse, likely to be in the promotion shake-up, are at home to Falkirk.