New Zealander on his way as Gala prepare for top-flight return

The former Scotland assistant coach has been busy trying to strengthen his squad after leading them back to the top flight for the second time in his career. After the last occasion, in 2003-4, Graham was offered the chance to coach the Border Reivers with Steve Bates which, in turn, led to him becoming Scotland's forwards coach, which meant he did not experience the Division One challenge.

The Maroons did not experience it for long either, swiftly being relegated under rookie coach Andrew Dall and then, in 2006-7, plummeting into Division Three.

There were 12 clubs in each division then and, after this coming season, a revamp will slim the divisions from 12 to ten.

There will be pressure on Graham to keep the three-times Scottish champions - back in 1980, 1981 and 1983 - in the top flight but the league reconstruction brings a new intensity to this season for all of those wishing to be part of the smaller "Premier League" in 2012-13. Clubs hope that will set new standards in domestic rugby on and off the field and close the gap between the club and professional games in Scotland.

Stand-off Bruce Dick has left for Melrose for a second time, but Graham has re-signed two of Gala's most talented youngsters in Gregor Hunter, who is in the Edinburgh academy but has switched back to Gala from Heriot's, and their former New Year Sprint winner Craig Robertson, who had gone to Hawick to play Premier One rugby.

He has also added former Selkirk and Peebles centre-wing Craig Borthwick, the player obviously holding no grudges after breaking his leg against the Maroons last term, as well as Scotland under-18 caps Chris Auld, the centre and captain, from Dumfries, Russell Anderson, a hooker from Langholm and Hawick back row Gary Lowrie.

"We are also waiting for the passport details to go through of a New Zealand threequarter, but he will be the only overseas player we have," said Graham, "other than Opeta Palepoi, of course, who is almost an honorary 'Braw Lad' by now because he and his family have taken to Gala so well.

"I didn't have to go to the southern hemisphere to sign players, but the new lad - who I'd prefer not to name until everything's cleared - was recommended by Tony Gilbert (former Borders and All Blacks coach] and the ex-All Black Aaron Pene, who are guys whose opinion I value, so we'll see how he goes.

"But the key for me this summer has been strengthening the squad all round. We had a good team last season, but when you step up a level the difference comes from the strength of squads, and your ability to cope with injuries and players being unavailable.

"We're building a squad promoting competition in all areas, and I'm really pleased with how it's coming on."

As for the pressure, Graham knows all about that, having played in the front row for Scotland for six years and coached at club and international levels.

There are plenty in Galashiels who still remember when Gala and Hawick vied for the championship, and some no doubt who still believe the Maroons to have been only temporarily out of the top division.

Graham made it clear on his return to Netherdale two years ago that he shared that belief that Gala remained a big club in Scottish rugby.

He has again helped to give Gala the opportunity to prove it, but is experienced enough to know the size of the challenge he faces to keep them there. He said: "There is pressure and expectation in Gala for this club to be successful and so there should be. I have been saying for the past two seasons that Gala is a famous club that deserves to be playing in the upper echelons of Scottish rugby.

"It will be tougher now with the leagues going to ten teams, so I expect a dogfight. But I never got the chance to work with Gala at this level the last time and I am really excited about seeing if we can stay here this time. I have every respect for the quality of other clubs, and especially those who have worked their way up, but it was ridiculous to be honest that this club dropped to the third division and now we need to show the work and commitment Gala teams in the past did to be among the top clubs."