Pre-season preparations are just about complete and attention is firmly focused on the opening competitive game of the campaign.
Finn Ecrepont has been involved in each of the friendlies for Chris Aitken’s new look Stranraer side, including the defeat to Crusaders over the weekend.
Now, in his fourth season with the club, the full-back is among those counting down to the real stuff getting under way.
First up for Stranraer is a home tie with Ross County before a trip to Partick Thistle.
The Blues then head to fellow League Two side Edinburgh City before wrapping up the League Cup group phase against Queen of the South.
Ecrepont said: “As much as the cup draw is really tough, those are the games you want to play in.
“The likes of County and Thistle – we will be right up for those that is for sure.”
Like all seasons, there has been a turnover in the Stranraer squad.
Eleven players have exited Stair Park, with 10 already coming in.
Departures of key players, such as Adam Cummins, Matty Grant, Dean Hawkshaw, Craig Ross, Grant Gallagher and Scott Robertson – who had more than 1,200 appearances between them – means Ecrepont is now the longest-serving member of the Stranraer squad.
He said: “It was actually Aaron Quigg that mentioned it to me.
“I could not believe it but I have really, really enjoyed my time here.
“That is why I am still here and long may it continue.”
There could be one other thing for 22-year-old Ecrepont to look forward to – and that is the chance to come up against his younger brother, Ollie.
The siblings have lined up alongside each other for Ayr United but Ollie joining Dumbarton on loan has opened the door to the possibility of Ecrepont v Ecrepont at some point this season.
The Stranraer Ecrepont said: “I’ve already told him that I am going to score against him this year!
“Make sure we beat them first but I would like to score against him.
“I’m looking forward to, hopefully, a hard contest against the wee man.
“Folk have asked me if my dad has got a half-and-half scarf but we will make sure there is at least one family member in one part of the pitch and one in another.”
Photos: Bill McCandlish
