Flying under the radar will not bother many associated with Stranraer as the new season gets ready to kick-off.
There have been changes aplenty over the close season, with 11 players leaving and almost the same number coming through the door – so far.
Chris Aitken and his backroom staff have been busy reshaping the squad as they get ready for their first full season in charge.
A number of new faces have already performed well in pre-season, with optimism in full flow among the Stranraer faithful.
Iain Dougan, Stranraer FC chairman, is no stranger to the busy close season and was already looking forward to the competitive action getting under way.
He said: “It feels very much like the changing of the guard and it was inevitable that it was going to come at some stage; Robbo, Gal and Deano leaving, obviously, it is a lot of experience in one go going out the door, when you add Scouse and even Craigy, who had accumulated a lot of games for a young man.
“But without change you stand still and they go leaving us memories and in the knowledge they will be remembered a long time at Stair Park.
“It may well be we all got caught up on the post-match euphoria of our victory over East Kilbride by maintaining the nucleus of that squad instead of thinking ‘yes, the boys did brilliant over the two games but ultimately it was the squad that had ended up Club 42’.
“If you go by a certain popular fans’ forum, we are actually all but relegated before a ball has been kicked in anger.
“Many questioning the recruitment process from the West of Scotland Football League, which is actually pretty insulting to that league, which has many talented players who would get into most squads in our league but for one reason or another have chosen to go to clubs there.
“Our signings are a great mix of experienced pros returning to the SPFL and players who feel they have served their time at that level and wish to challenge themselves on the league stage.
“Thus far none of them have looked out of place, but importantly have also brought belief and camaraderie to the dressing room.
“So our demise anticipated by supporters of our rivals may well be somewhat premature but being the unrated underdog is not a tag that unduly bothers the management and it is definitely something we will use to our advantage.”
Transfer dealings are not finished just yet either, with the club looking to strengthen its attacking options.
Robbie Foster suffered a serious injury in pre-season while Deryn Lang is yet to pull on a strip this season.
Mr Dougan said: “I attend as many of the pre-season training sessions as possible and there is definitely an exuberant buzz within the camp and it has been enjoyable getting to know all the new guys.
“This was slightly tempered with the loss of Robbie Foster with a serious injury before the season had started.
“Everyone felt for Robbie on the night as he had impressed everyone with his fitness and sharpness and we wish him a speedy recovery.
“Coupled with Deryn still suffering an existing injury, it has left us light up front as most know but the management are still working hard to overcome this, so it’s a case of trying to get one or two of these possibilities over the line.”
And while fans might have enjoyed a quiet pre-season and watching for any Stair Park-related updates, the chairman stressed the final whistle against Bonnyrigg Rose did not mean those behind the scenes were sitting back and relaxing.
He added: “Close season is not really a break.
“It consists of many phone calls and meetings with the manager, getting new players’ paperwork done, organising training, travel and game day kit, trying to get friendlies that are competitive, of interest to fans and, if at home, ultimately, are not loss makers; something I think we have achieved over the last couple of years.
“Committee members chase new sponsorship while ensuring those already contributing still feel valued.
“So, in essence, if you are involved with a club, football never really stops.”
