LARGS Thistle manager Stuart Davidson believes the club can make an impression on the new West of Scotland Football League after nailing down some key men for the season ahead.

Largs have re-signed ten of their squad for next season including goal machine Scott Adam, the talented Sewell twins and wing wizard Ben Black.

During lockdown, the club have begun preparations for the new West of Scotland Football League but have had to say farewell to a number of players including keeper Ross Lundy who is heading for Troon.

The other re-signings are as follows: keeper Jamie McGowan, wing-backs, Laurie McMaster and Craig Forbes, and midfielders Stuart Faulds, Blair McIntyre, and Simon McBryde.

Davidson said: "We have a a good base to start from. We have some of the young boys from last season who now have a season in the top flight under their belts like George and Will Sewell, and Craig Forbes, on top of the experienced players like Addy and Laurie McMaster.

"We are looking to bring in players and have some targets in mind. When the time is right we will announce some more signings."

Davidson said that Lundy is heading to league rivals Troon where he has been guaranteed first team football. Lundy is a former triple player of the year at the Barrfields club, and has played his part in many occasions over the years , and leaves with the club's best wishes.

Other players released include wing men Kane O'Neill and Ross George. Davidson said: "Kane made a good wee impact when he arrived at the club earlier this year, and Ross has been pretty unlucky with injuries. Ross has got potential, and we wish him the best."

A notable absence from the re-signings is midfielder Paul Harkins who had an injury plagued season but enjoyed sparkling moments in a Thistle jersey with some high quality goals to boot.

Davidson said: "Paul has been injured a lot and is struggling with his groin; Ross Love in central defence was on loan from Ayr United and we will have to speak to them again to see if we can bring him back next season."

The Largs manager pointed out that the club was going forward on a positive footing, and said: "We have done really well to keep a hold of a strong pool of players- there was a lot of interest in our players from other clubs.

"Scott Adam has been tremendous as skipper and I can't fault him - Addy loves it at Largs." Another big coup is re-signing keeper Jamie McGowan who made some important saves in recent seasons.

Davidson said: "Jamie wasn't able to hold down a position in the team as he had a pre-booked holiday on the day of the Scottish Cup final, and then got an injury, but when he did get a good run out he showed exactly what he is capable of. Jamie was a match winner at times last season, and during our Scottish Cup run."

Next season's league will have 20 teams including the three new promoted teams of Darvel, Cumbernauld United, and Blantyre Vics, plus new arrivals Bonnyton Thistle.

The Largs boss commented: "With the cup tournaments, it will be a lot of games to play - with midweek games likely to be required at the start and the end of the season. I think everyone is keen to get back to training - I really miss it - but the main priority is staying safe, and that applies to all the players and our supporters. We all need something to look forward to."

With a very youthful squad last season, Davidson was asked if he would prioritise bringing in more experience next season.

He responded: "Of course, I am aware that we probably lacked a bit of experience but remember that the players we have now have a year under their belts.

"Anyone who comes in has to be able to come and improve the squad. I will be prioritising defence as sometimes last season we were a bit short for cover due to circumstance."

The Thistle boss revealed that he has been regularly challenging the players to do 5Ks to maintain their fitness with the quickest player being Craig Forbes coming in at 17 minutes and 15s.

Davidson said: "There have been some really good times - the boys are improving all the time and it is good that they have been working on their general fitness even though they can't get general match fitness."

Another exciting addition to the senior set-up next season is the rolling out of a new West of Scotland development league for under 20s. Davidson said: "We have had the Loudon brothers, and a few other players from the U19s involved at training last season, and this new U20s development league represents a good opportunity for them to get more competitive action, and it will help them in terms of breaking into the first team in future.