COWDENBEATH’S players went through the first phase of their pre-season training at the end of last week when new manager, Dougie Hill, oversaw the first two sessions.

They trained on Thursday night and the manager was delighted with the enthusiasm and effort put in by the squad.

Cowden have a closed-door game coming up, plus four friendlies planned, starting with a visit to Central Park by East of Scotland League Premier side, Glenrothes, on Tuesday July 9 with a 7.30pm start.

This will be followed up on Saturday July 13 and Friday July 19 with visits from other EoS Premier outfits, Dunbar United at 3pm, and Whitburn at 7.30pm, and the friendly programme will be concluded by a trip to meet West Premier side, Shotts Bon Accord, on the evening of Tuesday July 23.

Hill was delighted with the first two sessions: “The lads went through a check by our sports therapist, Thea Sinclair, and they all shaped up well.

“The start to the pre-season was good and we are now looking forward to our two sessions this midweek, then another this coming Saturday.”

The manager has a few players training with the club, who could be possible new recruits as the big kick-off approaches.

“The squad is coming together but we still need another goalkeeper, a midfielder and a couple of strikers, so the opportunity is there for people to show me in training, and in the forthcoming friendlies, that they can do a good job for Cowdenbeath this season,” added Hill.

“These fixtures are against good quality opponents and will be ideal for the build-up to the season.”

The Lowland League fixture list will be announced at the end of this week with Cowden fans eagerly looking forward to finding out who their favourites will open the 2024-25 season against.