Annan Athletic boss begins building for another season in League Two

Annan Athletic have started building for another season in League Two.

And manager Peter Murphy told how he launched into the work just days after losing the League One promotion play off final to Edinburgh City.

The Galabankies’ play-off defeat to Edinburgh City means they face another season in Scottish football’s fourth tier, where they have been since joining the now-defunct Scottish Football League in 2008.

Murphy said: “I began work on Monday morning for next season to be honest.

“We are behind a bit because our season was extended due to being in the play-offs, but now I am looking at recruiting.

“It can be a tough time as players hold off for good deals and there are agents to deal with as well.

“Players can also be looking for full-time deals which makes things difficult for us.”

Murphy has now tied down seven members of his current squad.

Midfielder Lewis Hunter and defender Charlie Barnes become the latest players to commit their futures to the club when they signed new deals on Wednesday.

Barnes made more than 30 appearances in his first season as a professional, while Hunter had a superb campaign in the middle of the park.

Midfielder Dominic Docherty and striker Tommy Goss, both of whom picked up League Two player of the month awards this season, have also extended their stays.

And goalie Greg Fleming, full back Roan Steele and midfielder Tony Wallace are also staying on for another promotion push.