Dalbeattie Star boss reckons squad in better shape now than 12 months ago

Dalbeattie Star gaffer Eddie Warwick reckons his squad is in better shape than it was this time last year.

Last summer, Warwick, pictured ,and his coaching staff were rebuilding following the club’s relegation from the Lowland League.

And given his players went on to win the South of Scotland League title, the fact he feels the side is in a stronger position than 12 months ago should act as a warning shot to their opponents.

He said: “I think we’re going to be starting stronger this year than what we did last year – and we had a very good start to the season.

“We strengthened more towards January because we had the team we started with – this time last year we were still getting that team together.

“I reckon we need another three players over the summer but we need to patient, we won’t rush it.

“We’re very calculated with what we’re doing as we need players to fit what we’re looking for and fill the areas we want to improve.

“We’ve already won the league and a cup and have a good squad there so it’s hard to find the people you’re looking for.”

Star have already signed goalie Jake Gemmell, with Adam Jamieson signing permanently after a loan spell from Annan Athletic last season.

However, Callum Summerbee has moved to Threave Rovers, who have also snapped up Charlie Watson – who was on loan at Star from Queens last season.

Warwick said: “He was always going to go back to Queen of the South, there was an offer to train with the first team so you always expect your loan players to train with their parent clubs.

“We knew he was going to go back and you can always see if there’s an opportunity, like there was with Annan.

“One did move on, it is what it is and we wish him all the best and move on.

“We