Arthurlie boss Chris Mackie has vowed to change the mentality he says has cost Lie in recent years

Arthurlie’s final league position of seventh is an improvement on recent years and they were clear of relegation long before the final games.

But a quick glance up the table will leave Arthurlie fans feeling envious. Glenafton Athletic won the Premier League and the Scottish Cup, they were closely followed in the league by Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Beith.

Those clubs don’t have vastly different budgets to Arthurlie, but Mackie admitted the key difference is their mentality, something the manager wants to address with his squad next season.

He said: “The most important thing as a squad is having the right attitude, without that you have no chance. In the past it has been acceptable at Arthurlie that some players don’t have to train all the time and choose other things in their life over the club.

“The difference in the club’s at the top of the league this year is they had a great team spirit.

“They aren’t big spending clubs, they have a good mentality and a winning mentality, that makes a massive difference.

“I was relieved to get on with making changes at the end of the season and having the backing of the new committee to go ahead with that. It’s really a fresh start at the club and I’m glad we are pushing forward in the right direction.”

Meanwhile Mackie gave an update on the players he placed on the transfer list with Ian Nimmo, Eddie McTernan and Darryl Convery finding new clubs and Gary Smith and Gary Carrol attracting interest.

He said: “Ian Nimmo has moved to Kelty Hearts. Eddie McTernan has agreed to go to Irvine Meadow, Darryl Convery is going to Neilston. Three clubs have made an offer for Gary Carrol, it’s just down to Gary what he wants to do now.

“A couple of teams have enquired about Gary Smith, the club chave agreed fees so again it’s down to the player.

“There hasn’t been a great deal of interest in Jordan Leyden but he’ll be leaving the club.”