Fresh from a summer break, the Farmer’s Boys returned for pre-season training on July 1. Eleven members of last season’s squad have already committed their future to another year at the Brig O’Lea, with the manager revealing another seven or eight players will make up the remainder of next season’s squad.

Hard work continues behind the scenes, and Whiteford is no different as he bids to get his side in shape ahead of the new campaign.

Whiteford told Barrhead Sport: “There is a lot of work to get done but we are getting there with regards to the squad and getting bodies in.

“We always look to have a squad of around 18 to 20, we don’t really have a maximum but I wouldn’t bring anyone in to the team for the sake of bringing up the numbers either.

“I have signed guys from last years squad and will be looking to add more bodies to that. We have a few players in just now which we are having a look at but I don’t like to make a decision on a player without seeing them in a game situation.

“A player can look like Pele in training, but struggle when it comes to games. They may have lots of natural ability but games scenarios may prove otherwise. Games scenarios show that better.” With the new campaign comes the dreaded pre-season training regime for the players.

Having endured a number of training nightmares of his own, Whiteford lets out a chuckle when asked how he goes about getting his men in shape.

However, he reveals he isn’t as tough a taskmaster than some of those he worked under as a player.

Whiteford said: “Obviously the old-fashioned way was to pummel them to within an inch of their lives with running.

“Trying to balance the fitness aspect and introducing the ball is probably the hardest part, but I try to introduce it as soon as possible.

“Things have changed in junior football with that respect and pre season has changed a bit, though we still work the guys extremely hard.” With training in mind, Whiteford revealed he currently has three players in that he is aiming to sign up.

Former East Kilbride FC striker Steven Graham is one on his radar, while local lad Steven Hopewell is another he is confident of netting. Another, a striker, is also a target.

Whiteford added: “We have almost reached agreements with three players and there will hopefully be movement on that front during the next week or so.

“Hopefully we can get a settled squad in place, and I am confident the guys we have got are strong enough to have a successful season once we kick off the competitive games.”