Neilston boss Kevin Muirhead insists his players will reap the benefits of their high-intensity pre-season workouts.

The Farmer’s Boys returned to training a fortnight ago ahead of their first friendly this weekend.

Muirhead is in his first pre-season with the Brig O’Lea side after being appointed boss in January and going on to help the club steer clear of relegation from the First Division of the West of Scotland Football League.

It has been a busy period as he seeks to put his own mark on the Neilston squad – and he has been pleased with the response from his players.

Muirhead told Barrhead Sport: “It’s been really busy and a good atmosphere but we’re still working hard to improve the squad, so it’s a hectic time.

“We want to play high intensity and in the faces of the opposition, so our sessions have to be like that.

“Some are embracing it and some are struggling with it but we have to train how we want to play.

“We want to get at teams and physically dominate and bully them, so training is geared around that.

“It’s been hard work but it’s a challenge that a majority of the players are embracing.”

Neilston have unveiled four new recruits so far but, with eight players departing this summer, more signings are expected.

Muirhead admits he has missed out on a couple of his targets but remains upbeat about the season ahead.

He added: “We always knew there was going to be big changes this summer, with lots of players moving on. They need to be replaced.

“It has been exciting to work out deals with players and get things over the line.

“There’s a few we have missed out on that we would have liked to have brought in but there’s a few we have added that we think have real quality.

“It’s that chance to put my mark on it and make it my own team, so we’ll move forward and it’s a fresh start for everyone.

“I’m happy with the players we have kept on from last year as well.”

Neilston host Dalry Thistle at the Brig O’Lea this Saturday, with kick-off at 2pm.