CHRIS STRAIN insists his Kilwinning side are in a good place despite the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Buffs have recruited several players over the last month as they step up their preparations for the new West of Scotland League Premier campaign.

Strain revealed he has a squad of 17 first team players already signed up.

Ideally the boss would like to have a few more players in the building – but the 40-year-old believes it will be a good opportunity for youth players to show their worth.

“Everybody always speaks about a bedding in period but to be honest with you that only begins when you play games.

“That’s when all the players get used to each other’s habits and whatnot.

“What the training does though is it allows for the new players’ personalities to come into the frame.

“But that’s the sum and size of it at the moment.

“I would like to have one more signing on the way in.

“There might be some players that head out.

“It just depends.

“We’ve got a squad currently of 17 players.

“Ideally the number I like to have is 19.

“But we’ve got a good crop of youngsters on their way through in the background that I wouldn’t be scared to use and throw in should the number drop below 19.

He continued: “We are in a really good place just now and we’re probably ahead of where we should be in terms of the business done.

“I’m quite happy for us to kick on now.”

A firm date has yet to be agreed for the West of Scotland Football League with league chiefs aiming for the end of September or start of October.

Irvine Meadow will join the Buffs in the top division of the new set-up while Irvine Victoria will play in Conference A.