KIRKINTILLOCH Rob Roy have had a season to remember, ending a 40-year wait for a trophy and finishing second in the Super Premier Division, but manager Stewart Maxwell won't be putting pressure on his players to match that success in the next campaign.

However, the Rabs boss does believe his side have what it takes to improve further after last season's heroics when they beat Shettleston Juniors 4-2 on penalties to win the Central District League Cup and came up just short in the league, finishing three points behind winners Glenafton Athletic.

“Last season was great, we won a cup for the first time in years, we came second in the Premier League and we also had a good run in the Junior Cup," he said.

“I’m very pleased with how last season went and I just hope the club can push on and do well again this season.

“Finishing second was probably the worst position we could have finished in, as the only way you can improve on that is by finishing first.

“I know I have a team that is capable of beating anyone but I'm not going to pile pressure on them by saying we're going to win the league.

“There are a lot of good teams in this league who’ll be favoured more than us, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be in the mix because I’m sure we will be.”

Maxwell has re-signed much of the squad that did so well last season with those leaving being mainly fringe players, but three first-team regulars have departed. The trio, Christopher Duff, Luke Whelan and Kevin Green, are seeking to make the step up to senior level with Queen's Park.

Maxwell is sorry to lose the trio but understands why they are leaving.

“The three boys that have gone to Queen’s Park were all integral parts of last season success so losing them is a big blow.

“However, I can’t have any complaints as I totally understand how big of an opportunity this is for them.

“All three are great players that deserve a shot at senior football and I’m sure they all will do well.”

Maxwell has also made a few additions to his team. Stefan Law was the club's first signing of the summer after joining from Thorniewood.

And last weekend saw the arrival of striker Gary Carroll from Arthurlie and attacking midfielder Robert Maguire from St Roch’s.

Sauchie player of the year Gary McCulloch then joined the club on Monday, closely followed by former Thorniewood goalkeeper Alex Connell.

It was also announced that youngster Connor Hughes would be playing for both Rob Roy’s first team and their under 21s this season after signing a duel contact.

Maxwell said: “I’m very pleased with the players we’ve managed to bring in so far, but I’m still looking to add one or two more.

“I will be talking to a few targets in the next couple of days, so hopefully we’ll be able to get them in sooner rather than later.”

It was revealed this month that the club’s application for a new stadium in Kirkintilloch had been accepted by the local council.

Maxwell is delighted.

He said: “Hopefully it won’t be much longer until Rob Roy are back home in Kirkintilloch as we’ve been away for far too long.

“Obviously we are extremely grateful to Cumbernauld for letting us use Guy's Meadow but there's no place like home.

“I can’t wait to take the club back to Kirkintilloch, so hopefully thing continues to go well and we’ll be back home soon.”