GLASGOW Perthshire boss Billy Adams has little faith in the traditional approach to pre-season training, trusting his players to look after their own physical conditioning.

The philosophy adopted by the the hardline Possil boss, the longest serving Junior manager in West Region circles at 20 years and counting

may seem unlikely but ahead of overseeing his Central First Division side’s opening 2017/18 session on Monday night, Adams said: “I’ve long since moved away from the ideology that running players up and down hills or along beaches is the way to get them fit.

“And more so nowadays when a lot of the guys tend to regularly visit gyms in their own time looking to get their bodies into the best possible shape. To my mind there’s just not the same need for punishing pre-season routines.

“No amount of hard work will get some players fit and I believe having ability and a mental toughness are more important factors in terms of making someone best suited for the demands of Junior football.”

Just over three weeks have elapsed since the Shire played their final game of the season, losing 2-0 to Glenafton in the Evening Times Champions Cup final, and Adams says he would have preferred a longer close season break for his players.

“We have new signings to bed in along with running the rule over a few others so there’s a crying need to get back in harness, particularly with our first friendly match away to Carluke Rovers looming a week on Saturday.

“We’ll keep things fairly short and sharp on Monday night but without losing sight of the need to get ourselves into a state of readiness for what is shaping up to be a crucial season given the league reconstruction proposals.”

There are only two confirmed Keppoch Park newcomers - Ryan Frances (Vale of Clyde) and Stuart Ferguson (Maryhill) - but Adams is hopeful of making further moves.

“The former St Anthony's centre-back Abu Mansare is coming in to train and we also hope to bring in a few forward types as there was far too much reliance on J.P. Craig in terms of scoring goals last season.

“The guys did brilliantly last season and if the Scottish Junior Cup was won on effort alone then it would be sitting at Keppoch Park right now, but we cannot think the same group of 11/12 players will achieve the same success in the higher league.

“The need for a greater depth to our squad is obvious and any player swithering over coming here should know we are not a club that will attempt to exploit them and if proof is needed, then it comes from the fact Glasgow Perthshire have not taken a transfer fee for a player in over 20 years.

“Should an individual ever become unhappy with his lot then he will be allowed to leave with our best wishes and neither will we stand in the way of anyone’s chance to play at a higher level if a bigger club comes calling. I am only in this game for the football and the players, nothing else.”

Meanwhile, one hears Ayrshire big guns Cumnock have snapped up East Kilbride Thistle prospect Liam McLauaghlin (younger brother of Partick Thistle ace Chris Erskine), while promoted Clydebank have completed the signing of experienced campaigner Ryan Deas from Arthurlie.

Making a return to the Super Premier top flight is ex-Cumnock and Troon midfielder Chris McKnight who has put pen to paper for Hurlford United.