MUSSELBURGH Athletic manager Calvin Shand has set his sights on securing the team's place in the East Superleague this season.

Shand took over from Stevie McLeish, who departed for Newtongrange Star, in the dugout at Olive Bank, and has completely overhauled the Burgh squad.

Only midfielder Jed Davie remains from last season's playing staff, but Shand, an ex-Burgh player, is confident his squad has what it takes to survive in the division.

He told Courier Sport: "We sat down last week [with the players] and set out our own targets and we'll work towards them.

"The club have set us some targets, and the budget has been cut quite a bit from last season, so the target they've given us is to be competitive and keep the team in the league.

"They've asked us to steady the ship."

Shand, a Scottish Junior Cup finalist with the Burgh in 2011, has brought in another former midfielder, Kevin McDonald, as his assistant.

McDonald, who has recently had surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury, was club captain when Burgh reached their most recent Scottish Junior Cup final a year ago.

The ex-skipper was looking forward to his new role as Shand's right-hand man.

McDonald told Courier Sport: "I'm delighted to be back and involved so quick after my injuries.

"It will be a bit different now as assistant instead of playing, and a big challenge now I'm coaching, but one I'm looking forward to."

Shand, meanwhile, was delighted to take the job.

"It's been a really good start.

"Obviously it was tough coming in with only one signed player but we're up to 17 now and we've got a really good group together.

"A lot of the boys know each other – they've played in the Superleague before so they've all come in and gelled pretty well so far.

"I don't have too many worries about that, it's more getting them up to speed with how we want them to play."

Among those to have departed Olive Bank this summer are is last year's captain, Jackie Myles, who has joined another former Musselburgh manager Davie McGlynn at Linlithgow Rose.

The 32-year-old added: "I tried my best to keep Jackie but the lure of going to Linlithgow was just too much."

He also confirmed no decision had been taken on Myles' replacement as club captain, adding only: "we'll decide that nearer the start of the season."

The new boss admits losing players is a blow, he is confident he's recruited well enough for the squad to compete in the Superleague.

"They're a great bunch of boys and it's been a really good start.

"I can't wait for the games to begin now."

Shand's new-look Musselburgh Athletic side kick off their league campaign against Bo'ness United at Olive Bank on August 6

They then face trips to Penicuik and Kelty Hearts before ex-boss McLeish comes calling for the first time with his Newtongrange Star side on August 17.