THE COUNTY'S football clubs ramp up their preparations for the campaign ahead as pre-season friendlies return this weekend.

The four former junior clubs will move to the senior ranks and join Preston Athletic and Ormiston in a revamped three-conference East of Scotland League.

The action begins tomorrow (Thursday) as Preston Athletic host a Berwick Rangers U20 side at Pinkie 3G before they face Newtongrange Star, managed by ex-Haddington and Musselburgh boss Stevie McLeish, at the same venue on Tuesday evening.

And on Saturday, Dunbar United, Tranent Juniors and Haddington Athletic all kick off their pre-season schedules.

Haddington welcome a familiar face as former boss McLeish brings his Newtongrange side to Whittingehame Drive, kick-off is 1pm.

A few miles along the A1, Dunbar welcome Livingston United to New Countess Park – that match kicks off at 2.30pm.

There are away games for Tranent and Ormiston, meanwhile – the Belters are on the road, as they head south to County Durham to play West Auckland Town, while Ormi visit Kincardine.

And pre-season preparations continue on Tuesday as Musselburgh host Bonnyrigg Rose, Hadddington welcome Whitehill Welfare to Whittingehame Drive, Tranent play Penicuik at Foresters Park and, at New Countess Park, Dunbar host Civil Service Strollers.