NEW Preston Athletic co-manager Paul Currie believes his side could not have a more challenging start to the season.

The Panners finished level on points with Glenrothes – and one point behind league winners Oakley United – in First Division Conference B of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) last term.

The new season kicks off on July 30, with Preston determined to go one better and join Haddington Athletic and Musselburgh Athletic in the EoSFL Premier Division.

The first stop is at Glenrothes’ Warout Stadium before a midweek return to Fife to face Burntisland Shipyard.

East Lothian Courier: John Daly, Paul Currie and Paul Montgomery are the new Preston Athletic management team. Picture: Preston Athletic Football ClubJohn Daly, Paul Currie and Paul Montgomery are the new Preston Athletic management team. Picture: Preston Athletic Football Club

Currie, who shares the manager’s job with Paul Montgomery, said: “Obviously, [Glenrothes] only beat us on goal difference last year.

“The two games we played against them, both were draws.

“The first two games of the season are away from home with Glenrothes on the Saturday and Burntisland on the Wednesday.

“We could not have asked for a tougher two games but you have got to play all these games at some point.

“We look forward to it and go over there with confidence.

“They will be strong and their pitch is massive as well – it is always a tough game going there.

“It will be a difficult game but we have set our targets for this season.

“These are places where they are going to be tough games but if we want to hit our targets then we have got to go and get a positive result.”

East Lothian Courier: Preston Athletic were winners against Pumpherston Juniors ahead of the new season getting under wayPreston Athletic were winners against Pumpherston Juniors ahead of the new season getting under way

Currie and Montgomery took on the co-managers’ job following the departure of Jack Lynch at the end of last season.

Preston had battled it out at the top of the table throughout the campaign but a run of five consecutive away games saw them drop crucial points.

Currie, who previously played for Musselburgh Athletic, felt this season could prove even tougher for teams striving to finish at the top.

Eight clubs were relegated from First Division Conference B at the end of last term, with those finishing between second and seventh joining their counterparts from Conference A in a new-look First Division.

Rounding off the second tier of the EoSFL are Dunbar United, Newtongrange Star, Whitehill Welfare and Camelon Juniors, who were relegated from the Premier Division.

Currie said: “There is not an easy game.

“You are going to need to be fit this season.

East Lothian Courier: Preston Athletic were winners against Pumpherston Juniors ahead of the new season getting under wayPreston Athletic were winners against Pumpherston Juniors ahead of the new season getting under way

“Every game is going to be tight and if you have got that fitness edge in the last 15-20 minutes then it could be absolutely crucial this season.

“We are working hard to be as fit as we can be in what will be a really tough league.”

The Pennypit side have already played a handful of pre-season friendlies as they get ready for the competitive games kicking off later this month.

Tomorrow (Friday), they travel to Berwick Rangers, who finished in mid-table in the Scottish Lowland Football League.

Currie said: “I think we could do with bringing another couple of players in.

“We are still on the lookout to bring in one or two more but we will not be far away.

“We kept the majority of last season’s squad bar a couple who have moved on. The players we have brought in are of good quality.”