Alba Athletic player-manager Craig Nisbet is setting his sights high for the new season, saying his side are aiming for promotion.
The Lothian West outfit, who last season finished eighth in the third tier of the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur FA, are looking to rise to Premier 2 this term, with boss Nisbet saying he is confident his new-look squad can help the club achieve their ambitions.
Player-boss Nisbet said: “It’s our third season going into the Lothian West division and we’re looking to challenge for promotion – or maybe even the title. We’ve definitely got a better squad this season than we have had since I formed the club five years ago.
“I’m very happy with my squad, we’ve got a good core of 20 players that you can pull in and pull out.”
Nisbet was speaking to Grassroots following a pre-season defeat to Tollcross Thistle at Forrester High 3G.
He said of the game: “It was great for us because they are two divisions above us. It was a good workout. The first-half was very tight with a lot of good football. I don’t think the ball was out the park for more than a couple of seconds. There was a high-tempo in the game as well, which makes a world of difference.
“There were a lot of changes with pretty much a new team out, and a lack of fitness took over in the end.”
Alba, who were winners of the 2011 Ian McDonald Cup, will continue a series of friendly matches in preparation for the new campaign when they face Tynecastle seniors tonight.
