SALTCOATS Victoria boss Iain McMillan insists the club are in a much better place than they were in this time last year.

And the Vics gaffer believes that’s because a “stigma” has been lifted around the place.

McMillan took over the club in the summer of 2019 and he admits there was a lull about Campbell Park.

He says this was on and off the park, with Vics being in the doldrums of junior football for many years.

But now, McMillan reckons the local side are rejuvenated and can look to the future far more positively.

He told the Herald: “The squad’s coming together. We’re still looking to add some more quality, as every manager does.

“We’re pretty pleased with where we’re sitting though. At this stage, compared to last season, it’s night and day.

“When I took over last season and when I spoke to the committee I mentioned that there’s been a stigma attached to Saltcoats because they’ve been in the doldrums for so long.

“That’s on and off the park I’m talking about. But I think people are now seeing and word is getting out there that off the park we’re improving the facilities at the stadium and on the park we finished last season strongly.

“I think people are now seeing us as a viable option, so they’re prepared to come and have a shot, which is positive news.

Saltcoats have been back in non-contact training for two weeks.

And speaking before the enforced SFA/SPFL action to halt WoSFL clubs from training until August 24, McMillan is chuffed with how the boys have taken to the new circumstances.

He added: “It’s been good back training. Obviously it’s been strange having to split sessions up and operating with limited numbers and keep social distancing.

“It’s not ideal but the players and staff have all accepted it. It’s the usual at this time of the year – some boys have come back sharper than others and look fitter than others but I’m not going to throw anybody under a bus, it’s been a really difficult time for us all.”