Kilwinning Rangers manager Chris Strain says he is delighted with the confirmed July start date for the 2020/21 West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) season.

The WoSFL announced last week that the new season would be starting July 17, subject to changes in COVID-19 guidelines, after their inaugural season was declared null and void last month.

The Scottish Government guidelines currently allow for a return to full contact training and a return to club friendlies from May 17, giving a pre-season of two months before the season kicks off.

Strain said: “I am delighted they are bringing it back that bit early as due to the increased number of teams in the league this season, it is going to extend the season and the number of games we have to play.

“It is exciting for everyone to be involved in it, with the number of teams and the quality of league. “

The club will be hoping for a positive season on the pitch but of it there is still plenty of work going on off it as the work towards their Scottish Football Association (SFA) License.

Jack Conway was announced last week as the clubs new licensing officer, with Strain saying the club is aiming to be accepted as soon as next season.

Strain said: “Off the park we are going from strength to strength, and we will be fit to have our license next season absolutely no problem. We had a five-year plan and we have done that plan in two years… so come the start of the season it is going to be amazing for our fans to see the work that has been done in 18 months.”

Off the park there is also work being done to improve the squad on it with Strain saying he expects most of the current squad to sign on this week for next season.

Alongside that Strain says he has a couple of new signings lined up for the Buffs new season.

“We have had preliminary talks with all of the current first team squad and everyone is happy, so we will just get the formalities dealt with this week. Then obviously it is just about getting those new players over the line, we are speaking to five or six at the moment and we are hopeful that we can do some deals.”