Cove Rangers legend Alan Redford has backed the club to go from strength-to-strength in League One.
The long-serving defender departed this summer after 10 years with the club, having witnessed a stream of success that has led to promotion to Scotland’s third tier.
They look set to begin that campaign in October, when the lower leagues in Scotland hope to resume safely.
Cove have moved into a new stadium in recent years, with the aim of becoming an SPFL club, and their first season at that level saw them win every home game at the Balmoral Stadium.
Redford is the only permanent departure from their title-winning squad, with only loan players returning to their parent clubs. The 40-year-old believes it bodes well for Cove’s future.
He said: “I think everything that goes on in the background is well planned. They’ve got a clear vision of where they want to get to and what they need to put in place to get there.
“In terms of the infrastructure, Cove are in a good position but if they keep climbing, they may need some additional infrastructure to allow more people to come on a Saturday.
“From a playing perspective, they’re in a really good position. While there were a few defeats along the way, Cove were probably the better team in 95% of the games they played last year.
“Even the games they drew or lost, I think they controlled the majority of those games. They’re capable of going on and doing well in League One and the quality of players in the squad will allow them to do that.”
All of Cove’s first-team squad were signed up before the end of the season, with Fraser Fyvie and Jamie Masson the last two players to sign extensions. Ryan Strachan, Harry Milne and Scott Ross all penned new deals during the season.
While Cove hope to add to the squad ahead of the new season, Redford hopes those that got them into League One continue to get their chance.
He added: “There’s certainly no lack of ability among the group that’s there.
“I’m keen to see how they get on in League One – it would be nice if the players that got them up there this season were able to show what they can do in the next league. It may be difficult for the manager (Paul Hartley) to bring in players under the current circumstances, so they may have to go with what they’ve got.
“But it’ll be great to see what they can do together at the next level.”