New Rothes manager Steven MacDonald and his assistant Grant Munro will not restrict their player search to Inverness.
The Speysiders’ manager is keen for his club to retain its identity, but will cast his net far and wide in the search for recruits.
MacDonald said: “I have already spoken to four players from the Elgin area in the last couple of days for starters.
“I know the way it works. Supporters want their team to be doing well and winning, but it is also important clubs keep an identity. Rothes are a Speyside club, there are a lot of good people around the club, and they want the best for their team.
“I told the players in training that if they want to be here then they had to start proving it in terms of effort they are working as hard as they can. We know the quality just isn’t there at the moment, and if we can get players in it will make them better.”
Rothes went down 2-1 at Clachacuddin on Saturday but MacDonald was heartened by the second-half performance, and added: “They worked their socks off and did what we asked them to do, that’s all we can ask of them at this stage.
“We can improve the team by spending more time on the training ground, we’ve only had the one session with them so far, but we also know the squad needs help as well by bringing in new players. I think that would also give those already here a lift.
“We are looking around to strengthen the squad but Saturday’s game was good as it gave Grant Munro and myself a chance to have a look at everyone. We know that there is a lot of hard work ahead, but we are looking forward to it as we know what needs to be done to turn things around.
“Grant will start training again to build up his fitness while Nathan Sharp, who has been a big help to myself and Grant since we’ve come in, is going to stay on until the end of the season at least.
“He will also help out with the coaching.”