The Energy assets Arena has been a hive of activity this week as the long summer break starts drawing to its end.

And few will be happier to see the start of the new season than manager John McGlynn.

John spoke to the website this evening after a long day which, among other things, saw the Lions triumph in an afternoon bounce match in Stirling.  And this return to action has clearly invigorated his preparations for the exciting season ahead.

“Our new signings have settled in really well and a great team spirit is already forming” he said.  “I would like to apologise to the supporters for the delay in announcing everything, however time constraints and administrative protocol really slowed everything down for much longer than expected. But happily things are finally moving now.

“The new lads bring a healthy mix of youth and experience to the club, with David Robertson’s long playing history and of course Declan Gallagher being a pivotal part of Dundee’s Championship title wining side last season.”

Some of the other faces may be less well known to the supporters, so John was keen to enthuse about what they will bring to his squad.

“Brad Donaldson was very highly regarded by many and he impressed me when I took him here on trial from Hibs.  He’s young but is tall, athletic and has bags of potential.  He’s a great attacking full back.

“Rob Ogleby came from Wrexham but already has experience of the Scottish game through his time at Hearts. In fact it was former Lions manager John Robertson who tipped me off that he was available. Rob had a few offers down south, but the dynamic of this year’s SPFL Championship won him over. He’s very pacey and that will be important this year.

“I was looking for another striker and Jordan White impressed me when he came to train with us.  He’s filled out well and is a different sort of striker from Rob, which will add variety to the forward line.”

Coming in from the Junior ranks, Michael McKenna is the least well know of the six, but he’s no stranger to McGlynn.  “I’ve known Michael for a long time, though he’s been a late developer” he said. “I almost signed him in January but decided to leave it till now instead.  He’s a naturally wide attacking player, strong, powerful and very quick.  In fact he was a Scottish Junior Internationalist last season when at Musselburgh Athletic.”

But the gaffer is not finished yet as he revealed his plans to bolster the squad further still.  “I’m very excited with the new signings but I still hope to bring in another 1 or 2 yet.  We have a couple of other players training with us at the moment, so I’m watching them closely.”

The five upcoming preseason friendlies will give all the squad a chance to bed-in, though for certain players these games are off the radar for now.

“Keighan Jacobs actually fractured his leg in the last game of the season against Raith Rovers” John admitted. “But he saw a specialist today and he was very pleased at Keags’ progress.  We’re not going to rush him, but hopefully he’ll be ready in time for our opener in Dumfries.”

Also on the injured list are skipper Simon Mensing and keeper Kevin Walker.  “Simon’s cruciate injury wasn’t as bad as first feared, and happily he didn’t require an operation.  Kevin’s carrying a niggling injury from last season, but both players are working daily with physio Andy MacKenzie, so we’ll hopefully see them back in action sooner rather than later.”

And while he was clearly brimming with excitement with his new squad, John left his last thoughts for the supporters.  “The season ticket response has been fantastic and I’m very grateful to everyone for staying loyal to the club.

“I know there was the mix-up which saw some fans moved from their normal seats, and we’re really sorry for that. But the value for money is undeniable when you consider which clubs will be coming to play us here at the stadium.  We hope more fans decide to take up this fantastic offer as the opening day draws nearer.”