Having lost stalwarts such as Jamie McKernon and Cammy Marlow to Queens Park, and the likes of Alain Kinney to Renfrew, with Mick Wardrope going back to Ayr United after a loan spell, there was a bit of rebuilding to be done with the gaffer bringing in some new blood.

He said: “Ally Park joins us from Talbot, a local lad who knows what the club is all about and is up there with the best, while we have signed Kilbirnie captain Chris Malone a left-sided midfielder who can fill in at full back, and Mick McCann who we got from Troon has an eye for goal.

“John Paul Boyle, who was with us before, adds to our options up front and gives us something a little bit different, and we have brought Craig McGuffie back in on loan from Ayr United, for the whole season this time — I have high hopes for Craig, he is an exciting prospect.” Off the park is looking good for the future as well, according to McEwan, who spoke of the plans to build modern facilities for people living in the New Cumnock area.

“We have a vision which is community-orientated and we are getting people involved, but we have to hit the ground running,” he said.

“There is a big togetherness at the club, and our target is to be at the top end of the table, We have never finished higher than fourth but we are under no illusions.

“Some clubs are spending big but we find that is not sustainable. We will not live above our means as it is all about getting the right people in, rather than those that cost the most.

“That applies to my coaching staff. Craig Potter becomes assistant manager after Steve Kerrigan left due to family circumstances, and we have brought in ex-Partick Thistle and St Mirren striker Robert Dunn as player/coach. We are doing things the right way but there will be no easy games.”