Drumchapel United manager Adam Hopes admits his main goal for the next 10 months is to take his team to the promised land of the Premier League come May. 

The Drum were right in the thick of the title chase last term up until April when a poor run of form saw them lose momentum and ground on the teams above them, finishing fourth, four points behind Benburb in the last promotion place.

A fairytale run to the Scottish Cup fourth round and a South Challenge Cup final appearance in a 2-1 loss to SPFL new boys Spartans means overall, it was a season of progress for the Donald Dewar Centre side. 

But for boss Hopes, the 2023/24 season is all about taking that next step and claiming promotion to the top tier of the WoSFL.

Speaking exclusively to the Clydebank Post, he said: “The objective here is just to win as many games as possible, and if we can do that then I’m sure promotion should be well within our sight.

“The main objective is to get into the Premier League for next season.”

United start off with a home match against Neilston, a team they won 3-0 against at home last year before losing 1-0 at their patch.

“The squad is looking strong, and we are looking forward to getting underway against Neilston on Saturday, which I am sure will be a tough game as will most games this season," the gaffer continued.

“But I am really looking forward to the new season.”

Hopes is delighted to have held on to no fewer than 17 of last season's team and added five new faces to the squad in the form of Mark McNiff, David Hopkirk, Robbie Young, Jordan Love and James Marks.

And the manager promised fans he has a better team than last year.

He finished: “If the new signings hit the ground running, which I am very confident that they will, then we will have a stronger squad for them to support on a week-to-week basis.

“Hopefully we can deliver their main objective and our main objective, which is to get to the Premier League.”