Kelty Hearts: Michael Tidser discusses pre-season and signings

The 34-year-old has overseen a busy summer at New Central Park, having so far brought in six new faces, as well as Brody Paterson, who spent the latter part of the previous campaign on loan from Hartlepool United, whilst tying down Tam O'Ware, Billy Owens and Ross Cunningham on new deals.

He has, however, lost captain Reece Lyon, goalkeepers Kyle Gourlay and Liam Campbell, and the experienced and versatile Stefan McCluskey.

Tidser, who will lead his side into their first Premier Sports Cup, Group C match at Elgin City on Tuesday night, told Press Sport: "I actually find it harder this year, which is ironic because it was a bit of a whirlwind last season, just in terms of trying to get players.

"It's different now. Football's changed - boys will hang off now, and hang off and hang off, whereas, and I can only speak for myself, but if I got a good contract or something I was happy with, I just signed it. That was it.

"I knew where my future lay, but now boys muck about a wee bit to be perfectly honest with you, and it's their choice.

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"You get player power, you get club power, and it kind of chops and changes, but I'm happy with the boys I've brought in.

Michael Tidser is happy with the players he's brought in so far to Kelty Hearts. (Image: David Wardle.)

"As I say, I know I need to bring a bit of experience in, and quality. I need to bring boys in that are going to start games for me.

"I've got a few lined up.

"I think you need to keep a core of the squad as well because having a big turnover is difficult.

"We've brought a few more younger lads in with energy because I knew we would need to strengthen, but we'll be fine.

"You've got your loan boys as well. The loan market's open until September I think it is, so there's a long time.

"We done well with the loans last year. It doesn't always work, but with (Alfie) Bavidge, (Lewis) O'Donnell, Reuben McAllister, they all came in and added quality, so it'll be no different this year.

"I'm looking forward to getting the squad settled and getting a real intensity in training, because it's hard just now with trialists and there's a lot of running.

"We'll be fine.

"I'm enjoying it. I love it here and I'm just looking forward to the season starting off."

On those who have left the club, Tidser described them as "big personalities" who would "lead", adding: "Obviously, Reece was my captain towards the end of the season, Kyle was always vocal, and always spoke sense when it came to football, and Stef's been through the leagues before.

"But that's football, these things happen - we move on. Whether that's financial reasons, whether they want to do something different - most clubs will be the same. You get a lot of different chopping and changing as each season goes by.

"It's difficult but I'm more than confident I can bring in the quality that we need, and take it from there going into the cup games."