ADRIAN HANSON says Sauchie Juniors have every chance of competing in the Super League next season after beginning the club's preparations for the new campaign.

Hanson, who was Fraser Duncan's assistant during their successful Premier League title bid, has secured the signatures of several current players and is hoping that more opt to stay at Beechwood Park.

And he is also hoping to add some new faces ahead of the club's first season back in the Super League.

Hanson told Advertiser Sport: "Nine of the current squad have now signed deals for next season. There are definitely few more we are looking to get tied down, and we will be looking to bring in a few more bodies too.

"The step up is going to be difficult for us but the nucleus of a good squad is there already. The boys we have been speaking to have been made well aware of what we are trying to do.

"There are a few guys who have been made offers, and it looks like most of those will come to fruition, but they are wanting a bit of time to consider their options.

"We are hoping people like Brian Morgan will agree to stay. He's the captain of the club, and someone we want to keep. Hopefully, the offer we've made him will see him agree to stay here."

Hanson insisted that although Sauchie are not able to spend like some of their Super League rivals, they can offer what he believes is an unrivalled team spirit.

He said: "Going into the Super League is going to be a massive step up so we will obviously be looking to strengthen.

"We don't have the money to go and spend like some of the bigger clubs so we have to be clever when it comes to the transfer market. We need to bring boys in who have got something to prove and a hunger and desire to go and do well.

"We can't pay the wages other clubs can, and we can't go out and throw a few thousand pounds at a new signing.

"But what we do have is team spirit," he added. "That's absolutely phenomenal.

"There are many clubs in the Super League who couldn't buy that, and when we are talking to players about coming here, that's what we sell to them.

"We want players who want to work their backsides off rather than coming here for the money."

The club have been boosted by the addition of Douglas Todd to the management team, and Hanson reckons his experience will be a huge asset.

He said: "We have brought Dougie into the fold. I've worked with him for many years and he will bring a wealth of experience with him.

"He has played at senior and junior level so that experience is something which will be very valuable.

"We are under no illusions as to how hard it will be for us to compete in the Super League but hopefully Dougie's help will give us a boost."

Sauchie players signed for 2017/18: Darren Dolan, Josh Flood, Stuart McFarlane, Mark Sharp, Benn Hutchison, Steven Higgins, Andy Shirra, David Morrison, Ant McTaggart.