SAUCHIE JUNIORS are preparing to rip up their squad and start again with a number of players on the verge of leaving the Wee County side.

Advertiser Sport understands a list will be drawn up this week by co-managers Darren Cummings and Darren Petrie with up to seven squad members to be told they have no future at Beechwood Park.

The drastic action comes after the Reds were humbled 4-0 by East of Scotland Conference B side Edinburgh United to make it one win in just nine games.

It is understood the list will comprise mostly of players brought to the club by Martin Mooney in the summer.

The former East Stirlingshire assistant is currently on temporary leave for personal reasons, but overhauled the Sauchie squad as he delved into his Shire contact book to bring in the likes of Graeme McGregor, David McCaughie, and Kris Faulds.

The co-managers are also understood to have drawn up a list of targets they hope to bring to the Wee County before the end of the month.

"There's players in that dressing room who are not good enough," Cummings told Advertiser Sport. "Whether they like it or not.

"Darren and I will be bringing in players with a bit more quality. Not even that, but just a bit more heart and desire.

"This is a tough league and you can't sit and feel sorry for yourself.

"Darren and I met Saturday after the game and began to write down a list of players we are going to release.

"We've brought in one or two and the rest Martin brought in, but we've looked round about and they are just not good enough."

Cummings continued: "I've been here 12 years at Sauchie and it is hurting me.

"It is difficult, especially for us not being the gaffer and some of those boys are Martin's players, and we don't think we have the respect of the players.

"This run comes from the start of the season and I don't want to put all the blame on that, but the disorganisation and discontent has transferred right to here."

Sauchie's miserable run of form continued in the capital as they were knocked out of the Alex Jack Cup.

The Reds started the game strongly, but buckled as soon as Stewart Houston conceded a first-half penalty.

The 4-0 scoreline did flatter the hosts, however, with two late goals, including a 60 yards effort which was misjudged by Brett Young, adding some gloss to the result.

Cummings continued: "We started the first ten minutes really well and we were really hungry and going after the game.

"But then Stewarty gave away a penalty and after that we lost our shape and lost our discipline and never really looked like scoring.

"It was the most deflated I have ever felt after a game of football. We've come up against some good teams this year and we've put up a fight and been unlucky.

"There was no passion, hunger, or desire. Everything you want from your team was missing."

Sauchie host Jeanfield Swifts from 2.30pm on Saturday as they look to finally claim their first league win of the season.