THE first season of Clacks' newest team didn't end quite the way anyone expected. But, boss Stuart McInnes is convinced strong foundations have been laid ahead of a bright future. 

Sauchie Community FC's maiden campaign was brought to an end last month by the coronavirus outbreak with East Region Junior chiefs later declaring the season null and void when it emerged Scottish football was set for an extended lockdown. 

It brought to an end an encouraging debut for Sauchie's 'feeder team' as McInnes' men finished comfortably mid-table in the Premier League South and heralded the emergence of a host of talented youngsters. 

"It was never going to be about this season for us," McInnes told Advertiser Sport. "It was really about finding our identity, our place, and what we are as a team.

"It did take a few months into the season before we started getting that wee bit of identity and our own personality. We ended up going on a brilliant run and had only lost a few times in the last couple of months before it got declared void.

"It actually came at the wrong time for us! These things are taken out of your hands when things are going on and football does have to take a back seat." 

Whenever football does return, the Wee Sauchie will be playing in a new-look Junior game next season. The vast majority of clubs in the West Region have flocked to join the Senior leagues - much like Sauchie Juniors did in 2018 - whilst several in the East Region have also made the switch. 

It means Junior bosses are having to redraw the body's entire framework, with McInnes' side set to enter into a 'superleague' with the likes of Fauldhouse United and Whitburn Juniors. 

He said: "In my opinion, the league we will be in is stronger than both the Conferences in the East of Scotland.

"Football is changing all the time. Will there be a Junior game in three years time? Who am I to say. I don't know.

"But, the cream of the crop has been left and the journey times are also so much more manageable for us. It makes a lot more sense and keeps the costs down for us." 

Meanwhile, Sauchie Juniors plan to host a bounce match at Beechwood on Saturday, June 20, and are asking for any interested players to get in touch on their social media channels.