Preparations for the new campaign are gathering pace at St Andrews United, with new manager Fraser Duncan and his management team working hard to assemble a squad capable of competing at the highest level ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Saints have retained the services of several key players, with Lewis Sawers, Kyle Sneddon and Ryan McManus all committing their futures to the club by signing new deals through to the end of the 2026/27 season. Their experience, quality and leadership provide a strong foundation as preparations continue.

There has also been plenty of fresh talent arriving at The Rec. Goalkeepers Owain Clark and Darren Dolan have strengthened the options between the sticks, while defenders Ryan Shanks, David Cross and Oliver Syme add experience, leadership and competition at the back.

In midfield, Fraser Duncan has added proven quality with the arrivals of Paul Simpson, Danny Smith and Lucas Berry, bringing creativity, energy and versatility to the squad. Up front, Ross Kavanagh’s prolific goalscoring record and the signing of Mark Smith provide further attacking firepower as Saints continue to strengthen.

As part of Lucas Berry’s move from Dundonald Bluebell, David Maskrey and Scott Dunn have departed the club, while everyone at St Andrews United also wishes Tom Milne every success following his deserved move to East Fife after four outstanding years in black and white. Lewis Craik and Lewis Milne also leave the club with our very best wishes for the future

While the squad is taking shape nicely, the work is far from over, with Fraser Duncan and his management team remaining actively in the market as they look to add a few more quality additions before the big kick-off on 25 July.

Speaking about the summer so far, manager Fraser Duncan said:

“We’re really pleased with how the squad is coming together. Retaining the core of the group was a big priority for us, and we’ve added players who not only bring quality but also the right attitude, character and desire to be part of what we’re building here at St Andrews United. We’ve worked hard to create a competitive squad with a good balance of experience and youth, but we’re not finished yet. We’re still actively looking to bring in a few more players who we believe can add even more quality before the season starts.

Pre-season is all about laying the foundations. The games against Oakley United and at the Bo’ness tournament are another opportunity to build fitness, give everyone valuable minutes and continue developing the style of play we want to implement. The players have worked exceptionally hard since coming back, and every session and every match brings us another step closer to being ready for the opening league fixture on 25 July.”

Supporters will have the opportunity to see the squad continue its preparations this week, with the Saints travelling to face Oakley United in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday evening before competing in the Bo’ness tournament over the weekend. At this stage of pre-season, the focus is firmly on building fitness, integrating the new signings and, most importantly, getting valuable minutes into the legs ahead of the competitive campaign.

There is a real sense of optimism around The Clayton Holiday Park Recreation Ground as the new-look Saints continue to take shape. With the squad continuing to evolve and further additions still expected, everyone at St Andrews United is looking forward to the season getting underway on 25 July.