Haddington co-boss Twaddle challenges players to prove themselves

Haddington Athletic co-manager Kevin Twaddle isn't expecting their Premier League campaign to be plain sailing.

Kevin Twaddle will miss Haddington's opener against Forfar

Twaddle was appointed alongside former Ormiston boss Brian Johnston as the Hi-Hi’s new management duo at the start of July, but he’ll miss their season opener at home to Forfar West End tomorrow having jetted out to Portugal on Thursday for a family holiday.

The former Hearts winger, back in football after an 18-month break since he left his post as Lothian Thistle boss, admits preparation for the new campaign hasn’t been ideal.

“I’m delighted to be here with Brian and we’ve got Craig [Yuill] coaching with us as well. It’s not what we expected when we went in. Johnny [Harvey, former boss] has come in and took a right few boys over to Penicuik so it’s left us a wee bit shorter than what we’d like to be,” said Twaddle.

“I think this season will be a tough season. We’ll be looking for progress as the season goes on bringing other players in, players that I want to bring in that would add massively quality. Coming in that wee bit later hasn’t been ideal because players are already signed, but hopefully as the season goes on and boys maybe aren’t playing at clubs, I’ll get the opportunity to bring in some good quality.”

Twaddle has challenged the existing players to prove that they are worthy of a place at the club, although he recognises their start to the season could not be any more difficult.

He added: “The boys are getting the opportunities to show that they are good enough to be at the club and that they are willing to fight for me and Brian. If they aren’t willing to buy into it, I’ll just bring other people in. It’s up to them to prove themselves.

“We’ve got a really tough start to the season. Being realistic, if we can do well in our home games and maybe pick up a point here or there away from home, we’ll be doing well.”