THE serious business of bringing Benburb back from the dead is up and running ... to the delight of long-serving boss Frank Lovering.

Bens were teetering on the very brink of oblivion at the end of last season after they were relegated the Central District Second Division.

Years of stoically attempting to keep the famous 109-year-old Govan club's head above water with only a handful of committee men to help out had taken its toll on the seasoned gaffer's reserves of energy.

He won't like it said, but local businessman Lovering was also considerably out of pocket from constantly digging deep whenever monies were needed for the basic essentials involved in running a football club.

But all his best efforts were failing to stem the tide and matters degenerated to the extent that a lack of available players led to the Bens lining up in their Citylink Scottish Junior Cup third round contest away to Newtongrange Star with only 10 men.

Not surprisingly, they lost that game 2-0 and, when relegation turned out to be their end-of-season fate, Frank was hardly thrilled at the prospect of another losing battle, struggling to make ends meet at the bottom of the West Region pile.

Yet there had been an astonishing change to his demeanour this week as he was brimming over with enthusiasm and strongly hinting that exciting times are in the offing at Tinto Park.

Appointing a new backroom team in the shape of ex-Glenafton No.2 Stevie Brown, former Maryhill coach Bobby McCracken and one-time Clydebank and Morton player Gerry Ronald has undoubtedly helped to galvanise his spirits.

A clutch of new committee men coming on board has also worked wonders, not least of all from their willing labours that have spruced up the sparse Tinto pitch and surroundings as well as giving an impressive makeover to the dressing rooms and pavilion.

But topping everything off as far as Frank is concerned was the sight of over 25 players throwing themselves into pre-season training which got underway last week.

He said: "Things are looking up at long last and there are genuine seeds for optimism going forward.

"The injection of fresh blood and ideas from Stevie, Bobby and Gerry has been the ideal fillip for me while I cannot praise the new lads on the committee highly enough.

"Going down a division was a blow but I'm making no excuses as the league table does not lie.

"However, even at this early stage there are signs we might bounce straight back up ... and with a much stronger set-up this time.

"I've kept the nucleus of last season's squad, while the likes of Kevin Ford has returned after a spell away, so it will be interesting to see how these more experienced lads cope with the increased competition for the jerseys.

"Yet though happy with numbers on the playing front, we must always look to improve so, if there are any players out there unable to get fixed up with a club, then they can get in touch with me on 07983 512234."

Vastly experienced coach Brown is equally full of enthusiasm after a couple of training sessions.

He said: "It's so refreshing to be working with players who are in it for the sheer love of the game and nothing else.

"Nobody here is paid a penny yet the commitment and work ethic is second to none so I'm feeling confident we will be putting out a team worthy of Benburb's great history.

"I don't want to mention names and put any added pressure on individuals, but first impressions are that we have a few gems among the many amateur players training with us who could easily play at a higher level.

"Frank was obviously in need of a helping hand and we're only too willing to pitch in as Benburb is a club on our doorstep.

"The challenge of bringing back the good times is one we are all looking forward to taking on." West of Scotland Cup . . . holders happy to be at home

WEST of Scotland Cup holders Beith will begin the defence of their trophy with a home game against Thorniewood United.

Beaten finalists Auchinleck Talbot will welcome Blantyre Vics to Beechwood Park.

Bellshill Athletic entertaining relegated Cumnock is arguably the plum tie, however a couple of derby matches sure to whet the appetites of supporters are Port Glasgow v Greenock and Johnstone Burgh v Arthurlie.

First round draw: Ardeer Thistle v Dalry Thistle, Auchinleck Talbot v Blantyre Vics, Beith v Thorniewood Utd, Bellshill Athletic v Cumnock, Carluke Rovers v Pollok, Clydebank v Forth Wanderers, Cumbernauld Utd v Neilston, Darvel v Irvine Meadow, East Kilbride Thistle v Kilwinning Rangers, Girvan v Cambuslang Rangers, Irvine Vics v Muirkirk, Johnstone Burgh v Arthurlie, Kello Rovers v Larkhall Thistle, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Royal Albert, Rob Roy v Vale of Leven, Lanark Utd v Annbank Utd, Largs Thistle v Dunipace, Lesmahagow v Kilsyth Rangers, Lugar Boswell v Benburb, Maryhill v Rutherglen Glencairn, Maybole v Yoker, Newmains Utd v Ashfield, Petershill v Hurlford Utd, Port Glasgow v Greenock, Saltcoats Vics v Glasgow Perthshire, Shettleston v Craigmark, St Anthony's v Shotts Bon Accord, St Roch's v Whitletts Vics, Troon v Renfrew, Vale of Clyde v Glenafton, Wishaw v Ardrossan Winton Rovers. This week's gathering of West Region clubs also saw representatives agree to starting the new season earlier than usual, on Wednesday, July 29.

A motion to put Saturday kick-off times back by 30 minutes to 2.30pm was defeated by just three votes.