New Raith Rovers captain Ross Callachan admits he is dreaming of lifting the League One trophy this season.
The Kirkcaldy outfit begin their competitive campaign in today’s Betfred Cup clash at Dundee United but Rovers’ priority is on bouncing straight back to the Championship following their relegation through the play-offs.
New manager Barry Smith has made it clear to the players that they should be aiming to secure the league title and Callachan, who has taken over the responsibility of wearing the armband from Jason Thomson, would love to lead the club to success.
He said: “I hope we can win the league. There would be nothing better than lifting that trophy at the end of the season. What a season that would be. That’s the aim.
“The manager has brought a positive attitude, everything is positive.
“He’s spoken about winning the league already so it’s in our head and promotion is the main thing.
“He keeps drumming that into us. We’re going out there every Saturday to try and win.
“There’s nothing to fear and he’s drilled that into us.”
Callachan was honoured to be asked to be skipper having joined the club as a 14-year-old.
The 23-year-old added: “It shows that the manager has a lot of trust in me, since he’s come in he’s been really good to me and he’s given me the captaincy, which I’m happy to take on.
“Hopefully I can thrive on it and keep my performance levels high.
“He said he was really happy with what he saw from me, he thought I could be a leader and that it would hopefully push me on to that next level.
“I was 14 when I joined the club so it’s nearly 10 years that I’ve been here.
“I know what this club is all about and I’m proud to wear the armband.
“I see it as a positive and it’s a challenge for me personally.”
An encouraging 3-0 friendly victory over Fife rivals Dunfermline on Monday has ensured Rovers will travel to Tannadice on a high.
Callachan believes the summer arrivals of strikers Liam Buchanan and Greig Spence, who scored a combined 53 goals for Livingston and Alloa respectively last season, also bodes well.
He added: “We’ve signed the two top goal scorers of last season in this league, you can’t ask for two better signings.
“We’ve started really well and hopefully we can keep everyone fit and positive.
“Pre-season has been positive so far, the boys are looking fit and we’re moving the ball really quickly.
“I’m looking forward to the United game. It’s always a tough place to go and they’ve made a few signings so it should be good.”