Clydebank boss Kieran McAnespie has revealed he hopes to keep most of his squad together as he prepares for next season.

The club last week announced that Jamie Darroch, Chris Black, Andy Paterson and Chris Dooley have signed one year contract extensions, keeping them with the club until the end of next season.

They join Jordan Shelvey, Steven Higgins and Cammy McClair who had already put pen to paper on extended deals.

But the Bankies boss confirmed midfielder Reece Pearson has been released, with several first team players yet to accept contract offers.

He said: “We’ve spoken to all the boys now and the majority of them are staying. I’ve spoken to Reece Pearson who will be leaving us and Josh Watt is going to take some time over his decision.

“We’re looking at strengthening the squad with a bit more quality, particularly giving more depth to the defence and midfield.

“Football is just all about timing, and Marc Waters is one who would like an opportunity to go back senior but he’s under no illusion he needs to make the right decision and he’s been honest with that.”

Clydebank ended the season in tenth spot - one place above the play off spots - and McAnespie admits he will take time to analyse his own performance in his first full season in charge.

He added: “There have been a lot of positives with a hell of a lot of negatives in there. It was my first season, so I’ve been learning all the time and it’s good to have Marco (assistant manager Marc McCulloch) standing beside me. He’s been through it with Stirling Albion, and he recognises things I’ve not seen.

“I’ll sit down over the next week or two and reflect on my own personal performance, but it’s been eventful and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I feel really comfortable in the role but I know I’m not opposed to going out my comfort zone to make big decisions and it’s good that Marco challenges each one. Over the piece, it’s been successful. Our aim was to say in the league, and we’ve proved we’re more than capable of performing against the top teams. It’s just finding a level of consistency, which is a mindset.

“The biggest challenge for me next season will be challenging that mindset and seeing whether it’s a training, educational or a one-to-one situation. If we do that, we’ve got a really good chance of doing well.”