THE ambition and forward thinking of Crossgates Primrose's committee were the driving forces behind new manager Alan Campbell taking on the role.

And while he is part of a famous local footballing family, he and brother Ally are determined to carve out their own reputations within the game by leading the Humbug Park outfit to brighter days.

After Primrose parted company with Andy Brown towards the end of the last season, Alan – who had been in charge of Cowdenbeath amateur side Hearts of Beath – was appointed into the role.

He quickly installed Ally as his number two and a former Primrose player/coach, Graeme Sawers, as a coach forming a new-look management team that can call on considerable experience for advice.

The brothers' dad is former Pars and Cowdenbeath player and coach Ian Campbell, who continues to work alongside his twin brother Dick in the dugout, currently at SPFL League One outfit Arbroath.

Speaking to Times Sport, Alan said: "Obviously we can tap into that (their family's football knowledge) but it's about us being our own guys. I had three years at Hearts of Beath where I've served my apprenticeship; I love coaching and the opportunity to step up into the juniors was something I fancied.

"It's a huge commitment but we're football guys and Saturday has always been about football. The guys at the club are really ambitious and convinced me to take it on; they're ambitious and forward-thinking."

He added: "We are cautiously optimistic but it's a completely new team and regime.

"We need to manage expectations; the club have struggled for the last 10-15 years so we need to be realistic. I'm not sure what the overall quality of the league will be like, particularly teams from over the water, so we need to do our homework.

"A good start is the most important thing but it will be a bit of a learning curve."

Primrose finished 12th in the South Division last season and have revamped their squad during the summer, bringing in players of the calibre of ex-Cowden midfielder Mark Ramsay, former Lochgelly Albert and Oakley United forward Andy Watt and Hill of Beath Hawthorn midfielder Dale Allan.

Alan continued: "It's important to have a blend of youth and experience. We've signed about 19 players and 9-10 of those are experienced guys, which I think you need at junior level.

"The guys we've brought in will help the young ones but they also need that youthful exuberance around them too.

"The first six games will tell us where we are and, if we can improve on last season, I'll be delighted. I'm looking forward to it."