Taking over the reins from the outgoing Bill McDonald, Cashmore has moved to strengthen the squad and has added Spanish under-19 prop Alberto Figueroa to the ranks as well as re-signing Stuart Ross following a spell at Hillhead.

He told Advertiser Sport: “The squad is shaping up well, it could be better but on the other hand it could be an awful lot worse.

“We are still waiting on some guys to come back from holiday but there is a long time yet until the competitive season gets itself underway — our first game isn’t until September 14.

“We have managed to snap up Albert Figueroa, who is an internationalist at Spanish under-19 level, and also a few of the navy boys. We have also welcomed back Stuart Hall who had a six year spell captaining Hillhead.

“Albert just kind of turned up and we were more than happy to welcome him on board.” Looking ahead to the season Cashmore insists he is happy with how preparations are taking shape.

Numbers at training are starting to increase as part of the bond with Loch Lomond and Cashmore believes that link-up will benefit both clubs.

He added: “The partnership makes a lot of sense for both clubs.

“Loch Lomond have struggled recently and last season Bill McDonald was turning up at training with less than half a dozen bodies to work with so this will hopefully help both clubs.

“We will concentrate on getting both Helensburgh and Loch Lomond first sides out.

“Last year Loch Lomond didn’t have enough to field a seconds so this year we will be fielding a mixed side in a bid to get the competition for places increased.”