This season Dumbarton face an increased challenge with Rangers, Hearts and Hibs all joining the league.

As well as the three new teams, a number of others, including Falkirk, Livingston and Raith Rovers have been able to strengthen their squads based on the guaranteed rise of income set to be generated by the visits from the three giants.

While the clubs with large stadiums stand to make significant financial gains from the boost to crowds, Dumbarton will not benefit quite so much due to the lower capacity of the Bet Butler Stadium, however, manager Ian Murray has still made a number of shrewd additions to his squad.

Fleming said: “The big crowds are going to help clubs and Raith have added some good players with Christian Nade up front and Ross Perry at centre half.

“But I thought we matched them on Saturday and we could have won it.

“In the first half I thought we were the better team but in the second half they got the first goal and then we had to go and chase the game.

“This season every week is going to be tough but we have the squad to deal with it.” While others have been able to spend big, Ian Murray has quietly gone about his business, adding experience to his squad in the shape of David Van Zanten and Lee Mair, while Danny Rogers, Scott Taggart and Archie Campbell will all increase competition for places.

Fleming continued: “The gaffer has brought in a lot of experience and we now have a big squad that can deal with it.

“The size of the squad means we can now rotate the team which will help this season.

“Everyone wants to start and I know I have to just work hard in training and take my chance when it comes.” Turn to pages 38 and 39 for a full match report from Kirkcaldy.