Raith Rovers returned to preseason training on Tuesday ready to begin the hard work ahead of their return to the First Division — but without a full compliment of players.
John McGlynn's incomplete squad, minus the still undecided Marvin Andrews and short on strikers, were put through their paces at Hearts training academy in Edinburgh.
Andrews returned from international action with Trinidad and Tobago last week but has yet to inform Raith of his intentions for next season.
Rovers fans face a nervous wait while the experienced defender, who earned his 100th cap for his country in the recent World Cup qualifers, decides his future.
McGlynn told SportsPress: "In an ideal world you'd have your whole squad together on the first night back, but that's not the case.
"Marvin's been playing games later, and at a higher calibre, so I don't have a problem from a fitness aspect.
"The problem is if Marvin doesn't sign we'll then have to pick up the pieces and try to get others. The longer that goes, the less options there will be available to us.
"However, Marvin would be such a key member on and off the pitch that I have to give him as much time as possible."
While the uncertainty over Andrews rages on, SportsPress understands that freed Dunfermline winger Iain Williamson is likely to be unveiled as the club's latest signing next week.
Williamson, who spent the last few months of last season on loan at Stark's Park, is expected to join Rovers for preseason training once he recovers from an illness.
However, the search for a striker to create competition for Graham Weir and Gregory Tade has hit a brick wall.
"We're still looking, but I don't see anything happening immediately," McGlynn said.
"I'm more or less resigned that I'm going to have to get someone on loan because from what is out there, and there is a lot of players out there, I don't see the type of player that I'm specifically looking for.
"All the First Division managers are looking for the same type of player and we're all struggling to find him.
"We've been fairly lucky with players who've come in on loan and did a very good job for us. Hopefully we can continue on that.
"We're still looking for someone who could become available and sign as a Raith player but there's nothing jumping out at me that I desperately want."
Rovers players were put through a series of scientific tests on Tuesday night to assess their fitness levels after their summer break.
"A lot of hard work is required in the next month to get the players up to peak fitness," McGlynn stressed.
"Then we've got the friendlies that should get the players up to match fitness level, ready to hit the ground running on July 25 when we play Stirling Albion.
"Being extremely fit and well organised will be key to how we go about this season. I've always put across a high work ethic and next year will be no different."
McGlynn, meanwhile, was left dismayed by the fixture release last week which shows Rovers as the only championship-winning side in the country not to unfurl their league flag at home on the opening day of next season.
The Kirkcaldy side will instead start their First Division campaign away from home at Queen of the South on August 2.
"It was a kick in the teeth," he said.
"I'm very surprised and disappointed, but like everything else we have to accept it, get our mind round it, and realise we'll do it the following week against Dundee.
"It's up to us to go down to Palmerston and bring some points back to Stark's Park for the first home game."