PARS chairman Ross McArthur has admitted that the club have found recruiting players challenging but has urged supporters to remain patient.

In an update to fans that was published on the club's website, he suggested that boss Allan Johnston was targeting players that are under contract with other teams, which brought "a multitude of issues" in attempting to tie up deals.

McArthur said that it was "all but impossible" to have a completed squad in place by the beginning of pre-season while attempting to secure the best value, and said: "Like many other clubs, the current transfer window is proving to be another challenge as we look to try and obtain the best available players we can, within our working budget.

"With the new season starting so early now, it means bringing in all of the players we would ideally like, early enough for pre-season, is all but impossible nowadays unless you are willing to sacrifice the quality of your recruitment. Allan has said many times that better players will look at all their options and strive to play at the highest level they can, and although DAFC is still perceived as a big club, as a consequence of where we are, we do need to show willingness and patience to attract players.

"We are working hard to try and make things happen, but when players are under contract to other clubs there are a multitude of issues that you are faced with, as the other club might have to bring in a replacement before they allow the player to move, make some form of settlement or decide if a player will be allowed to go out on loan, and to what level.

"That is the nature of the marketplace so you cannot become frustrated; you simply just have to remain resilient and patient."

McArthur, who added that season ticket sales of more than 2,500 were only "marginally down" on last season and hoped they would reach 3,000 by the start of the league campaign, added: "In the meantime, can I ask that all supporters remain patient, and continue to get behind the club, because as I can continually highlight, the key to success has been everyone pulling in the same direction, and we need to keep the positivity and momentum going once again into the new season."