The club had hoped that its appeal to the North Region Association against its relegation would be successful, but now the team is coming to terms with starting the season in Division One.

Despite this, United manager, John Gardiner, says he is committed to the club and will help the team battle its way back to the Superleague.
Formartine were celebrating at the end of last season after receiving a reprieve from relegation.

An 11th-hour ruling meant that the club kept its Superleague status because the promotion candidates did not meet the strict stadium requirements.

However, just weeks later the team was left reeling after being told it would be likely it would be relegated after all when an appeal by Lewis United to the Scottish Junior Football Association was upheld.
Now the team is determined to work hard in order to take its place in the top flight again.

Gardiner told the Times: "We need to roll up our sleeves and get back to the Superleague. It's disappointing for the club of our stature. The club is big enough and we will reassess things."

Mr Gardiner took over the helm at United just a few months ago, but says the downturn in the club's fortunes has not discouraged him. He said: "I've given a commitment to the chairman, I will be staying. I'm not one to jump ship – it was my decision to come here."

He added: "Playing in Division One has a huge impact on things for us. It has affected the players coming into the club, the ones we earmarked to play for us don't want to come and play at this level.

"We have made one or two signings this summer and we have signed some from the under-19's – perhaps they'll get their opportunity to play quicker than they think."

United finished second bottom in the Superleague after a poor league campaign.

The team played its last game of the season away to Sunnybank on May 20, just days after believing it had escaped relegation.

The Pitmedden side is now playing its Grill Cup fixtures before the new season kicks off in two weeks time.