Brooks Mileson (right) was a relieved man after Saturday

"We have been tracking players since August last year," he told BBC Sport.

"Under Mick Wadsworth, we have put in a tremendous scouting programme and been watching four or five games a week.

"Mick knows the kind of players we are looking for. He's identified players we want to go for and no doubt he will be going into overdrive now."

Multi-millionaire Mileson's money has allowed Gretna to match the wages of some clubs within the Scottish Premier League as his club has advanced from Division Three to the top flight in three straight seasons.

But Gretna slimmed down their operations midway through the season, leading to speculation that he would not bankroll the club for much longer.

I've not sat down yet with Rowan, so I don't know how well he has recovered from his illness Brooks Mileson

"I've not got the slightest doubt that you will see new players at Raydale over the summer," said the owner.

"We have not put all this work in for nothing.

"We are there earlier than we thought and there's an awful lot of work to do.

"But it's all about building a team to stay in the Premiership."

However, it remains unclear who will be manager come the new season.

Rowan Alexander was given time off in March to recover from an unspecified illness.

Assistant David Irons took the helm as Gretna almost let a 12-point lead slip.

Irons led the side to the title and promotion on the final day of the season, but Alexander was in the crowd and told BBC Sport he hopes to be back in charge next term.

Meanwhile, speculation has linked director of club development Wadsworth with the manager's job.

"I've not sat down yet with Rowan, so I don't know how well he has recovered from his illness," insisted Mileson.

The owner again stressed that he would not discuss the details of Alexander's illness in public.

Mileson has also had his health problems this season and admitted that the stress of the last-gasp victory over Ross County in Dingwall had left him "shattered".

"The journey up there took an awful lot out me," he said.

"Of course, the way the game went did not make me feel good either.

"But, typical Gretna, we always have a script, always have a lot of drama."