Last season: 6th
Manager: Alex Caldwell
In: Graham Grant ( Buckie Thistle ), Kevin Steele ( Arbroath ), Ryan McMullan ( Albion Rovers ), Chris Love ( Livingston ).
Out: Gilzean, Mailer ( who is retiring ), J. MacDonald ( they are the only ones I am sure of ).
Craig Tully's decision to stay is a real boost for manager Caldwell, who has complained about the lack of cash for transfers, leading to a rebuke from the board. He has brought in some fresh blood however, and has held on to promising striker Ricky James, as well as Tully. After a poor first season ( 10th ) and a respectable second one ( 6th ) in the SFL, the logical step for Elgin would be a promotion challenge. However, I am not convinced that there is enough unity at Borough Briggs, particularly in the relationship between manager and board. Mid to lower table mediocrity again is most likely.
Prediction: 8th
Last season: Played in Unibond League First Division and were elected to SFL to replace Airdrieonians
Manager: Rowan Alexander
In:
Out:
Gretna face their first season in Scottish football since their formation in 1946. Most of last season's squad have no previous Scottish League experience, but there will probably be some new faces before August 3. On that day, Raydale Park will be packed for the match between Gretna and Morton- an historic occasion. Gretna will no doubt receive enthusiastic support for the beginning of their league campaign, but they only have a small catchment area, and whether they will sustain good crowds is debatable. On the pitch, they are obviously an unknown quantity. Promise to be very interesting.
Prediction: 9th
Last season: 5th
Manager: John Sheran
In: Ian Gilzean ( Elgin City ), David Robertson ( Leeds United ), Keith Gibson ( Dundee ), Colin McDonald ( Berwick Rangers ), Chris Webster ( Carnoustie Panmure ).
Out: Butter, Allison, Lowe, Laidlaw, McKellar, Craib
Montrose have progressed over the last year or so, and will be expected to do well. The acquisition of Ian Gilzean appears to be a shrewd one, and the signing of former Rangers defender Robertson is intriguing, albeit he has not played for some time and may work mainly as a coach. Montrose have spent just one season out of the bottom division in the past 10 seasons, but there is a decent chance of this changing.
Prediction: 2nd
Last season: 10th in Second Division and relegated
Manager: Dave McPherson
In: Jani Uotinen, John Maisano ( Marconi Stallions ), Alex Williams ( Stirling Albion )
Out: Kerr, Redmond, Miller, Wright, Gibson, Tweedie, Aitken
After years of turmoil at Cappielow, the Greenock fans will be looking for stability but more importantly, immediate promotion. The team was thrown together last season and failed to gel, resulting in a miserable campaign. This time around, Australian midfielder John Maisano will join up with brother Marco and the duo should provide a skilled and strong midfield. Alex Williams was one of the top scorers in last season's Third Division and could prove a fine signing, with many years ahead of him and knowledge of this level already. They will have to find a consistent and organised line-up, but should be capable of gaining promotion at the least.
Prediction: Champions