Last season: 4th
Manager: Ian Wilson
In: Paul Mathers ( Dundee ), Kevin Bain ( Brechin City )
Out: Clark, Yeats, King
Two seasons of relative success see the Blue Toon approach their third SFL season with genuine promotion aspirations. Bain looks a great signing, given that he decided to remain a Third Division player, and the club have kept virtually all of their key players, including striker Iain Stewart. Not too many new signings, though. Expect Peterhead to be there or thereabouts again, after just running out of steam last season. One of the most skilled sides in the league last year, and look to have a bit of stability about them.
Prediction: 3rd
Last season: 10th
Coach: John McCormack
In: Damiano Agostini, James Allan and John Gallagher ( East Fife ), Patrick Gallagher ( Stranraer ), Stewart Jack and Gordon Lappin ( Gourock YAC ), Karl Lejman ( Sauchie ), Darren Magee ( Linlithgow Rose ), David Menelaws ( East Stirlingshire ), Steven Moffat ( Arbroath )
Out: Caven ( retiring ), Proudfoot, Mark Gallagher, Cunningham, Kelly, Patterson, Marshall, Collins
Left: new signings, Menelaws ( top ) and Paddy Gallagher
After last season's disaster, it's hard to see Queen's doing as badly again. An appalling start was made, with no wins until November. Matters improved following Christmas ( save for a 6 game losing streak ) and bottom place would have been avoided but for a missed penalty on the last day of the season. A settled side for this season would help; McCormack struggled to find a cohesive unit last season, largely due to a horrendous injury list. Even for the start of this season, at least 4 players will not make the opening game. Finding a regular scorer is a must; John Gemmell has the potential to cause defences all sorts of problems, but just who will partner him isn't entirely clear. Willie Martin, Ross Jackson and the returning Paddy Gallagher are all possibles, but the main man could be David Menelaws, once he has recovered from a broken leg. Young stars Canning and Fisher will be key men and could provide the creative spark, while new signing Allan looks decent, based on the evidence of pre-season games.
At the back, Neil Collins will be missed, but Steven Moffat's signing could well soften the blow, while Damiano Agostini will be looked on to be the rock on which opposing attackers ( hopefully ) will fall.
One improvement on the beginning of last season is the amount of experience within the ranks; last time around, Ross Caven had to come out of retirement to steady the ship, and he was the only player over 24 last August. This season, the club have Magee, John Gallagher, Whelan, Moffat, Allan, Agostini, Menelaws- all of these players have plenty of league experience. Also the youngsters of last season have a full season behind them; the likes of Quinn and Canning played virtually every game and will have improved as a result.
Mistakes in defence must be largely stamped out; the players need to have greater belief in their abilities; the manager has to find a consistent selection; the attackers must be deadlier in front of goal. If Queen's can manage all these things, then the season could be a success. However, don't expect too much ( even though some bookies have us as 4th favourites for the championship ). Well, I nearly got through it without saying us.
Prediction: 7th
Last season: 9th
Player/Coach: Allan Moore
In: George Rowe, Stevie Mallan ( Arbroath ), Mark McNally ( Clydebank ), David McCole, Fraser Duncan ( Ipswich Town ), Steven Nicholas ( Motherwell ), Allan Moore ( Queen of the South )
Out: Williams, Heighton, Edwards, Geraghty, Ross, Henderson, Moriarty, Morrison, McCallion, Kearney
Moore's first managerial post comes this season, with the task of lifting Stirling into a challenging position. Last season's side was simply too young to achieve anything ( albeit the pick of the bunch, Alex Williams, has gone to Morton ). The signing of ex-player Nicholas will excite the fans, and McNally, Rowe and Mallan have been about a bit. But the manager has no previous experience and it remains to be seen if he has what it takes. One thing is for sure: Stirling fans expect, and based on the past, rightly, better than the misery of last season. I would think they might get it.
Prediction: 4th