| OH HAMPDEN IN THE SUN SEASON 2003/04 PREVIEW |
| The beginning to the new league season is only a matter of days away, but thank God it's back. Last season gave us an incredibly tight table and an exciting run in, which, unfortunately, Queen's Park had nothing to do with. Still, there is reason for more hope this term with Brannigan bringing in some quality players in the close season. In this special edition I will give my verdict on the ten clubs fighting for supremacy this season. |
| ALBION ROVERS Ah, Rovers, one of the main reasons we love this division so much. To be fair, they were very unlucky last season, losing on the last day, but their inability to win games against the lesser teams in the league certainly hindered their chances. This season will be a big one for the management team of Peter Hetherston and Jock McStay as they will need to raise spirits again at the club after two heartbreaking ends to the last two seasons. Manager: Peter Hetherston - Although he is the man everyone loves to hate, we really need to give the devil ( yea, that's right ) his due. Last season Rovers were playing good, to-the-point football and they managed to score some big results against champions Morton. This was a lot to do with the quality squad that they had, but with some of those players already gone, it remains to be seen whether Peter can do just as well this time around. Top Players Mark Yardley: Often laughed at for this size, Mark is certainly no joker on the field, with an incredible eye for goal and a great knowledge of the game. His possesses a strong and accurate shot and seems to be always there when he is needed. His signing was probably the most shrewd of last season and if Mark finishes his career in Coatbridge, the team will be better off because of this. Jered Stirling: A great striker of the ball, Jered is one of Rovers' most valuable players. He is always a danger at free-kicks and corner scenarios. Approaching his prime, Jered will be a real threat to defences this season. Excitement Rating: You kidding me? This is one of the biggest rivalries in the league, . Especially at Cliftonhill, these games are highly charged with Queen's always taking a large travelling support - ***** What do they have to do for success?: Rovers need to win against all teams in the league and not just the big guns. Prediction: 3rd |
| COWDENBEATH It is always assumed that the team relegated will do better in the lower league, but with a poor support and general lack of interest surrounding the club, I can't see the Blue Brazil doing well this season. Manager: Keith Wright - A young manager, still learning the game, has done reasonably well at Cowdenbeath, but couldn't stop them from plummeting to the Third. He was promoted from player to manager and must be given a fair chance by the fans and the board. Top Players Graeme Brown: For such a young player, Brown is already a Cowdenbeath main-stay, having played over 200 games for the club. He is certainly one of the most promising players at the club and could earn a move to a bigger club if he does well this season. Craig Winter: Like Brown, he is a real fan favourite at the club and has vast playing experience at the club, playing for nine years. The main workhorse of the team, Winter controls the play from central midfield. Excitement Rating: Queen's have fond memories at Central Park despite it being a little rough round the edges. Queen's should bring a good support to Central Park and will contribute well to the atmosphere. ** What do they have do to for success? Cowdenbeath must try and hang on to their best players and retain a respectable league position this season if they don't want to get stuck in a rut in coming seasons. Prediction: 8th |
| EAST STIRLINGSHIRE Very little can be said about 'Shire with their lack of squad changes in pre-season, dire support and terrible league showing last season. The loyal fans have put their trust in a chairman who has simply failed to deliver on his promises, appointing a sub-standard manager, providing no cash for wages ( tenner a week stuff ) and bringing in very few players. Manager: Steven Morrison - He must have the most unenviable task in Scottish football, but with Alec Cleland as assistant, maybe Shire can iron out the defensive problems which plagued them dreadfully last season. Top Players Chris Baldwin: A promising young winger, he possesses the ability to beat players on the left hand side. Kevin McCann: Possibly the most experienced player at the club, he has a good grounding, coming from Dumbarton and also playing for Partick Thistle. Excitement Rating: Firs Park is a graveyard in football terms with very fews ever bothering to turn up in the fear of experiecing another crushing disappointment. Still, not being too far away will encourage a good number of Queen's fans to travel and help fill the Shire coffers. ** What do they have to do for success?: Of course, anything above 10th will be a major achievement for the club, and to improve on that they will have to sign some experienced players to help out the kids that are being slaughtered every Saturday. However, 'Shire are very much the lepers of the league and it's not likely many players will go for a place in the shop window. The exception, of course, being Dylan Kerr ... and we know how that turned out ... Prediction: 10th |
| ELGIN CITY Last season, Elgin proved themselves to be a below average outfit, failing to score goals and put on matches worth watching. However, over the summer manager David Robertson realised the lack of creativity in the team and brought in some quality players. It remains to be seen if Elgin can do anything with these signings, but if interest around the town increases perhaps they will have more effect on the league in coming seasons. For now, though, Elgin can't expect instant success and will do well if they can improve on last season's dreadful 9th place finish. Manager: David Robertson - The ex-Rangers and Leeds defender in his first managerial job has a tall order to improve his team, but the pressure for success is hardly high either. Over the summer, the club made some money available ( out of Robertson's pocket? ) and Roberston made some shrewd signings in the capture of Willie Martin and Jamie White from Queen's, Alex Bone from Peterhead and Charlie McLean from Albion Rovers. It is clear, then, that Robertson wants to bolster the Elgin attack and toughen up the defence ( White ). Robertson was a fair player in his day, but whether this will reflect in his management role remains to be seen ( After all, he did play under Walter Smith for donkey's years ). Top Players Willie Martin: Queen's fans know all about Willie who possesses tremendous stamina and appetite for the game. His goal against Albion Rovers last season, which won him the Goal of the Season prize, showed the striking potential he has. Definitely a danger man. Charlie McLean: A fine attacker, Charlie came from Albion Rovers in the summer and can cause problems, which were shown in Queen's Park's defeat at Cliftonhill last season. With a fair bit of experience this was a smart signing from Robertson. Excitement Rating: The last game up in Elgin was memorable in it's sheer dullness, the bus ride being the most exciting part of the trip. Still, with Martin and White playing, along with John Gallagher, there could be a little heat in the air when the teams clash. *** What do they do have to do for success? Robertson will have to set realistic targets for the team as progress will not come instantly. Prediction: 7th |
| GRETNA The editors of the Roy of the Rovers comic must be feeling a little angry at the moment with new Gretna chairman Brookes Mileson breaking the boundaries of realism by making some shocking changes and promises at the club. Still, the fan(s) of Gretna have some reasons to be optimistic ( the signings of James Allan, Danny Lennon and David Holdsworth ). But it must be said that the club could be getting a little big for their boots after the failed purchase of Dean Holdsworth and the ludicrous visions that Mileson has of building a 4000 - or whatever it is - seater stadium. Gretna probably have in the region of 200-250 fans at every home game, so someone must have eaten his homework jotter when he ( Mileson) was dreaming up that fantasy. The pressure is on the club now to perform this season and if they don't - there could be tears before bedtime. Manger: Rowan Alexander - He has some amount to live up to this season and there's talk that if the team aren't doing well at Christmas time, someone else could be placed in the hot-seat (just not Brannigan, ok, Mileson?) There's no chance of a huge failure at the club, but it'll take some mettle to have the team go all the way and clinch promotion. Top Players James Allan: A tricky winger who earned all sorts of praise from opposition fans last season, Jimmy is a great young talent with an ability to go past players. Other distractions on and off the field could hinder his progress, but it's good to see a player of Jimmy's quality not go to waste and fade from the game. Danny Lennon: A player with vast experience in Scotland and in European competition ( remember Raith? ) A former captain of Partick Thistle, his influence on the younger members of the squad could pay off well. Excitement Rating: With a good team ( on paper anyway) and a good pie-stand, the Queen's fans will no doubt enjoy their trip to Gretna. *** What do they have to do for success? As well as spending money on old reliables, Gretna will have to be willing to bleed youngsters into the team as many other teams have and will continue to do in the Third Division. Prediction: 4th |