| THIRD DIVISION 2003/04: PREVIEW OF SEASON |
| On paper at least, this season's Third Division promises to be as tight and uncompromising as the one preceding it was. A deliciously close championship race culminated in four teams remaining in contention on the final day of a fraught season. As far as Queen's Park were concerned, there were many alternating days of delight and despair but in the sober summing up come mid-May, what had to be faced was that it had been another season of ignominious failure. Does this season promise a great deal more? Not likely, but I am a notoriously indecisive person so perhaps my opinion will change over the course of this preview. Read it and disagree... |
| Albion Rovers Last season: 3rd Manager: Peter Hetherston Players in: David Farrell ( Stranraer ), Paul McManus ( Raith Rovers - awaiting final confirmation ) Out: Paul Bonar ( Stenhousemuir ), Scott Shearer ( Coventry City ), Todd Lumsden ( Hamilton Accies ), Charlie McLean ( Elgin City ), Jim Dick. The last couple of seasons have seen Rovers lose out on promotion at the very death, 2003's version of misery being particularly late and painful. Peter Hetherston's ability as a coach may be cloaked in his annoying aggression and petulance but cannot be overlooked. Forced to construct a largely new team for last season, Hetherston curbed the team's harsher edge and moulded a pacy, energetic side with plenty of bulk and scoring power. Much of the aforementioned qualities are embodied in the person of Mark Yardley, the deceptively skilful striker who is possibly their most important player. Along with McManus, whose signing, if it goes through, looks clever, the burden of scoring will fall largely on his shoulders. Evergreen Kevin McAllister still totters on, and with Farrell and Mercer dig will not be lacking. But Shearer and Lumsden were component parts of a solid defence and without them they are unlikely to be so strong in this regard. They possess enough to challenge, and with the prospect of a new stadium in the offing they have plenty of incentive. Maintaining their superb away record will be very difficult though, and Rovers's best chance may have passed already. Prediction: 4th |
| Cowdenbeath Last season: 10th in Second Division and relegated Manager: Keith Wright Players in: Ian Morris ( Partick Thistle ), Steven Boyle ( Brechin City ), Andy Carlin ( Stenhousemuir ), David McInally ( Arbroath ), Ross Matheson ( Raith Rovers ), Calvin Shand ( Hibernian ), Jamie Campbell ( Queen of the South ), Bryan Gilfillan ( Inverness Caledonian Thistle ), John Fallon ( Stranraer ), John McKeown ( Dumbarton ), Brian Ford ( Coventry City ), Adam Moffat ( Raith Rovers ) Players out: David White ( Brechin City ), Willie Miller, Michael Renwick, Marc Graham, John Elliott, Gerry Crabbe, Elliot Smith. Former Hibs player Wright has signed in bulk in an attempt to start afresh following Cowden's inevitable relegation last season. For a club as small as this, keeping away from the Third Division must be very difficult and remaining in the Second Division for two seasons has to be seen as an achievement. On the basis that success at the lowest levels is often cyclical, Cowdenbeath shouldn't possess much of a chance of regaining their lofty status. Yet they've retained the prolific Graeme Brown, and may be about to add Andy Smith to their pool. Most of the new arrivals are young, but one such as Smith would be valuable both in educating these players, and with his potential of scoring a fair number of goals. Central Park is the scene of Queen's Park last two title successes, and for this reason alone ( there are few others ) they will enjoy a trip back there. Cowden promise to be hard to beat and their aim will definitely be promotion - but they are unlikely to be allowed to get it. Prediction: 6th |
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| East Stirlingshire Last season: 10th Manager: Stephen Morrison Players in: Kevin McCann ( Dumbarton ), David Ormiston ( Gretna ), Dougie Polwart Players out: Pat Clark, Billy Struthers Summer transfer activity at Firs has been restricted to the re-signing of a couple of players who had been on loan at the club during last season, and the absence of any new faces reinforces the conviction that Shire are certain to come bottom again. The apathetic mismanagement of the club by Alan Mackin and his hired failure Danny Diver have contributed in a big way to the club's malaise, and while Morrison and assistant Cleland may provide more sympathetic and dedicated control of the team, they have their hands trussed up very tightly indeed. Conceding in excess of 100 goals last season was just one of the dismal statistics that summed up their embarassing showing. Perhaps matters will improve slightly, and a first home win for more than a year can be expected at least, but they'll be the worst once more. Prediction: 10th |