Ultimate Scottish Football - Issue Zero by Ross Dunn

ISSUE ZERO

A NEW ERA IN SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

A D V E R T

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Ultimate

Scottish Football Editorial

Editor: Andrew Jenkin

Deputy Editor & Head of Content: Graeme Young Deputy Editor & Head of Design: Ross Dunn Advertising: Nash Riggins

Contributors: Scottish Comedy FC, Craig Dennett, Alan @fanownership Graeme Gillespie, Paul Goodwin, Tom Hall, Scott Johnson, Stuart Kenny, Graeme Lafferty Scott Lorimer, Peter McCormick, Chris Myson, David Ogilvie, Marc Spowart, Graham Swann, Richard Wilson. Pictures: Ian Cairns, Christopher Coutts, BBC Sport, Google Images, SNS Group STV Sport, Deena Mobbs, Rajmund Bakonyi,

Thanks to: Alan Bell, Iain Blackwood, Stuart Brown, John Cameron, Linzi Clark Christopher Coutts, Tracy McTrusty, John Paterson, Paul Petrie, Nicola Smith, Patrick Strickland. Contact

ultimatescottishfootball.com Telephone:07769175480 Inquiries:info@ultimatescottishfootball.co.uk Editor: andrew@ultimatescottishfootball.co.uk Content: graeme@ultimatescottishfootball.co.uk Design: ross@ultimatescottishfootball.co.uk Tweet us @UScotFootball Facebook.com/UltimateScottishFootball.com

Scottish football needs a publication to examine, admire and simply report on the beautiful game throughout Scotland

elcome to Ultimate Scottish Football, a brand new publication which aims to give real football fans in-depth stories about the issues effecting the game and exclusive interviews with the biggest names across the country. We feel, and hope you do too, that now more than ever, Scottish football needs a publication to examine, admire and simply report on the beautiful game throughout Scotland. However, this publication is started not out of opportunity, but because for too long now, clubs in the lower leagues of the game have been overlooked by the media. We aim to include everyone. We start with a comprehensive look to the Scottish Football League ahead with all 30 team’s chances for the season ahead examined. The 2012/13 campaign is also assessed in our ‘Round Table’ discussion with The Herald’s Richard Wilson, Goal.com’s Assistant Editor Chris Myson and passionate bloggers Scott Johnson and Tom Hall. We also have contributions from Supporters Direct chairman Paul Goodwin and the always enjoyable Scottish Comedy F.C team. We also have a contribution from the @fanownership blog as they explain the important of fan representation within Scottish football. One story has grabbed the attention this summer and that has been the plight of Rangers. We address their situation within the magazine but we hope to have something for supporters of all clubs. Also in this first issue we have exclusive interviews with legendary Falkirk Assistant manager Alex Smith and the youngest manager in the Scottish Football League: Greig McDonald of Stirling Albion. We thoroughly hope you enjoy reading USF and please get in touch with us via our website, Facebook or Twitter if you’d like to share something or have any feedback for us. Many thanks, Happy reading,

Andrew Jenkin Editor

What next for our beautiful game? P.6

Greig McDonald. P.66

Alex Smith. P.8

Your guide to every SFL team for the season ahead.

SFL 1. P.13

SFL 2. P.43

SFL 3. P.71

League Cup Preview. P.34 Creative Ways to Save Scottish Football. P.36 USF Roundtable Discussion. P.40 Playoff. P.64 Scottish Comedy F.C. P.92 USF World Football Quiz P.94

USF 6

The Fans Must Seize this Opportunity

With Scottish football being turned upside down in recent months, @fanownership ponders the future of our beautiful game.

n Friday 13th July 2012, Rangers were admitted to Division 3 of the Scottish Football League. On Saturday 14th July 2012, St. Mirren’s Stewart Gilmour, said clubs needed urgent assurances that TV money would continue to flow and that “Five clubs in the SPL could be in administration within weeks and we will have to do everything we can to avoid being one of them”. On the same day, Scotland’s First Minister was lobbied by MSPs in an attempt to secure a commitment from BSkyB in relation to the future i.e. the 2012/2013 broadcasting contract. @fanownership ask the question – “Is that it?” The great minds within Scottish football who allowed Rangers “oldco” to operate unsustainably for years, who did not question the BSkyB broadcasting contract which apparently holds no water if one or both of the Old Firm clubs is not competing in the SPL, who handed the SFL club chairmen the hospital pass to end all hospital passes, who bullied and blackmailed the SFL clubs. Is that the best these great minds can come up with? We at Fan Ownership Towers are fairly reasonable people. We

tend to comment on related issues always promoting the fanownership model and where possible assisting supporter groups in their individual quests to own their clubs. We have accepted the role of the governing bodies in terms of preserving integrity, ensuring effective governance and negotiating appropriate contracts on behalf of all clubs. Until now. What tipped @fanownership over the edge? Not the actions taken by the SPL, SFL and SFA up until Friday 13th July 2012, but the actions or inaction since. The great vision for Scottish football according to the powers that be can be summarised as follows: i) Create an SPL2 (quickly); ii) Scaremongering through threats that many SPL clubs are weeks away from administration; and iii) Try to get support from the Scottish Government. @fanownership believe that these three reactions are a disgrace and believe that the respective Chief Executive Officers and surrounding Management Teams have not shown any form of

7 USF

innovation or vision other than the status-quo of modelling Scottish football on the “two big clubs format”. Consequently we believe that the governance structure of Scottish Football is inadequate and not fit for purpose and would call for a complete overhaul with all previous CEOs not being part of any restructured organisation. We also believe that many of the SPL club owners have been found wanting in terms of their inability to manage their football clubs in a sustainable format and in the longterm interests of their supporters. Anyone with an ounce of business acumen will know that if 80% of your revenue comes from one customer then the loss of that customer could be catastrophic to your operations. An effective owner would seek opportunities to diversify and reduce the risk of this happening. An ineffective owner would not act, thereby increasing the likelihood of failure. @fanownership would suggest that those who have not acted (Mr Gilmour’s “five SPL clubs”) have failed in their role as custodians of their respective clubs. We believe that the true future for not just Scottish football but football and community clubs globally is the fanowner-

ship model whereby supporters of clubs pay an annual membership subscription which entitles them to vote on significant issues, elect and dismiss Board Members and direct the club’s strategy by having access to all operational and financial records. The fanownership model will not necessarily stop a club from failing financially but it reduces the risk of it happening as the members as a corporate body will challenge and scrutinise decisions far more effectively than a single owner or consortium with motivations such as profit, glory and/or debt servicing. What has occurred over recent months as a result of the Rangers debacle is a general belief amongst fans from all Scottish clubs that their voices should be heard and for many of these fans they have realised that no matter how loud they shout they may not be heard. We believe that this is the wake-up call for fans to act and ask you all to remember these days to motivate yourselves for future action.

Alan Thomson @fanownership

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We love to put a young player in and the fans get to see them for the first timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Falkirk Assistant Manager Alex Smith talks to Graeme Young about the much vaunted youth set-up at the club and how he important it is for Falkirk to keep developing their own talent in the coming years.

9 USF

lex Smith has been involved in Scottish Football for longer than he cares to remember. He made his debut as a player for Stenhousemuir in 1959. He would also begin his managerial career at Ochilview in 1968 as player-manager. During that time Alex has earned the respect of all in Scottish football. An easy to like figure that is passionate about the game, especially the development of young players. At 72 years of age he looks excited and motivated about the current crop of talented youngsters who hone their craft at the club’s training base at the University of Stirling. Alex works closely with manager Steven Presley and between themselves and the rest of the coaching staff they have developed a culture of giving talented young players their chance. Alex speaks to USF about the young players making an impact for Falkirk and why it is so important they are allowed to shine. Alex knows that letting young players play first-team football is crucial in progressing but to produce a training facility which actively nurtures young talent is invaluable, he said: “It is unbelievably important. I would go as far as saying it’s the single most important thing the club has ever done. To go on this journey with the academy and the development of the players in a long-term programme which helps our sustainability, it gives us real hope for the future.” Even though the club is in the midst of talented teenagers breaking in to the first team, Falkirk have been successful at being able to sell players on who have been developed through the youth system in recent years. Scott Arfield joined Huddersfield Town in the summer of 2010, for a fee believed to be in the region of half a million pounds. Defender Murray Wallace also made a move to the Galpharm Stadium in January of this year before re-

turning for the second half of the season with the Bairns in a deal which could rise to £700’000. Alex admits that it is a strategy that is well worth continuing, he added: “Absolutely and that is part of the plan to develop our own young players to give us good service in the first team and then raise capital for the club, whether that is to one of the bigger clubs in Scotland or to England, particularly the Championship. “That is the obvious market for ourselves and if we continue to develop players as we have been doing with players like Darren Barr, Scott Arfield and Ryan Flynn and Murray Wallace. That kind of finance coming in to the club, helps the club get to a position which has been hard to maintain in the past, so the idea is that if you do that on a regular basis then it allows the club to then run in a way which keeps everyone content from a financial point of view.” Alex is aware that it was a brave move that the club made to put in place a system which sometimes counteracts with fans needs for instant success and acknowledges that it is sometimes difficult for other clubs to put such a youth structure in to practice, for one reason or another, he stated: “I think in some instances it is a lack of funding to put a youth system in place. With other clubs it is a short term need from a management standpoint where it is all about today and that particular season. I think there has always been development within the game, it’s not a new thing to develop young players but to do it in a structured way and bring them along at such a young age it allows you to develop the young players and to buy in to the club’s philosophy. “It allows you to bring them in to the quiet disciplines earlier on and help them not only learn to play the game but to enjoy the game and aspire to first team football. It

USF10

is a much more sophisticated system than it was in the past., when we just seen good young players being developed by playing football without any real discipline or structure until they arrive at the club, when they are teenagers and at that stage sometimes it is too late for some players.” The experience Alex brings to the team can not be measured. The former Aberdeen and Scotland U-21 manager may be reaching the twilight of his footballing journey but he shows genuine excitement when he talks about the young players coming through at the club. Alex believes that the opportunity to mould and develop them from a young age is what really benefits them when they make their breakthrough, he added: “It is always an exciting time in bringing young players in to the team and we can see many things that the fans can’t see until they take part in first team action. You get that great feeling as you see these young players developing from a young age. We work hard to develop them and we prepare them very thoroughly for the day that they go in to the first team that they can handle the different environment and understand how the team plays, so these young players know the system when they come in to the team.

“The structure protects them when they come in to the team unlike when you used to put young players in to a side and hope that their own natural ability would see them through. They have this built-in team spirit which they have been accustomed to and they get help from management but also help from the other players in the team with the structure they play in. It is very supportive of a young player coming in but it is also very exciting. We love to put a young player in and the fans get to see them for the first time, I think it is great and they love to see the young ones coming through and see their development.” A lot of the work done at Falkirk in recent years has gone by without too much fanfare but an event which happened at the end of last season was always going to bring interest in to the work which is going on at the club. Two of the club’s brightest stars 17 year-old Craig Sibbald and fellow midfielder Jay Fulton spent four days training with Manchester United. The two youngsters spent time with the reserve squad and selected first-team player and Alex believes the experience they picked up from their time with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will prove invaluable, he said: “I think it is recognition that the club are producing quality young talent which

11 USF

are going to attract clubs like Manchester United but as I have said we may have to look the Championship in England as our market. The Premier League is such a high, high level that for a player to leave Falkirk and then to jump to the level of the Premier League is a big task. “It may be that they have to do it in stages but Sir Alex always likes to be ahead of the game so he wanted to have a look at these players in his own proximity, so he has a head start if these players go on and develop. It is good news for Falkirk and it is certainly does no harm to the public image of the club and the academy. “The boys loved it and we certainly wouldn’t have let them go down if we felt it was something they would have went big headed from. We know their two characters and they are very good lads and they just want to be top footballers and to do that they just have to work hard every day. They are going to get people looking at them and they have to get used to having the big team scouts having a look then nothing happening straight away.” One of the words that manager Steven Pressley used last season was ‘progression’ and with so many youngsters coming in to the side in a short time period, a

third-place finish in the first division and a trophy in the form of the Ramsdens Cup, 2011/12 was muss be viewed as progression. Alex believes that will continue in the new campaign. “There always has to be progression at a football club but it is progression to certain extent for Falkirk. Every year we are looking to make the necessary progression to get a team which will take us in to the Scottish Premier League, now it may be this year and there may be a bit more pressure on us this year to try and get there, especially with the circumstances in Scottish football over the last couple of months.” Alex believes that bringing through youth can be married with success on the field. Many of Falkirk’s young players will not have the luxury of catching teams by surprise this season but they will also have more experience as they look to improve on last year’s thirdplaced finish, Alex hopes the young players can continue to merge with the established players and if they do, it could be an extremely fruitful campaign for the club.

A D V E R T

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S F L 1

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airdrie

SFL DIVISION 1

Nickname: The Diamonds Founded: 2002 2011/12 Finish: 4th Stadium: New Broomfield Capacity: 10, 172

ince forming in 2002, Airdrie United’s short history has thrown up more drama than a Coronation Street box set. In the 2007/08 season the club lost in the play-off final with a First Division spot up for grabs, yet were told they would be playing in the higher division despite this after Gretna were demoted to Division Three due to financial issues. At the end of next season, the Diamonds were in the same playoffs, this time trying to preserve their place in Division One, but after losing out to Ayr United it seemed all hope was lost. Nevertheless, the guardian angel of Airdrie stepped in once again to sacrifice Livingstone to the Third Division and hand their league spot to the New Broomfield club. After a legitimate relegation in the 09/10 season, United fans were then likely shocked when no club stepped forward to dig their own grave to save Airdrie’s league status, but the 11/12 season saw the return of the Diamonds’ help from above. Following an impressive surge late in the season that saw the team win 7 of their final ten games, drawing 2 others against runaway league winners Cowdenbeath and losing just once, Airdrie found themselves deservedly in the play-off places at the end of the

Airdrie to win SFL Division 1: 100/1

year. Despite going on to lose the play-off final to Dumbarton though, it may have come to the surprise of few Airdrie United supporters that their club was soon to earn promotion thanks to the downfall of the reincarnated Rangers. Even if the team have earned

their place in Division One on a technicality, Jimmy Boyle’s men certainly won’t be the walkovers of the league this season. The club’s goal tally of 68 last year equalled that of the Blue Brazil side that won the league, and when it is considered they kept 7 clean sheets in their last ten league matches, a true picture of a formidable opponent begins to form. At the helm of the Airdrie attack stands 20 year old Ryan Donnelly, who netted a massive 28 goals in all competitions for the team last season, setting a new club record for the most goals scored by one player in any season. Although the prolific striker was linked with moves to various SPL clubs, including champions Celtic, United’s promotion to the First Division will significantly increase his chances of extending his stay at New Broomfield. With many midfielders not offered contract extensions at Airdrie United, there will be several new faces lining up in red and white behind the strik-

last season by numbers Win: 38.89% Draw: 27.78% Loss: 33.33%

ers in the 12/13 season. Alan Cook will operate in the left midfield position after joining from Stirling Albion, and amongst the players in contention for a central midfield spot, 18 year old Liam Watt may be worth keeping an eye on throughout the season. At the back, former Morton man Grant Evans will occupy the right back role in Boyle’s team, and 34 year old David Lilley will likely control the central defensive position alongside Cameron MacDonald. After joining from Livingstone in January 2012, MacDonald was a key player in the club’s late play-off push, and the 22 year old will surely hold onto his place for the new campaign. With a squad that to date seems only to have strengthened since their play-off final loss, Airdrie United could be a surprise package upon their entrance to the second tier of Scottish football. Stuart Kenny

Fixtures August 11 Dumbarton 18 Livingston 25 Dunfermline

September 01 Cowdenbeath 15 Raith Rovers 22 Falkirk 29 Morton

(a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (a) (h)

October 06 Hamilton (h) 20 Partick Thistle (a) 27 Dumbarton (a) November 10 Livingston (h) 17 Cowdenbeath (a) 24 Raith Rovers (h) December 08 Falkirk (h) 15 Morton (a) 26 Hamilton (a) 29 Partick Thistle (h) January 02 Cowdenbeath 05 Raith Rovers 12 Dunfermline 19 Dumbarton 26 Falkirk

(h) (a) (a) (h) (a)

March 02 Livingston 09 Dunfermline 16 Cowdenbeath 23 Raith Rovers 30 Falkirk

(a) (h) (a) (h) (h)

May 04 Dunfermline

(a)

February 09 Morton (h) 16 Hamilton (h) 23 Partick Thistle (a)

April 06 Morton (a) 09 Hamilton (a) 13 Partick Thistle (h) 20 Dumbarton (a) 27 Livingston (h)

USF16

COWDENBEATH

SFL DIVISION 1

Nickname: The Blue Brazil Founded: 1881 2011/12 Finish: 1st Stadium: Central Park Capacity: 4, 370

owdenbeath were crowned Second Division champions last year after a very successful campaign. In doing so they bounced straight back up to the First Division at the first attempt following their relegation in 2010/11. Guided by Colin Cameron, the Blue Brazil will look to cement their place in the second tier of Scottish Football. Manager Colin Cameron has so far brought in one new face to Central Park for the new season. Midfielder Jamie Stevenson

has joined the club from Airdrie United. The 27 year old was out of contract at the end of last season and has joined the Second Division champions for their return to Division One. Players who have extended their contracts with Cowdenbeath include last season’s top scorer, Marc McKenzie, who has penned a new one year deal. John Armstrong, David Cowan and Joe Mbu have also signed on. Last year’s skipper Jon Robertson has left Cowdenbeath and has

joined SPL side St Mirren. He was crowned the Scottish PFA Second Division Player of the Year for last season. Seven other players have exited the club this summer and are as follows: Youssef Bejaoui, Steven Bennett, Paul Byrne, Dene Droudge, Danny Mackay, Zane Powell and Anesu Tabengwa Last season’s top scorer, Marc McKenzie, is an important part of Manager Colin Cameron’s squad and he received a boost when the striker signed a new

Cowdenbeath to win SFL Division 1: 66/1

deal during the summer. McKenzie scored 18 goals last season in helping Cowdenbeath winning promotion. He joined Cowdenbeath from Third Divison side East Stirlingshire in the summer of 2010. Cowdenbeath will mark their return to Division One with a Fife derby at Central Park when they take on local rivals Dunfermline. As well as this Fife derby they will also take on their rivals to the east, Raith Rovers, and face the Kirkcaldy side for the first

last season by numbers

time on October 20 at home. Over the course of the festive period Cowdenbeath will be at home on Boxing Day to Livingston before facing rivals Raith Rovers at Starks Park 3 days later. On January 2 they are away from home again this time taking on Dundee. Their final game of the season sees them travel west to take on Hamilton. Graham Swann

Fixtures August 11 Dunfermline 18 Dumbarton 25 Hamilton

(h) (a) (h)

October 06 Livingston 20 Raith Rovers 27 Dunfermline

(a) (h) (a)

September 01 Airdrie (a) 15 Morton (h) 22 Partick Thistle (a) 29 Falkirk (h)

November 10 Dumbarton 17 Airdrie 24 Morton

(h) (h) (a)

December 08 Partick Thistle (h) 15 Falkirk (a) 26 Livingston (h) 29 Raith Rovers (a) January 02 Airdrie (a) 05 Morton (h) 12 Hamilton (a) 19 Dunfermline (h) 26 Partick Thistle (a) February 09 Falkirk 16 Livingston 23 Raith Rovers

(h) (a) (h)

April 06 Falkirk 09 Livingston 13 Raith Rovers 20 Dunfermline 27 Dumbarton

(a) (h) (a) (a) (h)

March 02 Dumbarton (a) 09 Hamilton (h) 16 Airdrie (h) 23 Morton (a) 30 Partick Thistle (h)

Win: 55.56% Draw: 30.56% Loss: 13.89%

May 04 Hamilton

(a)

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Dumbarton

SFL DIVISION 1

Nickname: The Sons Founded: 1872 2011/12 Finish: 3rd Stadium: Dumbarton Football Stadium Capacity: 2, 025

umbarton surprised many last season with their promotion to the first division via the playoffs. The Sons will know they will find it tougher in a division they have not played in over 15 years this season. Dumbarton sealed their place in this season’s First Division after 2 enthralling victories in the playoffs. Firstly, they beat Second Division runners-up Arbroath 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-final. They followed that up with a resounding triumph against Airdrie United by a scoreline

of 6-2 over the 2 legs, which started with another 2-1 victory at home in the first leg thanks to goals from Bryan Prunty and Tony Wallace. They followed that up with a sensational 4-1 away win in the second leg to seal their place in the First Division. An early double from former Kilmarnock man Craig Dargo put the visitors in a fantastic position. Despite a Derek Holmes goal for the hosts, Martin Gilhaney and first-leg hero sealed a dream return to Scotland’s second tier. One of the hallmarks of Dumbarton’s play last season

Dumbarton to win SFL Division 1: 100/1

was the passing game in the final third. What Dumbarton lacked in stature they made up with quick interchanges between their forward players. Ex-Celtic youth Bryan Prunty had one of the best seasons of his career and contributed 15 league goals for a side who on their day could dismantle any fellow Second Division team. Dumbarton’s excellent form after the New Year saw manager Alan Adamson named Manager of the Month for both January and February. The Sons started

to put together a good run of results and looked to be in a great position for promotion after impressive home wins over Stirling Albion and Stenhousemuir. However, March couldn’t have been much worse for the side as they lost 4 games in a row. The slide began with a 2-0 defeat against champions Cowdenbeath at home and was compounded by a 2-0 lost to Arbroath. This result against the top 2 were not ideal but worse was to follow as the Sons lost 4-0 at home to mid table East Fife. The poor run of form continued when Cowdenbeath again ran out winners, this time in a 4-1 drubbing. Dumbarton managed to get their season back on track and finished the season with three consecutive victories against Airdrie, Stirling Albion and Brechin respectively before their success in the play offs. In the 2012/13 campaign Dumbarton will look to make the step up in a division which was fiercely contested last season. Outside of Ross County’s

last season by numbers Win: 47.22% Draw: 19.44% Loss: 33.33%

romp to the title, every other side were capable of beating anyone on the day. Dumbarton scored 61 times last season but also conceded the exact same amount, which was more than any other side in the top half of the Second Division. They have looked to bolster their defensive options with the capture of former Greenock Morton defenders Ross Forsyth and Andy Graham. Tony Wallace has moved in the opposite direction. The Sons will find it hard as a part-time side against recent SPL teams such as Falkirk, Hamilton Academical and a Livingston side who will hope to reap the benefits of the John Hughes and John Collins partnership in their first full season in charge. However having surprised many with their promotion last season, Dumbarton will be quietly confident of impressing in 2012/13 First Division season. Graeme Young

Fixtures August 11 Airdrie (a) 18 Cowdenbeath (h) 25 Partick Thistle (a) September 01 Morton 15 Dunfermline 22 Hamilton 29 Livingston

October 06 Raith Rovers 20 Falkirk 27 Airdrie

(a) (h) (h) (a) (a) (h) (h)

November 10 Cowdenbeath (a) 17 Morton (h) 24 Dunfermline (a) December 08 Hamilton 15 Livingston 26 Raith Rovers 29 Falkirk

(a) (h) (h) (a)

February 09 Livingston 16 Raith Rovers 23 Falkirk

(a) (a) (h)

April 06 Livingston 09 Raith Rovers 13 Falkirk 20 Airdrie 27 Cowdenbeath

(h) (h) (a) (h) (a)

January 02 Morton (a) 05 Dunfermline (h) 12 Partick Thistle (h) 19 Airdrie (a) 26 Hamilton (h)

March 02 Cowdenbeath (h) 09 Partick Thsitle (a) 16 Morton (h) 23 Dunfermline (a) 30 Hamilton (a)

May 04 Partick Thistle (h)

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dunfermline

SFL DIVISION 1

The Facts: Nickname: The Pars Founded: 1885 2011/12 Finish: 12th Stadium: East End Park Capacity: 12, 509

PL football returned to East End Park after a 4 year absence. However, the campaign was a struggle for the Pars as they managed just one home win all season and eventually were relegated after just one season of top flight football. Manager Jim McIntyre, who earned the club promotion from the First Division, was sacked in March as the Pars found themselves bottom of the league and was replaced by the experienced Jim Jefferies. He was unable to keep Dunfermline up in the games that remained but will look to help guide the Fife side back to the SPL this season. Jefferies has brought in four new faces for the start of the new campaign. Midfielder Josh Falkingham has joined the Pars from Second Division side Ar-

broath. The 21 year old, who scored 8 goals last season, can play central midfield but also can play on the right wing. Midfielder Andy Geggan has signed from Ayr United and joins the Pars on a two year deal. The 25 year old, who was part of the Ayr United team that reached the semi-final Scottish Communities Cup last season, will make the step up from part time to full time football. Youngster Chris Kane has signed for Dunfermline from SPL outfit Hearts where he was part of their youth team. Midfielder Kane has been snapped up by Jefferies who has known him from his time at Hearts. Kaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contract with the Edinburgh side was not renewed at the end of last season which paved the way for him to join the Pars. He is a de-

Dunfermline to win SFL Division 1: 5/2

fensive midfielder and can play anywhere in midfield. Ryan Wallace has signed for the Pars from East Fife. The 21 year old striker scored 20 goals last season and was joint second-top scorer in the Second Division. In all competitions he bagged 27 goals and has been brought in to add to Dunfermline’s attacking options for this season. Wallace spent one season with the Methil club and also knows Jefferies from

his younger days at Hearts. Having suffered relegation from the SPL last season, manager Jim Jefferies had to take cost cutting measures by releasing 12 players. Those to leave East End Park were: goalkeepers Chris Smith and Bernardo Fernandez; defenders Alex Keddie, Austin McCann, Kevin Ruitkiewicz, and John Potter; midfielders Martin Hardie, Steven Bell and Nick Phinn; and forwards Steven McDougall, David Graham and Pat Clarke. However Bell, Phinn and Ruitkiewicz have returned after the summer to prove their fitness having been injured for most of last season. Last season’s top scorer Andy Kirk will again be the Pars’ main source of goals. The Northern Irishman scored 12 goals last season and has been with the Pars since 2008. Joe Cardle is a quick winger who can trouble defences with his tricky footwork and ability to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty box. He has

last season by numbers

Win: 13.16% Draw: 26.32% Loss: 60.53%

also scored plenty goals since joining from Airdrie United in 2009. Their return to the First Division sees the Pars face local rivals Raith Rovers and Cowdenbeath as well as the club’s continuing rivalry with Falkirk. They open the new campaign with a Fife derby away to promoted Cowdenbeath. The festive period sees Dunfermline play Morton away sandwiched between 2 key games at home to Falkirk and Raith Rovers on Boxing Day and January 2 respectively. Dunfermline spent much of their summer in limbo awaiting the outcome of votes on newco Rangers. Now it has been decided that Dundee will take the remaining spot in the SPL this season, Jim Jefferies can concentrate on his efforts to gain promotion back to the SPL. Graham Swann

Fixtures August 11 Cowdenbeath (a) 18 Partick Thistle (h) 25 Airdrie (a) September 01 Raith Rovers 15 Dumbarton 22 Livingston 29 Hamilton

(h) (a) (h) (a)

October 06 Falkirk (a) 20 Morton (h) 27 Cowdenbeath (h) November 10 Partick Thistle (a) 17 Raith Rovers (a) 24 Dumbarton (h) December 08 Livingston 15 Hamilton 26 Falkirk 29 Morton

January 02 Raith Rovers 05 Dumbarton 12 Airdrie 19 Cowdenbeath 26 Livingston February 09 Hamilton 16 Falkirk 23 Morton

(a) (h) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (a) (h)

March 02 Partick Thistle (h) 09 Airdrie (a) 16 Raith Rovers (a) 23 Dumbarton (h) 30 Livingston (a) April 06 Hamilton (h) 09 Falkirk (h) 13 Morton (a) 20 Cowdenbeath (h) 27 Partick Thistle (a) May 04 Airdrie

(h)

USF22

Falkirk

SFL DIVISION 1

The Facts: Nickname: The Bairns Founded: 1876 2011/12 Finish: 3rd Stadium: Falkirk Stadium Capacity: 9,200

t the start of the 11/12 season, Falkirk were expected to hang around the middle of the First Division table for the majority of the year. However, from early on in the campaign it became clear that Steven Pressley’s side were going to be competing for promotion rather than tussling it out for a mid-table position. Although the Bairns’ form began to slip as the season came to a close with the side taking just nine points from their final ten games. It was an impressive overall effort from a Falkirk team which placed most of its trust in youngsters and relied

heavily on the goals of Farid El Alagui. The club will no doubt be disappointed to have let Ross County open up a 27 point gap to win the promotion Falkirk were once in the position to claim, but a Ramsden Cup victory will have gone some way to reparing this wound, and a third placed finish remains a commendable achievement for such an inexperienced squad. Steven Pressley’s campaign for the upcoming season will place a similar trust in the youth set up of the club after losing several key men in the summer. Mark Millar’s efforts in the centre of Falkirk’s midfield have earned him a move

Falkirk to win SFL Division 1: 7/2

to Dundee United, whilst Tam Scobbie, a long serving player at the Falkirk Stadium, has set off for St. Johnstone. Top scorer Farid El Alagui meanwhile turned down interest from several SPL clubs in order to move to Brentford and live out his dream of playing in the English leagues. El Alagui, Millar and Scobbie

all left after their contracts expired this summer, but instead of showing frustration, Pressley has insisted he is happy for players to use Falkirk football club as a stepping stone towards bigger things and this has proved the case for various players at the club. The former Hearts captain has managed to resign goalkeeper Michael McGovern however. After an outstanding season between the Falkirk posts, the Northern Ireland shot stopper has signed on for another year at the club, and several new men have also been brought in to bolster the squad. Former Ross County man Jonathan Flynn, who scored against Falkirk for County last season, will operate in centre defence for the Bairns this season. Having been part of a side last year who are now in the SPL, Flynn will no doubt be eager for success. Pressley has also snapped up 23 year old Ayr United man Chris Smith to strengthen his central defence further. The key men this season will

last season by numbers Win: 36.11% Draw: 36.11% Loss: 27.78%

continue to lie in the youth set up however. Craig Sibbald will be the man responsible for splashing out the passes from centre midfield, whilst Jay Fulton will resume his role as a danger man on the wing. With no Moroccan hitman up front, however, questions remain over where the goals will come from at the Falkirk Stadium. New boy Andy Haworth will be hoping to chip in with the goals from the wing, where he will replace the departing Kallum Higginbotham and the former Blackburn man should cause opposition defences some trouble in Division One. El Alagui was the only Falkirk man to reach a goal tally in double figures last season however, and with Mark Millar’s nine goals seeing him marked as the Bairns second top scorer, the absence of this duo’s skills in the upcoming season could cause problems. Manager Pressley is not worried about his team’s ability to score however, saying, “If Pressley isn’t worried, who are we to argue?” Stuart Kenny

Fixtures August 11 Partick Thistle (a) 18 Raith Rovers (h) 25 Morton (a) September 01 Livingston 15 Hamilton 22 Dundee 29 Cowdenbeath

(h) (a) (h) (a)

November 10 Raith Rovers 17 Livingston 24 Hamilton

(a) (a) (h)

October 06 Dunfermline (h) 20 Dumbarton (a) 27 Partick Thistle (h)

December 08 Dundee 15 Cowdenbeath 26 Dunfermline 29 Dumbarton

(a) (h) (a) (h)

January 02 Livingston (h) 05 Hamilton (a) 12 Morton (h) 19 Partick Thistle (a) 26 Dundee (h) February 09 Cowdenbeath (a) 16 Dunfermline (h) 23 Dumbarton (a) March 02 Raith Rovers 09 Morton 16 Livingston 23 Hamilton 30 Dundee

(h) (a) (a) (h) (a)

May 04 Morton

(h)

April 06 Cowdenbeath (h) 09 Dunfermline (a) 13 Dumbarton (h) 20 Partick Thistle (h) 27 Raith Rovers (a)

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Hamilton

SFL DIVISION 1

Nickname: The Accies Founded: 1874 2011/12 Finish: 4th Stadium: New Douglas Park Capacity: 6, 078

amilton Academical occupied an admirable fourth place at the end of what was, with the exception of Ross County’s superiority, a very tight Division One table last season. After three years in the Scottish Premier League, Hamilton’s reunion with their fellow Division One outfits saw them chalk up the third highest tally of goals conceded all season, with only Ayr United and Queen of the South, who were both relegated, conceding more. Equally however, only two teams actually netted more times than the New Douglas Park side during the campaign, and this is very representative of the way Hamilton’s season went; whilst there were various down points, there was always an upside around the corner to balance it out. Unfortunately these silver linings were not numerous enough to put the club in contention for an immediate return to the SPL. Nevertheless, the club did enjoy a cool cup run as they knocked out the likes of Morton and Livingstone on their way to the Ramsden Cup final, though when the side took to the pitch at Almondvale for the final, they disappointed fans with a humdrum performance

Hamilton to win SFL Division 1: 5/1

that saw them fall 1-0, only really threatening Falkirk in the dying seconds of the match. Followers of The Accies will hope that the upcoming season will see their club showcase similar football to the splendid styling’s performed on the way to the Ramsden

Cup final, rather than less energetic showpiece they put in at the final hurdle. So what has changed at the club to suggest that there could be fewer clouds yet more silver linings? Well, in order to prevent too many balls being picked out the Hamilton net next season, Ayr United goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert has signed for the Accies on a one year deal. Whilst his club may have been relegated, Ayr’s fate would likely have been sealed much earlier had it not been for Cuthbert, who performed admirably throughout the season. Looking to raise the spirits of the Hamilton faithful in the final third will be former St. Mirren man Jon McShane, who has made his loan deal at New Douglas Park permanent after netting nine times in 18 games for the club last season. McShane ended the season as top scorer for Hamilton, so fans will no doubt be excited to see what he can do now he is signed up on a full contract.

last season by numbers Win: 38.89% Draw: 19.44% Loss: 41.67%

With long time Accies servant Mark McLaughlin rejecting a contract extension to join Morton, the 20 year old Scot’s input will be particularly important this season. Whilst the team recorded outstanding results during last season, including a 5-1 win over Ross County, 4-0 victory away to Livingstone and a 3-1 win over Dundee, they also made fans endure 6-1 and 5-1 drubbings at the hands of Dundee and Ross County respectively. There is no doubt that under the leadership of Billy Reid, Hamilton Academical have the potential to shine, this is clear to see from the last season’s results, but they simply must find a way to minimise these damaging mid season glitches if they are to find themselves driving for promotion. Stuart Kenny

Fixtures August 11 Raith Rovers (a) 18 Morton (h) 25 Cowdenbeath (a) September 01 Partick Thistle (a) 15 Falkirk (h) 22 Dumbarton (a) 29 Dunfermline (h) October 06 Airdrie 20 Livingston 27 Raith Rovers

(a) (h) (h)

December 08 Dumbarton 15 Dunfermline 26 Airdrie 29 Livingston

(h) (a) (h) (a)

February 09 Dunfermline 16 Airdrie 23 Livingston

(h) (a) (h)

April 06 Dunfermline 09 Airdrie 13 Livingston 20 Raith Rovers 27 Morton

(a) (h) (a) (h) (a)

November 10 Morton (a) 17 Partick Thistle (a) 24 Falkirk (h)

January 02 Partick Thistle (a) 05 Falkirk (h) 12 Cowdenbeath (h) 19 Raith Rovers (a) 26 Dumbarton (a)

March 02 Morton (h) 09 Cowdenbeath (a) 16 Partick Thistle (h) 23 Falkirk (a) 30 Dumbarton (h)

May 04 Cowdenbeath (h)

USF26

livingston

SFL DIVISION 1

Nickname: The Lions Founded: 1943 2011/12 Finish: 5th Stadium: Almondvale Stadium Capacity: 10, 122

aving successfully flown through SFL Division Three and Two in two consecutive seasons after demotion to the bottom of Scottish football because of administration, Livingston were quietly being tipped to win SFL Division One. But their blaze of glory was extinguished by a season of mid-table mediocrity. The highest position the Lions reached was third, before yo-yoing mid-table due to disappointing and inconsistent performances. The arrival of John ‘Yogi’ Hughes in February didn’t have the immediate impact required, but with a new season approaching and his own signings, Livi could be a hard team to beat. Yogi has already signed three players, the first being former Hearts trainee, Jordan Morton. The 20 year old spent last season on loan to Cowdenbeath and scored six goals from 17 appearances. Hughes has also captured the signatures of Frenchmen David Luongo and Anthony Andreu. Following a successful trial with the West Lothian side, the duo has signed 12-month deals. The pair join up from the Swiss Challenge League side Stade Nyonnais.

Livingston to win SFL Division 1: 7/2

Luongo, 24, plays as a centre forward while 23 year old Andreu is an attacking central midfielder. Manager Hughes said he was “absolutely delighted” to have secured the new faces, who

came to his attention through connections in France. He said, “We invited them over to have a look and see if they could add to what we have here already, which is shaping up to be quite special. The boys have shown enormous desire and willingness to work and develop and both have tremendous attitude. When you add that to their unquestionable ability then it was a no-brainer to get them signed up.” Anthony Andreu told the official Livingston website: “We came here on a trial since our agent knew John Collins. The ambition is to play at a high level all the time. I think the group, the whole club and I want to win every match that we can. I think the season will be very good for us and the club as I like the club, the stadium, the group and our ambition has to be high.” Despite the three signings,

last season by numbers

Win: 36.11% Draw: 25% Loss: 38.89%

much of the squad remains the same, with Yogi making small changes to a side that were not bad last season, but lacked that finishing touch. With a gutsy 3-2 victory over Kilmarnock, with Livi coming from behind to win, it shows a fighting spirit in the team, which may have been lacking last year. And it would be no surprise if it were the combination of Hughes and Collins who instilled this fighting spirit in them. Livi start their season on the 28th July away to Annan Athletic in the Ramsdens Cup, which many will expect them to dominate, however with Yogi and Collins at the helm, the Livi Lions will be told to fight for every win. Scott Lorimer

Fixtures August 11 Morton 18 Airdire 25 Raith Rovers

(a) (h) (a)

September 01 Falkirk (a) 15 Partick Thistle (h) 22 Dunfermline (a) 29 Dumbarton (h) October 06 Cowdenbeath (h) 20 Hamilton (a) 27 Morton (h) November 10 Airdrie (a) 17 Falkirk (h) 24 Partick Thistle (a) December 08 Dunfermline 15 Dumbarton 26 Cowdenbeath 29 Hamilton

(h) (a) (a) (h)

January 02 Falkirk (a) 05 Partick Thistle (h) 12 Raith Rovers (h) 19 Morton (a) 26 Dunfermline (a) February 09 Dumbarton (h) 16 Cowdenbeath (h) 23 Hamilton (a) March 02 Airdrie (h) 09 Raith Rovers (a) 16 Falkirk (h) 23 Partick Thistle (a) 30 Dunfermline (h) April 06 Dumbarton 09 Cowdenbeath 13 Hamilton 20 Morton 27 Airdrie May 04 Raith Rovers

(a) (a) (h) (h) (a) (h)

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MORTON

SFL DIVISION 1

The Facts: Nickname: The Ton Founded: 1874 2011/12 Finish: 8th Stadium: Cappielow Park Capacity: 11, 612

fter seven games in the 2011/12 season, Morton were looking great. Seven games unbeaten and top of the league, but then it all fell apart. From then on the Ton dropped down the table and fluctuated between fourth and eighth. If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing that is required in the SFL, it is stamina. More often than not, teams start with a flourish at the top of the table then find it difficult to keep up top for the rest of the season. Last season that was Morton. Greenock based Morton have finished between sixth and eighth position consistently over the last four seasons, so it was no real surprise that they eventually finished eighth last season. It is no wonder then that Allan Moore

has already made several new signings in order to attain a higher position in the league. Keeper Derek Gaston has signed along with last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top scorer Peter MacDonald who has also signed on at Cappielow for a one-year-deal. Another coup for Allan Moore is the signature of experienced winger David Graham. The 28-year-old ex-Dunfermline man agreed terms with the Club for a yearlong contract. Speaking at the time of the signing, Allan Moore said, "David was a regular for Dunfermline Athletic last season and I'm really pleased to bring him on board. He is a good, experienced player and a hard worker. "With David O'Brien on the left, I

Morton to win SFL Division 1: 16/1

think this gives us a good threat on both flanks. He also gives us options in attack as he can play on the right and left sides as well as being comfortable playing up front." Other signings include 21year old Jordan Halsman, who was part of last season’s Albion Rovers side who won promotion from SFL2, and 18-year-

old defender Jason Naismith who has joined on loan from St. Mirren. Moore seems to have his work cut out so far this preseason, with another exDunfermline player, Martin Hardie, and Craig Reid training with the Ton pre-season, as well as expressing an interest in ex-Hamilton star Simon Mensing. Moore has even paid an undisclosed fee for young Dumbarton protégé Tony Wallace. The 21-year-old midfielder put pen to paper on a twoyear-deal at the club. The versatile right-sided player shows a lot of potential having come through the ranks at Dumbarton. Moore said of the signing: "He's a young lad - he's only 21 - who has a lot of potential and who we believe can go further. "He's not the finished article yet but we do think he's got something there and we've had to pay Dumbarton a wee bit of

last season by numbers

Win: 27.78% Draw: 33.33% Loss: 38.89%

money to get him.” Wallace particularly impressed the Morton management duo with his performances in the second half of last season. Moore is showing a clear ambition, which must be achievable with the signings he has made. He is trying to build a squad that in a couple of years will be looking to challenge for the title, or can maybe sell on for a buck or two. At the time of writing, the Ton had just beaten Kilmarnock 4-1 in a friendly, which may not stand for much but it shows an effective team with goals in them unlike last season. Morton will start the season off at home to Livingston, who are sure to be aiming to challenge for the SFL1 title. Scott Lorimer

Fixtures August 11 Livingston 18 Hamilton 25 Falkirk

September 01 Dumbarton 15 Cowdenbeath 22 Raith Rovers 29 Airdrie

(h) (a) (h) (h) (a) (h) (a)

October 06 Partick Thistle (h) 20 Dunfermline (a) 27 Livingston (a) November 10 Hamilton (h) 17 Dumbarton (a) 24 Cowdenbeath (h) December 08 Raith Rovers (a) 15 Airdrie (h) 26 Partick Thistle (a) 29 Dunfermline (h) January 02 Dumbarton 05 Cowdenbeath 12 Falkirk 19 Livingston 26 Raith Rovers

(h) (a) (a) (h) (h)

March 02 Hamilton 09 Falkirk 16 Dumbarton 23 Cowdenbeath 30 Raith Rovers

(a) (h) (a) (h) (a)

May 04 Falkirk

(a)

February 09 Airdrie (a) 16 Partick Thistle (h) 23 Dunfermline (a)

April 06 Ardrie (h) 09 Partick Thistle (a) 13 Dunfermline (h) 20 Livingston (a) 27 Hamilton (h)

USF30

PARTICK THISTLE

SFL DIVISION 1

The Facts: Nickname: The Jags Founded: 1876 2011/12 Finish: 6th Stadium: Firhill Stadium Capacity: 13, 079

he 2011/12 campaign was somewhat of a mixed bag for Partick Thistle. They ended the season in sixth place but were only five points behind third place Falkirk. The first division was fiercely fought as ever and this was highlighted by the fact that, while Thistle could have possibly finished higher, they were still only nine points clear of Ayr United who went on to lose their playoff and were eventually relegated. The main problem the Jags faced in the 11/12 season was a lack of consistency. The team only won two games in a row on one occasion in December when they recorded victories over Livingston and Greenock Morton. In a league which has been so hotly contested in recent years, Thistle will know that with a few improvements, last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth place finish could definitely be bettered. Thistle will know that if they are able to put together a few results in a row then they will have opportunities of success in the season ahead. One of the highlights last season for Jackie McNamaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Partick Thistle to win SFL Division 1: 5/1

side was their stingy defence. They only conceded 39 goals during the whole campaign which was only bettered by league champions Ross County, who only shipped 32 goals during the campaign. The Jags scored 50 for the season but

were not able to score more than any of the five sides above them. This was highlighted by the fact that their top goalscorer was midfielder Paul Cairney, who chipped in with 15 goals on the season. Cairney moved on to SPL side Hibernian in the summer leaving Partick to address their need for goals. A player going the other way is Sean Welsh; the former loanee has joined permanently after impressing during his spell at the club during the second half of the season. Other new arrivals during the summer have been Steven Lawless from Motherwell, but he has spent most of the last two seasons on loan at Albion Rovers. Former Annan Athletic youngster Aaron Muirhead has also joined the Jags. Muirhead has been one of Annan’s key players since they joined the Scottish Football League but the challenge continues as he steps up two divisions. While McNamara’s side has plenty of youth he has looked to add some experience

last season by numbers Win: 33.33% Draw: 30.56% Loss: 36.11%

and Hugh Murray definitely fits the bill. Murray, who is St Mirren’s all-time record appearance holder, joins the Firhill side after spending sixteen years at the Buddies. At 33 years of age, Thistle will hope that they will still get another couple of good years out of the fiercely competitive midfielder. He will compliment other experienced players at the club such as tried and tested defender Alan Archibald, the captain will be another important part of a team which looks set to merge youth and experience. Cairney’s goals will be a miss but McNamara feels confident some of his younger players like Striker Jordan Leyden and midfielder Lee Gallagher can make an impact after stepping up from Thistle’s much vaunted youth system. Fellow youth Brad Halsman made his debut at the end of last season and he is another who could provide a bigger impact in 2012/13. Graeme Young

Fixtures August 11 Falkirk 18 Dunfermline 25 Dumbarton

September 01 Hamilton 15 Livingston 22 Cowdenbeath 29 Raith Rovers October 06 Morton 20 Airdrie 27 Falkirk

November 10 Dunfermline 17 Hamilton 24 Livingston

December 08 Cowdenbeath 15 Raith Rovers 26 Morton 29 Airdrie January 02 Hamilton 05 Livingston 12 Dumbarton 19 Falkirk 26 Cowdenbeath February 09 Raith Rovers 16 Morton 23 Airdrie

March 02 Dunfermline 09 Dumbarton 16 Hamilton 23 Livingston 30 Cowdenbeath April 06 Raith Rovers 09 Morton 13 Airdrie 20 Falkirk 27 Dunfermline May 04 Dumbarton

(h) (a) (h) (h) (a) (h) (a) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (h) (a) (h) (a) (a) (h) (h) (a) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (h) (a) (a) (h) (a)

USF32

RAITH ROVERS

SFL DIVISION 1

The Facts: Nickname: The Rovers Founded: 1883 2011/12 Finish: 7th Stadium: Stark’s Park Capacity: 10, 104

aith Rovers found themselves battling at the wrong end of the table for most of last season but secured some crucial victories towards the end to create space between them and the relegation zone. They eventually finished seventh on 44 points, just four points from safety. This was also to be John McGlynn’s last season as Rovers manager as he moved to Hearts to fill the managerial position at Tynecastle during the summer break. Rovers first signing of the summer is defender Eddie Malone from Ayr United. The 27 year old was a regular in the first team at Somerset Park last season and scored 5 goals. He has also played for league rivals Dundee. Defender Jason Thomson has joined Raith on a permanent contract after a suc-

cessful loan spell between March and May last season. The former Hearts man also had a loan spell for the first half of last season with Fife rivals Dunfermline. Striker Pat Clarke has signed a contract with Raith after spending the second half of last season on loan from Dunfermline. Rovers have also snapped up 26 year old midfielder Grant Anderson from First Division rivals Hamilton Academical. As well as these new signings the following players have all extended their contracts at Starks Park: David McGurn, Dougie Hill, Laurie Ellis and Allan Walker. The main departure from Starks Park is striker John Baird who has signed for Dundee. He was Raith’s top scorer last season netting 13 times. Raith Rovers have released the following players: Mark Aitken, Damian Casalinuo-

Raith Rovers to win SFL Division 1: 33/1

vo, Samir Doughi, Willie Dyer, James Forsyth, Scott McBride, Dayle McGaw, Jordan Roberts, Jamie Stewart, Andrew Walls, Iain Williamson and Jordan Wright. Following John Baird’s departure to Dens Park, Brian Gra-

ham will be handed the task of continuing his goal scoring form he showed in partnership with Baird last season. Graham scored 11 goals last season and was Rovers second top scorer. Experienced defender Laurie Ellis was recently honoured this summer for his service to the club with a testimonial match. Over ten years he has had three separate spells with Raith and as well as being appointed first team coach he will continue to help shut out defences this coming season. Raith open their league campaign with a home match against Hamilton Academical. The return of local rivals Dunfermline to the league is sure to attract big crowds and November 17 will see Rovers take on the Pars at Starks Park. The two sides will also meet at

last season by numbers

Win: 30.56% Draw: 30.56% Loss: 38.89%

New Year at East End Park on January 2. Raith finish off their season with an away match to Livingston on May 4. Raith Rovers are one of the many SFL clubs to have publically stated that they will vote against admitting newco Rangers into Division One. Rovers chairman Turnbull Hutton has been extremely vocal and the club announce via their website. A statement from the club read, “The board of directors of Raith Rovers FC is unanimous in its view that we shall certainly not cast our vote in favour of any integrated plan that in our view compromises sporting integrity by involving the admission of any 'Newco' directly into Division One.” Graham Swann

Fixtures August 11 Hamilton 18 Falkirk 25 Livingston

(h) (a) (h)

September 01 Dunfermline (a) 15 Airdrie (h) 22 Morton (a) 29 Partick Thistle (h) October 06 Dumbarton (h) 20 Cowdenbeath (a) 27 Hamilton (a) November 10 Falkirk 17 Dunfermline 24 Airdrie

(h) (h) (a)

January 02 Dunfermline 05 Airdrie 12 Livingston 19 Hamilton 26 Morton

(a) (h) (a) (h) (a)

March 02 Falkirk 09 Livingston 16 Dunfermline 23 Airdrie 30 Morton

(a) (h) (h) (a) (h)

May 04 Livingston

(a)

December 08 Morton (a) 15 Partick Thistle (h) 26 Dumbarton (a) 29 Cowdenbeath (h)

February 09 Partick Thistle (h) 16 Dumbarton (h) 23 Cowdenbeath (a)

April 06 Partick Thistle (a) 09 Dumbarton (a) 13 Cowdenbeath (h) 20 Hamilton (a) 27 Falkirk (h)

USF34

League Cup Preview

35 USF

new season is upon us and with he 2012/13 season about to start in earnest we take a look at some of the keys ties in the first round of the Scottish Communities League Cup. Last year the competition was won by Kilmarnock. The Ayrshire side recorded a memorable win over Celtic when Dieter Van Turnhout rose to head home in the late stages. Kilmarnock proved to be unlikely winners last year and a new season brings fresh optimism and the opportunity for some of the lower division SFL clubs to provide a shock in early weeks of the season. Ally McCoist and his beleaguered Rangers side will take on East Fife in their first competitive match at Ibrox since being demoted to the third division. The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday 5th of August. It looks likely that Newco Rangers will be allowed to bring players in before starting their one-year transfer embargo on September 1st. Dundee, who were recently announced as ‘Club 12’ will still take part in the competition in the opening round despite their promotion to the Scottish Premier League. Barry Smith’ side will travel to Balmoor on the 31st of July due to the fact that they begin their SPL campaign away to Kilmarnock on the following Saturday. One of the early season favourites for success in the first division have been Livingston. The Almondvale outfit made significant changes to their management team during last season. Gary Bollan was dismissed despite back to back promotions and he was replaced with high-profile duo John Hughes and John Collins. Director of Foot-

ball Collins will oversee the new era and experienced manager Hughes will take charge of first team matters. A decent cup run would be welcomed Another favourite for success in the first division is Steven Pressley’s young Falkirk side; they will play Elgin City in their first round tie at home. Fellow first division sides Hamilton Academical and Partick Thistle open up with games against third division opposition when they take on Annan Athletic and Forfar Athletic respectively. Second division champions Cowdenbeath open up with a tricky tie away to Montrose. Fellow first division new boys Dumbarton take on second division side Albion Rovers. The Sons were victorious in both home encounters against Rovers last season. Airdrie United, who benefited from the Rangers situation by gaining the final place in the first division open up with a potentially hazardous trip to last season’s third division runners-up Queen’s Park. An all second division clash between Stenhousemuir and Brechin City will take place at Ochilview. While Ayr United, who had a fantastic run in this competition last season before eventually being halted by winners and fierce rivals Kilmarnock at the semi-final stage, take on Jim Duffy‘s Clyde at home. Berwick Rangers travel to Stark’s Park to face Raith Rovers. East Stirlingshire, who finished bottom in the third division, will get the chance of causing an upset at home when they face first division outfit Greenock Morton. Paul Hartley’s Alloa Athletic, who cruised to the third division title, will open up against new division rivals Queen of the South at Palmerston. All fixtures except the Peterhead vs. Dundee will take place over the weekend of the 4th/5th of August.

New Supporters Direct Scotland chairman Paul Goodwin has granted Ultimate Scottish Football an exclusive look at his new publication â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creative Ways to Save Scottish footballâ&#x20AC;?. Paul has provided two excerpts from his upcoming release which will look at how Scottish football can adapt and become more appealing to fans. Paul has always been passionate about implementing new ideas and has been vocal for changes to be made to game in this country for quite some time. He draws upon experience from him as a director of Stirling Albion, where he overseen the Binos become the first supporters-owned club in the country. He also been pivotal in the success of Football Insights, who provide football clubs data in how best to maximise their relationship with their supporters. Paul looks at the controversial issues of the traditional 3:00 pm kick-off time and every team having supporters in control of their clubs.

Let's change when we play football - the 3:00pm watershed Like most football fans I am something of a traditionalist. There is just something special looking forward to going to see you team play at 3 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. It is a tradition that is enjoyed up and down the country by football fans of all clubs; but it has not always been that way. In the distant past before the introduction of floodlights in the 1950's. games did not always get played at 3 o'clock in the winter as it was just too dark to get them finished before the gloom set in. Of course now the might of TV has meant that it is the programme schedulers at SKY TV who decided when games kick off.

The loyalty of fans has been used as a tool to manipulate the once sacred fixture lists to ensure that the armchair fans are fed a diet on continuous football from every league in the world. How I remember some of my bachelor days some 12 years back where myself and my flatmate and massive Hibs fan Alan Ramsay, tried to see how many games we could watch on TV in one weekend. I think our record was around 9 before we had overload! Different countries have their own traditions, or needs, dictated by climate, or working patterns which dictate when games are played. I always feel that it is a touch surreal in fact just plain weird to go to a game at 8pm on a Sunday when I am in Spain on holiday. Of course no matter what country you live in the Broadcasters have now ensured that there always is a consistent stream of football from La Liga down the Football Conference being given to us virtually on tap whether you want it or not. Thank Friday it is Crunchie time- lets be different to attract a new audience

I looked at this issue when I was at Stirling Albion and I asked David Longmuir CEO of the Scottish Football League not long after we took over if we could look to play our games on Friday nights. He had no objection to it; but at the time felt it would be too difficult to achieve. The immediate concern was the need to get full league approval, the approval of any particular opponent and at a local level trying to get the Police to agree given that the drinking culture we have would mean that they would be stretched to be in attendance. I wanted to test the viability of the concept as I was somebody who was old enough to remember Tranmere Rovers in the 1970's and early 1980's playing all their home matches on a Friday night to avoid competing against the Merseyside giants of Liverpool and Everton. It must have worked for the "experiment" lasted for years. I guess it was in a time when there were fans who followed more than one team and with so little football on TV and admission prices being low they were many fans who liked to see as many games as the could. Those games are long gone but I was delighted to see that Friday Football did get a chance in Scotland with 3 games which all showed increased attendances. My desire to have a game on a Friday evening was based on my desire just to change the dynamic to see if I could make a fixture more attractive by attracting a different audience. Of course you always run the risk

of loosing fans who are engrained in the habit and I recall listening at a Patrick Thistle shareholders meeting a few weeks after the Friday game against Morton had been announced when a season ticket holder complained that he was missing the game as it did not suit him and that he was not going to renew his ticket next season because of this. Fans who needs them? Well as we have been haemorrhaging fans we need to try to do things differently and really work at getting fans into our grounds on a more regular basis.

So Friday football is a good concept and with the selection of the correct fixtures I hope it will continue. It is not however, the complete answer, more a great opportunity and part of a tool box of concepts that can help make the game more attractive and hopefully help attract a new audience. The one o'clock salute

The first piece of research that we conducted under the Football Insights banner was for Stirling Albion and for Partick Thistle where we completed large omnibus surveys. Between both clubs we got just under 3000 responses which was a particular high % of fans of both clubs. Like any research the key is in asking the right questions to extract the right insights for the topic you want to explore. In both these surveys I asked the questions. If it helped your club save money would you agree to play your fixtures at 1pm? Over 97% of those fans who completed the survey were happy to agree to drop the 3pm watershed and play at 1pm for the sake of their club. Of course we didn't ask what would fans prefer 1pm or 3pm nor did we ask fans who can't or have little interest in attending at 3pm if this move would help them.

In my own experience before I had a family the 3pm kick off was just fine but since the family came along and they are at the ages where they do sports and entertainment "things" it just seems like you have difficulty fitting in things before the 3pm game (in particular if you were contemplating an away fixture). So maybe the 1pm is a better time for families? No doubt more research will be required but if you work on the basis that the truly loyal fans will go no matter what the time of the game is played then it does offer us the opportunity to try to try something different to attract new fans into the grounds. Of course what it does not address is the core issue of WHY there is a continual decline in the traditional football audience. We all know that a constant diet of TV football ( very often at a far higher standard than your local team could ever produce) as well as the vast amount of alternative pursuits that are often less expensive have combined to drive down attendances. The 1 o'clock kick off in some peoples eyes might be seen as being radical and I don't think it will change attendances in itself; but for many clubs the cost savings across a season could justify it. Having discussed the costs with several clubs and extrapolated across all the senior clubs in Scotland the savings could be as much as ÂŁ750,000 which is the equivalent to the biggest sponsorship in the Scottish Game.

For it • Changes the dynamic of the stale set up we have( same old -same old)does not take us forward. Given that we can't stand still if you are not going forwards you are going backwards • It offers a chance to encourage new fans to come to try football • It could work to attract families with this different time slot • It could produce significant floodlighting cost benefits estimated in excess of £600,000 across all of Scottish football • It would help clubs reduce carbon footprint which is something that could be sponsored by an energy company bringing in further additional revenue for clubs • If winter football continues it will means fans can travel home from away matches for a few hours of daylight rather than after 5pm which could encourage more visiting fans • It could give the lower league clubs a window to attract floating fans of other clubs if it was adopted in the SFL but not the SPL for example Against it

• It will not be liked by traditionalist fans who have a fear of change and who like things just the way they are • Might be difficult to work with hospitality timings where lunch would need to almost be replaced by a brunch Have your say fans representatives at ALL clubs

On the back of driving the campaign to buy Stirling Albion it is maybe no surprise to hear me advocating that ALL clubs should be forced by legislation by the league to have an elected fans representative on the Board of the club.

Supporters Direct Scotland, the voice of football supporters’ trusts in Scotland, today publishes The Fans’ Plan – key recommendations to shape the future of Scottish league football based on the results of supporters’ surveys over the past two years and a detailed analysis of the issues facing the game. The Fans’ Plan calls for: • greater competition within Scottish league football structures • equal funding for each team in a league • support for clubs by central league management to increase the average attendance over a season of 20% by 2016, and achieve an average stadium capacity utilisation of 65% within 10 years • two leagues of 16 teams, and a qualifying league of 10 • re-introducing the League Cup, with a mini-league qualifying format structured on a geographical basis with four teams in each group • improved training and professional development for all players including greater use of Modern Apprentice-

ships and post-career planning • the establishment and implementation of a strong club licensing scheme UEFA has met with supporter representatives at the House of European Football in Nyon as part of continuing dialogue between European football's governing body and fans – a lifeblood of the game. UEFA was represented at the annual meeting by President Michel Platini; Peter Gilliéron, chairman of the UEFA Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee; the CEO of UEFA Events SA, David Taylor; adviser to the UEFA President, William Gaillard; and various members of the UEFA administration. The supporters groups' delegates came from Football Supporters Europe (FSE), Supporters Direct (SD) Europe, and the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE). UEFA and the fan groups have now met five times to discuss issues of mutual interest. The FSE network is an independent, representative and democratically organised grassroots network of football fans with members in 40 countries across Europe. Before and during UEFA EURO 2012, FSE is coordinating the project whereby fan embassies will be set up in all the host cities in Poland and Ukraine. This will promote a positive and peaceful fan culture and contribute to a festive atmosphere at the tournament. CAFE, meanwhile, is working to offer further access for disabled fans to football games and improve stadium infrastructures with the needs of disabled supporters being taken into consideration. In particular, UEFA is also working with CAFE to manage a series of initiatives as part of the Respect Inclusion project for UEFA EURO 2012. CAFE is working closely with UEFA EURO 2012 organisers and the local organising committees (LOCs) in Poland and Ukraine to help guarantee a more accessible experience for local and visiting disabled fans and tourists. SD Europe aims to create conditions in which supporters can secure influence and ownership of sports clubs, and promotes the value of supporter ownership to sports fans, empowering them to set up supporters' trusts or become members of existing trusts. Various matters were on the agenda, including official fan groups' relations with UEFA, the European football family and the European political authorities; ticketing and security-related matters; disciplinary matters; supporter liaison work; facilities and access to matches for disabled and handicapped spectators; supporters and UEFA EURO 2012; and how to strengthen the relationship between UEFA and supporter representatives. The groups gave presentations of their current work and activities, as well as future plans and projects, and put forward proposals to take the relationship forward. UEFA in particular gave an update about its financial fair play measures, which are being put into operation to introduce more discipline into club football finances and bolster European football's stability and well-being.

UEFA pledged to give the supporters’ groups as much support as possible in their activities, and thanked them for the work being undertaken on behalf of football fans across Europe as part of overall efforts to improve the game.

“UEFA is the home of football, and the fans are part of the football family,” Michel Platini told the supporters’ delegates in Nyon. “It is important to have you here, and we are certainly here to listen to you – we take your views into consideration when we can. Football belongs to the fans as well, and it’s a pleasure to be able to exchange views and hear your ideas.” Club ownership - who cares? and does it matter?

Having helped saved the club and run the club for over a year I have moved on to pastures new and left the club to its own devices. The question that still haunts me is that in these turbulent times for football what is the best model for ownership of Scottish football? In the case of Stirling Albion the fans borrowed money from some of its wealthier fans to buy out a conventional old school owner in the shape of local businessman and long term benefactor Peter McKenzie. The idea being that fans ownership is the way forward to ensure democracy and to ensure that the club survived. Of course buying any club is just that start of the adventure and the challenge is once you have it you have to grow the business if you want success. How you manage to do that in a market that is in decline is of course hard to deliver as is replacing the likes of the £1.3 million, that in the Binos case, the benefactor Peter McKenzie spent in the previous 15 years. As we all know money does not grow and trees and after the initial excitement died down the Albion face the challenge of replacing the £1.3 million they used to have to allow them compete at there level or to further downsize and accept life as an even lesser club than they currently are. It of course begs the question is it worth fans buying the club if they can't afford to take it forward? If you look at recent developments at Dundee where the fans emerged post administration as the majority shareholders it looked promising with a big fan base and a huge campaign they even managed to avoid relegation thanks to a great young manager in Barry Smith and having two minnows in the shape of Albion and Cowdenbeath working on budgets a quarter the size or theirs. Fast forward and Dundee are now asking fans to give up the majority shareholding to allow them to bring more investment in. If they don't they face the same challenges at Stirling do..... where does the money come from? and if you don't get it how do you sell in the concept of not just standing still; but going backwards. Many fans still strive for club ownership and in the past year we have seen St. Mirren look to a community ownership which seems to have floundered, as the rais-

ing of funds for a club with no debt and owners who want to maximise the return in investment is a bridge to far. At Motherwell a scheme has also been launched by The Well society offering fans to be part of history. After 13 years of a very mixed service, John Boyle has decided to exit and he has agreed to gift his shares to an independent trust which will be administered by four trustees, who are directors of the Club’s board. Fans will be able to participate in the ownership of the club through the, “The Well Society”. To participate there will be a variety of memberships available which involve putting in from just a few pounds to a whopping £25,000 a season which will allow fans to buy shares and elect members of the Well Society to the board of Motherwell F.C. On the one hand it seems to be providing fans with a means of voicing their opinions at board level at a cost and the shares that were being gifted to them seem having to be bought? Confused? I am too as the documentation clearly says that the club might be sold on if it is in the right interest of "the club". Of course the other challenge with outright fans ownership is that it is as complete lottery as to who you get in the Boardroom. Democracy is great; but bare in mind that the Monster Raving Looney Party and the BNP still attract voters and Supporters Trusts as I have found out in my particular journey attract a lot of strange and interesting people. More often than not they are -fans who have very little business experience and of course have no experience of working in the football industry. It is important that we recognise that football is a business first and foremost and that to get the most out of it you need people with the right commercial skills to get involved in it. So what about the bigger fish? Well with assets such a grounds worth millions and many with debts that are almost of Greek proportions, there seems to be very little chance of others joining the queue which is a shame as there is a model that could work - the much talked about Bundesliga model. Here "fans" community groups work with bug business in harmony to drive sustainable football that they can both benefit from. Here in Scotland ironically one of the clubs that has been much maligned for its past indiscretions who probably have it just about right is Livingston where the fans own 50% and businessmen with some financial muscle own the other half. Whether more follow remains to be seen; but from the number of people I have spoken to in the past 3 months the consensus is that the status quo is starting to sound like a bad record.

USF Roundtable Discussion

Has the stance which the majority of SPL/SFL clubs have taken regarding Newco Rangers surprised you over the last month?

I believed that some SPL clubs would be unable to vote Rangers out of the SPL because of the effect that would have on their finances. However, the mood of the fans, and the potential for a first division compromise, altered that. The decision of the SFL clubs was not a surprise, though.

On the outside looking in, there seems to be a real unity between fans of clubs who have opposed Newco Rangers in the SPL or First Division, is this merely a short-term relationship or will fans make a conscious effort to support Scottish football more than ever in the 2012/13 season?

I suspect it will be short-term, because football is competitive and thrives on the rivalries it creates. However, I hope there is a mood of consensus in the game and a widespread willingness to support it. Fans need to buy more tickets, and attend more regularly, so that Scottish football can be strong. I still believe that clubs should lower ticket prices, though, to encourage that support.

Richard Wilson - @Richwilsport I must admit it has surprised me, yes. My personal view was that the financial implications of such a big club’s demise would prompt the clubs to ensure Newco Rangers either remained in the SPL or were relegated to the second tier with some severe sanctions. It is a welcome surprise - good for the integrity of the game - but I still have doubts that clubs will commit to league restructuring with the best interests of the game at heart.

The only reason Newco Rangers did not get back into the SPL or the First Division is supporter pressure. Now the fans have got their way though, the clubs badly need them to help make up the shortfall. We have already seen a number of SPL and SFL teams issue rallying cries to their supporters to do all they can to help – if they don’t support their clubs in the years ahead then this decision could backfire spectacularly.

Not really. Their own fans told the SPL clubs that they were in no way supportive of having a Newco Rangers in the SPL. Once the SPL took that decision then they should have just left it alone. Rather than doing that they decided to interfere along with the SFA and it got to a stage that the SFL could only make one choice. I think the SFL clubs handled the situation in the right way and came to the only sensible conclusion.

Firstly I am unsure it was all good. There were a lot of threats being thrown around by SPL fans to smaller sides demanding they vote a certain way and telling other fans to boycott certain teams. The ones that did come together in the right way I would hope could visit SFL games when they can’t get to their own games. I doubt it will make a long-term impact though. I feel they wanted a decision and now they got that decision they will move on.

Chris Myson - @thechrismyson

A number of SPL clubs seemed trapped in the headlights, trying to find a way of appeasing their fans while retaining the financial security that came with finishing 50 points behind Rangers every season. They failed. The whole episode has shown up the lack of leadership that is allowing the game to drift aimlessly. That needs to be addressed and the SFL should play a full part in filling the vacuum at the top of the game, ideally with fewer governing bodies

Tom Hall - @ScotFootBlog

Unity is great, although football still depends on rivalry. Supporting other clubs when you can is commendable but I'd like all fans to concentrate on how they can make their own clubs better by keeping up the pressure they've put on chairmen and directors in recent weeks. I've felt very strongly that the clamour for Rangers to be demoted to Division 3 seemed to involve more people than actually go to SPL or SFL games every week. They got what they wanted - now it's time start putting bums on seats.

Many within the game have spoken about how there is an opportunity for real change in Scottish Football in light of the Newco Rangers situation. Do you believe structural change within Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three main governing bodies, the SPL, SFL and SFA are inevitable?

Purely from a football perspective, do you think three leagues of ten teams in the Scottish Football League are beneficial for the sport in this country?

After a summer of discontent, what are you most looking forward to in the upcoming Scottish Football League season?

Yes, it is what the SFA want to bring in, and the SFL clubs were clearly in favour of the reconstruction plans they were offered, but felt they could not compromise their voting just to accept them. Structural change is a necessity, and that is accepted within the game.

I would prefer a larger top-flight. I believe Scotland can really only sustain a 16 to 18team top-flight, or a 14-team top-flight and 10-team second division. Those clubs would all be full-time. Beneath that, the leagues should be regionalised and be part of a pyramid structure, and those clubs will all be part-time, since that is all that their finances can sustain.

In the SPL, I hope that a number of teams are able to find form and consistency to challenge Celtic. It will be extremely difficult, simply because of Celtic's greater resources, but this is chance for other clubs to be ambitious, within financial constraints. Clearly in the SFL, the Rangers story will be riveting, as the club attempts to rebuild its team, image and standing in the game.

I would not say it is inevitable, because we have been pushing for these structural changes in Scottish football for many years and there has been a huge reluctance to implement them. I would say though that if it is ever going to happen, now is the most likely time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; change is very much on the agenda and we have already seen some proposals mooted. There needs to be a far greater link between the three organisations for the benefit of the national team, the domestic product we are producing and for the survival of the clubs themselves.

Definitely not. I am a strong advocate of a 16-team SPL and underneath that would be a 16-team second tier made up of other SFL clubs. That would still leave 10 SFL clubs without a place, so under that could be a third tier division but my preference would be a pyramid system like what exists in England to allow other clubs, like Spartans or teams from the Highland League, to force their way into the professional set-up.

Without wanting to sound too obvious, watching how Newco Rangers get on in the Third Division is going to be fascinating viewing, both on and off the pitch. Are they going to record cricket scores against their minnow opponents? Will there be embarrassing results? Will the fans still turn out in huge numbers? These are all questions that no one really knows the answer to until we see how things pan out.

I would like to see if it can be changed for the better. It would also be nice if the SFL and their members could discuss possible changes with the fans and see what they want. Look at having two slightly larger SFL leagues say 12 teams in each and then have a pyramid system of regional leagues below that. These could involve clubs from the Highland league, Junior sides, bigger clubs youth teams and obviously the eight teams no longer in the SFL leagues.

Well watching some actual football obviously. Watching a version of Rangers in the SFL would certainly be interesting too. Also hoping that in the SFL gates will go up and more people will take in different games.

Two of those organisations have failed this test - the SFL clubs have stood alone in recent weeks. That should convince everyone that we need to included all 42 clubs in shaping the future. The SPL is now a redundant concept and should be put out of its misery. One league body and a modernised SFA would seem sensible. I'm also tempted to argue for a single body but I think two would allow for checks and balances to remain in place.

Is the current set up flawed? Undoubtedly. But Scottish football has had countless reorganisations over the decades and few have delivered lasting positive change. A stronger First Division will help the top flight (which should be extended) and a pyramid structure at the bottom would reward ambition outside the senior leagues. The important thing would be to make any changes sustainable and that would include clubs reinventing how they relate with their communities.

Rangers in SFL3 is the Scottish football story that will define this generation. It's a remarkable - and marketable story and one that gives the SFL more power than it is had since the architects of the SPL broke the so-called "elite" clubs away from the rest in the late 90s. We've focused too much on the negatives in recent weeks. A greater focus on the SFL - which should have sponsorship/ financial benefits can only strengthen Scottish football.

Inevitable? No. These organisations crave the power they have and will be determined to keep it.They need to be changed though. One governing body would be ideal but who do you trust to run it? The SFA have came out with a lot of talk demanding change but I am unsure at what level of power they actually have. There is also still a possibility maybe not this season but next of an SPL 2 that would be a disaster in my opinion and not a change we need.

A D V E R T

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S F L 2

USF44

aLBION

SFL DIVISION 2

The Facts: Nickname: The Wee Rovers Founded: 1882 2011/12 Finish: 9th Stadium: Cliftonhill Capacity: 1, 249

he 11/12 season saw Albion Rovers make a dramatic escape from relegation after what was a largely underwhelming season. The main issue behind Roversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 9th place finish was most certainly their inability to hit the back of the net. During the 36 game season, the club managed to score just 43 times, the least of any team in their division. When this is combined with the second worst defensive record in the Second Division, only 4 goals better than league footers Stirling Albion, it is no wonder the club ended up with relegation worries. Luckily for the Wee Rovers, support for the team upped their game when it came to the make or break moments. However, after losing 1-0 to Elgin City in the first leg of the play-off semifinal, it looked like this may not be the case, but a last minute 2-0 win in the return match was enough to earn them a place in the final. A similarly anxious experience awaited the club in the final, managing to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg with a 3-1 win in the second, meaning it was penalties that would decide which team would play in Division Two for the 12/13

Albion to win SFL Division 2: 33/1

season. Albion Rovers went on to win 5-3 on penalties, and so after a tough road that could have troubled the strongest of hearts, the club had secured their place in the third tier of Scottish Football.

Although this achievement represented the first time since the 1930s that the club had stayed up directly following promotion the season before, things will need to change this season if the men from Coatbridge are to have a more enjoyable campaign. Following the appointment of Englishman Todd Lumsden as player/manager and the loss of several key players at Albion Rovers, the club will have several new faces around the stadium this year. With goalkeepers Derek Gaston and Chris Fahey, midfielders Scott Chaplain, Ryan McStay and Stevie Canning, and strikers Robert Love and John Gemmell all departing, there will be a considerable makeover of the Albion Rovers team before their Ramsden Cup clash with Morton on July 28th.

last season by numbers

Win: 27.78% Draw: 19.44% Loss: 52.78%

So who has been brought in to replace the absentees then? Elgin City striker Jason Crooks has joined on a 1 year deal to boost the team’s strength in attack, and Peter Innes will also look to strengthen the squad after signing on for his second spell at Cliftonhill. After securing the signature of Mick O’Byrne for another season, the back 4 at Albion Rovers will likely remain the same, with Alan Reid, Barry Russell and Ciaran Donnelly set to partner 23 year old O’Byrne in defence. Lumsden will likely add a few more fresh faces to the Rovers set up before the start of this season, and will hope that with a rejuvenated attacking force he can forge a team capable of extending their stay in Division Two for another year at least. Stuart Kenny

Fixtures August 11 Brechin 18 Alloa 25 Queen of Sth

(a) (h) (a)

October 06 Ayr 20 Arbroath 27 Alloa

(a) (h) (a)

September 01 East Fife (a) 15 Stranraer (h) 22 Stenhousemuir (h) 29 Forfar (a)

November 10 Brechin 17 East Fife 24 Stranraer

(h) (h) (a)

December 08 Forfar (h) 15 Stenhousemuir (a) 26 Ayr (h) 29 Arbroath (a) January 02 Stranraer (h) 05 East Fife (a) 12 Queen of Sth (h) 19 Brechin (a) 26 Stenhousemuir (h) February 02 Forfar 09 Arbroath 16 Ayr 23 Queen of Sth

(a) (h) (a) (a)

April 06 Arbroath 13 Stranraer 20 Brechin 27 Alloa

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March 02 Alloa (h) 09 Stranraer (a) 16 East Fife (h) 23 Forfar (h) 30 Stenhousemuir (a)

May 04 Queen of Sth

(h)

USF46

aLLOA

SFL DIVISION 2

Nickname: The Wasps Founded: 1878 2011/12 Finish: 1st Stadium: Recreation Park Capacity: 3, 412

ewly promoted Alloa Athletic head into the new season chasing back to back promotions when they begin life in the Second Division after running away with the Third Division title last season. In what was Paul Hartleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maiden season in football management, The Wasps clinched promotion with a few weeks to spare. The early promotion meant the manager had longer than most to prepare for the forthcoming season and it looks like another promotion challenge could be in the offing for the Clackmannanshire club.

Paul Hartley seems to be building something special at Recreation Park and his sidesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attacking and free flowing passing style has been well publicised and praised. An exciting blend of young talent such as Ryan McCord, Kevin Cawley and Scott Bain alongside the more seasoned professionals such as club captain Darren Young and stalwart defender Ryan Harding, have been key to their success. Since clinching the Third Division title in May, the Alloa boss has been trying to rebuild his squad for an assault on the Second Division. Following the loss of players such as the

Alloa to win SFL Division 2: 11/2

experienced Robbie Winters and 19 goal, on-loan St Johnstone hitman, Stevie May in the summer, Hartley has had to move quickly to rejuvenate his side with fresh faces in the summer. In addition to retaining the bulk of their championship winning squad, Alloa have already brought in five new faces so far this season. Exciting young fullback Darryl Meggatt arrived from Queens Park along with Striker David Cox from Annan Athletic after both

players impressed Paul Hartley in matches against them last term. Another new arrival to the Recs has been towering striker Martin Grehan. A former Motherwell trainee who has vast experience in the First and Second Divisions for the likes of Partick Thistle and Stranraer along with Alloa’s local rivals Stirling Albion. Paul Hartley will be hoping Grehan can fill the shoes of Wonderkid Stevie May, who fired in 19 goals for the wasps on the way to a Third Division winners medal along with a number of individual awards including the PFA Third Division player of the year award. Hartley has looked to develop as much of his own talent since taking over at the Wee County club and the signing of Falkirk youth graduate Blair Munn very much fits into that method once again. The marquee signing at Recreation Park this summer has been the addition of former Hearts and Dunfermline midfielder Stephen Simmons to the squad. The experience of Simmons may just prove to

last season by numbers Win: 63.89% Draw: 22.22% Loss: 13.89%

be invaluable for the wasps as they hunt down a second promotion in a row. The 30-yearold knows his new boss well from their time together at Heart of Midlothian and the versatility of Simmons to play in a number of positions may prove decisive for Alloa this season. Following a strong showing in Pre-season that has seen them concede very few goals against a higher level of opposition, Hartley’s men look to be contender’s to challenge at the top end of the table once again, come May. Following strong showings against the likes of Dundee Utd, Falkirk and Aberdeen in their pre-season campaign, Alloa are starting to look like the real deal as the new season approaches. The club’s relegation to third division in the 2011/2012 season now seem like a distant memory and despite a summer of speculation linking their manager Paul Hartley with a move to former club Hearts, the black and gold machine shows no signs of letting up and Alloa may be on the brink of a return to the first division for the first time since 2003. Graeme Lafferty

Fixtures August 11 East Fife 18 Albion 25 Arbroath

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October 06 Forfar 20 Ayr 27 Albion

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December 08 Queen of Sth 15 Stranraer 26 Forfar 29 Ayr

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February 02 Queen of Sth 09 Ayr 16 Forfar 23 Arbroath

(a) (h) (a) (a)

April 06 Ayr 13 Forfar 20 East Fife 27 Albion

(a) (h) (a) (h)

September 01 Brechin (a) 15 Stenhousemuir (h) 22 Stranraer (h) 29 Queen of Sth (a)

November 10 East Fife (a) 17 Brechin (h) 24 Stenhousemuir (a)

January 02 Stenhousemuir (h) 05 Brechin (a) 12 Arbroath (a) 19 East Fife (h) 26 Stranraer (h)

March 02 Albion (a) 09 Stenhousemuir (a) 16 Brechin (h) 23 Forfar (h) 30 Queen of Sth (a)

May 04 Arbroath

(a)

USF48

arbroath

SFL DIVISION 2

Nickname: The Red Lichties Founded: 1878 2011/12 Finish: 2nd Stadium: Geyfield Park Capacity: 5, 940

rbroath can count themselves unlucky to remain in the Second Division for the 2012/2013 season after finishing in second place in the league last season. They fell at the semi final stage in the play offs losing to eventual promotion winners Dumbarton. Arbroath started off their league campaign with an impressive 6-2 win at home to Albion Rovers. This high scoring victory proved a sign of things to come for The Red Litchies as they lost only one of their first nine matches scoring twenty five goals in the process. Manager Paul Sheerin received the Manager of the Month for Au-

gust as recognition of his sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive start to the season. High scoring matches were the order of the season for Arbroath as they defeated promotion rivals Dumbarton 4-3 both home and away before Christmas. It was more of the same after the New Year for the Gayfield Park side as they scored ten goals in their three matches during January. Sadly for Arbroath they drew a few too many games throughout the season, meaning Cowdenbeath won the league and promotion to Division One comfortably. Nonetheless, after finishing in second place The Red Litchies will have been confident of at

Arbroath to win SFL Division 2: 7/1

least making the final of the play offs as they were drawn against Dumbarton who finished third. Throughout the season, matches between the two sides had been packed full of goals with twenty one goals in the four matches during the regular campaign. However, the playoffs proved a step too far for Arbroath as they fell to a 2-1 defeat in the first leg away

from home before failing to find that much needed goal in the second leg and drawing 0-0 with The Sons. Pre-season has been a mixed bag for Arbroath but as always it’s hard to judge a side until the competitive matches kick in. A 5-1 defeat at the hands of Aberdeen may hurt a little but this time of year is all about getting to full match fitness. They’ll kick off their season with a trip away to Elgin in the first round of the Ramsdens Cup. It’s a tie Arbroath will be favourites to win comfortably but it will be a tough match as a trip up north is never easy. Their league campaign is scheduled to begin away to Airdrie United but this may be subject to change depending on which team is promoted to the First Division. Last season, Arbroath exceeded expectations last season and they will be looking for more of the same this season. They have lost a number of players

last season by numbers

Win: 47.22% Draw: 33.33% Loss: 19.44%

from last season’s squad but the nucleus of their starting eleven remains. Players like Darren Hill, Mark Baxter, Stuart Malcolm, player/manager Paul Sheerin and top goal scorer Steven Doris will all be looking to emulate and even surpass last season’s performance. Doris was the top scorer in the second division finishing one ahead of Airdrie United‘s Ryan Donnelly and East Fife‘s Ryan Wallace with 21 goals. It has been a difficult summer for all involved with Scottish football and Arbroath may feel slightly aggrieved to not have been awarded promotion by default. With Dundee promoted to the SPL to fill the empty space, Airdrie United are to be instated into the First Division despite losing the playoff final to Dumbarton. Craig Dennett

Fixtures August 11 Stranraer 18 Ayr 25 Alloa

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October 06 Brechin 20 Albion 27 Ayr

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September 01 Queen of Sth (a) 15 East Fife (h) 22 Forfar (h) 29 Stenhousemuir (a)

November 10 Stranraer 17 Queen of Sth 24 East Fife

(h) (h) (a)

December 08 Stenhousemuir (h) 15 Forfar (a) 26 Brechin (a) 29 Albion (h) January 02 East Fife 05 Queen of Sth 12 Alloa 19 Stranraer 26 Forfar

(h) (a) (h) (a) (h)

February 02 Stenhousemuir (a) 09 Albion (h) 16 Brechin (h) 23 Alloa (a) March 02 Ayr (h) 09 East Fife (a) 16 Queen of Sth (h) 23 Stenhousemuir (h) 30 Forfar (a) April 06 Albion 13 Brechin 20 Stranraer 27 Ayr May 04 Alloa

(h) (a) (h) (a) (h)

USF50

ayr

SFL DIVISION 2

Nickname: The Honest Men Founded: 1910 2011/12 Finish: 9th Stadium: Somerset Park Capacity: 10, 243

yr’s 2011/12 season was one of elation and despair – emotions that make for a beautiful and tragic campaign and that’s exactly how best to describe the Honest men’s season. A series of fantastic cup runs saw Brian Reid’s team reach the semi-final of the Scottish Communities Cup where they would play their fiercest rival, Kilmarnock. Ayr fended off no less than three SPL teams to earn a place against Kilmarnock at Hampden but Kilmarnock’s name was written on the cup, stunning Celtic in the final with a 1-0 win. Inverness, Hearts and St. Mirren all suffered at the hands of the Honest men making their cup campaign a real success. But their relegation from Division 1 made the 2011/12 season for Ayr a bittersweet campaign, despite their triumphs. The exodus from Ayr United over the summer months is a telling sign of change over at Somerset Park. Hanging on to Michael Moffat will provide the Ayrshire men with some confidence of climbing out of the second division. The capture of Ryan McStay could provide Ayr with some much needed

Ayr to win SFL Division 2: 9/4

substance in midfield. McStay signed up to a one year deal

after the conclusion of his one year deal with Albion Rovers. The biggest blow to Ayr United’s squad was the loss of Alan Martin to Crewe Alexandria, the lure of full-time football ending his spell with the Honest Men. Martin was quickly snapped up by Ayr after a spell at Leeds United that saw the Scotland U21 goalkeeper loaned out three times in his four years with the club. If Ayr’s pre-season games are anything to go by then it’ll be another season of uncertainty and inconsistency – with a 4-0 win over Motherwell and a 4-1 drubbing from Partick Thistle. Ayr smashed four past Stewart McCall’s strongest Motherwell

last season by numbers

squad – with no response from the Steelmen. Mark Roberts led by example, slotting home the first, with goals from Moffat, Campbell and Sinclair adding to Motherwell’s misery. Three days after their triumph over Motherwell, Roberts opted to start six trialists with the real focus being on a glamour friendly at home against Bolton Wanderers. Ayr did well to come from behind and level the score against a full-strength Bolton squad, Roberts leading by example again to make the full-time score 1-1. Ross Dunn

Fixtures August 11 Stenhousemuir (h) 18 Arbroath (a) 25 Forfar (h) September 01 Stranraer 15 Queen of Sth 22 East Fife 29 Brechin October 06 Albion 20 Alloa 27 Arbroath

(h) (a) (h)

November 10 Stenhousemuir (a) 17 Stranraer (h) 24 Queen of Sth (a) December 08 Brechin 15 East Fife 26 Albion 29 Alloa

(a) (h) (a) (h)

February 02 Brechin 09 Alloa 16 Albion 23 Forfar`

(h) (a) (h) (h)

January 02 Queen of Sth (h) 05 Stranraer (a) 12 Forfar (a) 19 Stenhousemuir (h) 26 East Fife (a)

March 02 Arbroath 09 Queen of Sth 16 Stranraer 23 Brechin 30 East Fife

Win: 25% Draw: 30.56% Loss: 44.44%

(a) (h) (a) (h)

(a) (a) (h) (a) (h)

April 06 Alloa (h) 13 Albion (a) 20 Stenhousemuir (a) 27 Arbroath (h) May 04 Forfar`

(a)

USF52

Brechin

SFL DIVISION 2

The Facts: Nickname: The Hedgemen Founded: 1906 2011/12 Finish: 8th Stadium: Glebe Park Capacity: 3, 960

rechin City finished their sixth consecutive season in the Scottish Second Division in 8th place, one spot above the relegation playoffs. It was a difficult season for The Hedgemen who struggled to find a continuous vein of good form at any stage throughout the season. Their best run during the season was between 17 December 2011 and 21 February 2012 when they lost only game from eight played. Manager Jim Weir won the Second Division Manager of the Month award for December during this period. Otherwise, it was a fairly indifferent season for Brechin who managed to remain in contention for a promotion playoff berth until they hit a run of bad form in their last five matches of the season picking up only one point from a possible fifteen. The summer has been a tough one for Brechin off the pitch with fans considering action against the club in protest against the manager. The release of longest serving player Charlie King shocked and angered The Hedgemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support. King had been a Brechin player since 2001, making 326 appearances and scoring 60 goals for the club. Chairman Ken Fergusonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude towards explaining the direc-

Brechin to win SFL Division 2: 9/1

tion of the club as well as creating negative relationships with neighbouring clubs has incensed many of the Glebe Park faithful. This season will be a tough one for Brechin as they begin their campaign with a new squad. This summer has been one of transition for the club and its players, and they still

have a largely undecided squad for the new campaign. After last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disappointment and a team that underachieved, the aim for the club this season will be to consolidate their position in the league and make an outside push for a playoff spot. They will expect players staying with the club to be the key players throughout the season. Supporters will look to players like defender Ewan Moyes and midfielder Craig Molloy to produce the performances to keep The Hedgemen in contention. Brechin will kick off their competitive campaign in the first round of the Ramsdens Cup against newly demoted Rangers. The game will be the first time the 2 sides have met for

last season by numbers

several decades and could possibly be the first match played by Rangers since the end of last season as they are not allowed to play friendly matches without SFA membership. Away from the unprecedented controversy that has gripped Scottish football this summer, The Hedgemen will kick off their Scottish Second Division season at home to Albion Rovers looking to start as they mean to go on. Craig Dennett

Fixtures August 11 Albion (h) 18 Stenhousemuir (a) 25 East Fife (h) September 01 Alloa 15 Forfar 22 Queen of Sth 29 Ayr

(h) (a) (h) (a)

November 10 Albion 17 Alloa 24 Forfar

(a) (a) (h)

October 06 Arbroath (a) 20 Stranraer (h) 27 Stenhousemuir (h)

December 08 Ayr 15 Queen of Sth 26 Arbroath 29 Stranraer January 02 Forfar 05 Alloa 12 East Fife 19 Albion 26 Queen of Sth February 02 Ayr 09 Stranraer 16 Brechin 23 East Fife

(h) (a) (h) (a) (a) (h) (a) (h) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h)

March 02 Stenhousemuir (a) 09 Forfar (h) 16 Alloa (a) 23 Ayr (h) 30 Queen of Sth (a)

Win: 27.78% Draw: 30.56% Loss: 41.67%

April 06 Stranraer (a) 13 Arbroath (h) 20 Albion (a) 27 Stenhousemuir (h) May 04 East Fife

(a)

USF54

EAST FIFE

SFL DIVISION 2

Facts: Nickname: The Fifers Founded: 1903 2011/12 Finish: 6th Stadium: Bayview Capacity: 1, 992

espite a decent showing in the league cup, which saw East Fife make the quarter finals, the 2011/12 campaign will probably be viewed as a disappointment for the Bayview faithful. A sixth place finish was viewed as an underwhelming showing for a side that finished a place and four points below their efforts in the previous campaign. Despite some mixed results in August and September, October was a very good month on the field for The Fifers. Four consecutive league wins during the month put then manager John Robertsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side right in the mix of the second division. They started out October with a pulsating 4-3 victory against Forfar at Bayview. They

followed that up with a commanding victory away to Albion Rovers and a tight 1-0 victory over Stirling Albion at home, Ryan Wallace scored the vital goal with only minutes remaining. Despite losing to eventual winners Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup quarter final, they finished the month off with an impressive away win against Airdrie United. With October providing some consistency, it was between November and January which saw some harsh realities for The Fifers. East Fife lost four out of the five league games they played over an eight week period and never got themselves back on track. Manager John Robertson was dismissed in March and was replaced by

East Fife to win SFL Division 2: 10/1

his assistant, Gordon Durie. One of the biggest blows for The Fifers after last season was the loss of young star Ryan Wallace to Dunfermline Athletic. Wallace was the man who made the side tick and

his link-up play and eye for goal will be sorely missed this season. The 20-year old produced the goods in a goal laden spell with the club and Durie will have the tough task of replacing him. East Fife have added veteran striker Gareth Wardlaw to the ranks but his recent goal scoring output during spells at St Mirren and Ayr United does not make him an obvious replacement for Wallace. The Fifers have also brought back in the much travelled favourite, Paul McManus, for his third spell with the club to add options upfront. One other signing of note has been that of Scott McBride, the versatile midfielder has signed after spending the last two seasons with Raith Rovers. Durie has looked to bring some added experience to the

last season by numbers

Win: 38.89% Draw: 16.67% Loss: 44.44%

club. He has had former Rangers player Bob Malcolm on trial alongside former Dundee United and, most recently, Arboath striker Collin Samuel. It is always difficult to make predictions in July for the season ahead but Gordon Durie and his management team will be fully aware that to improve on last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showing, despite scoring a respectable 55 goals, East Fife failed to hit the target in eight or their league encounters. With the pressure of trying to fill the void Wallace has left, it will take a big effort from all involved to better last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth place finish. Graeme Young

Fixtures August 11 Alloa 18 Queen of Sth 25 Brechin September 01 Albion 15 Arbroath 22 Ayr 29 Stranraer

(a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a)

October 06 Stenhousemuir (a) 20 Forfar (h) 27 Queen of Sth (a) November 10 Alloa 17 Albion 24 Arbraoth

(h) (a) (h)

January 02 Arbroath 05 Albion 12 Brechin 19 Alloa 26 Ayr

(a) (h) (h) (a) (h)

March 02 Queen of Sth 09 Arbroath 16 Albion 23 Stranraer 30 Ayr

(h) (h) (a) (h) (a)

May 04 Brechin

(h)

December 08 Stranraer (h) 15 Ayr (a) 26 Stenhousemuir (h) 29 Forfar (a)

February 02 Stranraer (a) 09 Forfar (h) 16 Stenhousemuir (a) 23 Brechin (a)

April 06 Forfar (a) 13 Stenhousemuir (h) 20 Alloa (h) 27 Queen of Sth (a)

USF56

Forfar

SFL DIVISION 2

The Facts: Nickname: The Loons Founded: 1885 2011/12 Finish: 7th Stadium: Station Park Capacity: 5, 177

fter almost achieving two promotions in a row under the stewardship of Dick Campbell in 2010 and 2011, it was a somewhat disappointing season for the men from Angus. Forfar will kick off their campaign hoping to avoid the relegation dogfight they became embroiled in at the business end of last season. Their Second Division status was only secured with a 2-1 victory away to Stenhousemuir at Ochilview on the final day of the season, meaning they leapfrogged close neighbours Brechin City into seventh place. The Loons finished the season with one of the least wanted statistics by going on the joint longest win-less run with Albion Rovers. They went a total of 10 games without recording a win and that run of form was one of the key reasons behind their failure to challenge near the top of the league. The club have taken the decision to make a big change at Station Park trading in the traditional grass pitch for a state of the art 3G all weather surface. The pitch will be installed and ready for the start of the 2012/13 season and means

Forfar to win SFL Division 2: 12/1

they will follow Stenhousemuir by playing their home matches on the synthetic pitch. The club, along with local amateur side Forfar Farmington, who are an SFA Quality Mark Community Football Club, were awarded a grant from ‘Cash from Criminals’ of £300,000. This grant was put towards the installation of the all weather pitch. Forfar have moved quickly during the close season to snap up a number of new players.

They have signed 21 year old Danny Denholm from the University of Stirling, experienced 31 year old goalkeeper Derek Soutar, as well as former Arbroath striker Gavin Swankie. Left sided defender Iain Campbell and former Brechin players David Scott and Charlie King have also put pen to paper and join Dick Campbell’s side. Along with the new signings, a number of current players have signed contract extensions at Station Park. Top goalscorer Chris Templeman, Jamie Bishop, Michael Bolochoweckyj, Martyn Fotheringham, Mark McCulloch, Kevin Motion, Steven Tulloch and Barry Sellars have all chosen to stay with The Loons for a further year. The result of the SFL vote to put Rangers into Division Three will have little impact upon Forfar’s position within the league. The only resultant change could be the financial income from the SPL but this is a choice 25

last season by numbers Win: 30.56% Draw: 25% Loss: 44.44%

of the 30 SFL clubs are willing to accept to maintain sporting integrity within the game. After the vote on 13th July, the club released a statement on their website: “As a club we hope that all matters can be fully resolved and that the competitive season can commence for the ‘Loons’ on 28th July with either Dunfermline Athletic or Rangers visiting Station Park and gracing our superb looking new playing surface in the Ramsdens Cup.” After a difficult summer for everyone involved in Scottish football, the Second Division will kick off its campaign on Saturday 11th August away to Queen of the South who was relegated from the Irn Bru First Division last season. Craig Dennett

Fixtures August 11 Queen of Sth 18 Stranraer 25 Ayr

(a) (h) (a)

October 06 Alloa 20 East Fife 27 Stranraer

(a) (h) (h)

December 08 Albion 15 Arbroath 26 Alloa 29 East Fife

(a) (h) (a) (h)

February 02 Albion 09 East Fife 16 Alloa 23 Ayr

(h) (a) (h) (a)

April 06 East Fife 13 Alloa 20 Queen of Sth 27 Stranraer

(h) (a) (h) (a)

September 01 Stenhousemuir (a) 15 Brechin (h) 22 Arbroath (h) 29 Albion (a)

November 10 Queen of Sth (h) 17 Stenhousemuir (h) 24 Brechin (a)

January 02 Brechin (h) 05 Stenhousemuir (a) 12 Ayr (h) 19 Queen of Sth (a) 26 Arbroath (a)

March 02 Stranraer (h) 09 Brechin (a) 16 Stenhousemuir (h) 23 Albion (a) 30 Arbroath (h)

May 04 Ayr

(h)

USF58

QOS

SFL DIVISION 2

The Facts: Nickname: The Doonhamers Founded: 1919 2011/12 Finish: 10th Stadium: Palmerston Capacity: 6, 412

he 2011/12 campaign was a difficult one for The Doonhamers. Their decade long run as a second tier side ended following their bottom placed finish during the 2011/12 season. Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have long been lauded for their ability to compete with sides more coped with the rigours of the first division but their relegation still comes as a bitter blow to a side who have been financially hamstrung over the past couple of seasons. Following the defeat to Raith Rovers in April of this year that confirmed relegation, then manager Gus MacPherson and his assistant Andy Millen left the club. For the new campaign Allan

Johnston will combine his job as manager while continuing to play a part on the pitch for the side. While MacPherson pointed to a lack of finance for the struggles of his side last season, it is hard to look past some of the heavy defeats the side suffered against others team in the league who are hardly awash with money. Home form has always been crucial for the Dumfries outfit but three heavy defeats at Palmerston over the course of the season didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help towards their eventual relegation. A 5-1 drubbing just before Christmas, A 5-0 defeat to Partick Thistle and a 4-0 loss to Livingston all contributed to their bottom placed finish.

Queen of the South to win SFL Division 2: 11/2

Not scoring a lot of goals and conceding plenty is always a recipe for disaster and despite the disappointment of the previous campaign If relegation wasn’t bad

enough, many fans have been critical regarding the club’s decision to vote for a Newco Rangers into the first division. The club itself has defended the decision they made regarding the vote, stating that a ‘no’ vote was no guarantee of successful reconstruction in the Scottish lower leagues. An official statement on the club’s website read,"In summary, we felt that the positives that could be achieved with a 'yes' vote were worth pursuing, given that our reading of the situation was that the effects of a 'yes' vote would be manufactured by the governing bodies irrespective of the outcome of the actual vote. It remains to be seen if we were correct in this assumption.” One of the first departures of the off-season was powerful target man Sam Parkin. Parkin has joined SPL side St Mirren and new manager Johnston will look to bring in some extra firepower to a side who only

last season by numbers Win: 19.44% Draw: 30.56% Loss: 50%

managed to score a measly 38 goals during the last campaign. One of the main additions has been the return of local lad Willie Gibson. Gibson broke in to the side in 2007 before his move to Kilmarnock where he was a team-mate of new manager Allan Johnston. Johnston is hopeful for a few new faces to the side in the coming weeks. Queen of the South for many years have been one of the leading examples of stability in lower league football but after a few turbulent months which has resulted in the appointment of a untested manager, fan backlash due to the club’s policy on voting on Newco Rangers and a relegation, this will be a season where Queen of the South will have to show signs of recovery. The second division will be competitive but there is no reason why The Doonhamers cannot be competing for an instant return to a league they served well for a decade. Graeme Young

Fixtures August 11 Forfar 18 East Fife 25 Albion

September 01 Arbroath 15 Ayr 22 Brechin 29 Alloa

(h) (a) (h) (h) (a) (a) (h)

October 06 Stranraer (a) 20 Stenhousemuir (h) 27 East Fife (h) November 10 Forfar 17 Arbroath 24 Ayr

(a) (a) (h)

January 02 Ayr 05 Arbroath 12 Albion 19 Forfar 26 Brechin

(a) (h) (a) (h) (a)

March 02 East Fife 09 Ayr 16 Arbroath 23 Alloa 30 Brechin

(a) (h) (a) (a) (h)

May 04 Albion

(a)

December 08 Alloa (a) 15 Brechin (h) 26 Airdrie (h) 29 Stenhousemuir (a)

February 02 Alloa (h) 09 Stenhousemuir (h) 16 Stranraer (a) 23 Albion (h)

April 06 Stenhousemuir (a) 13 Stranraer (h) 20 Forfar (a) 27 East Fife (h)

USF60

stenhousemuir

SFL DIVISION 2

The Facts: Nickname: The Warriors Founded: 1884 2011/12 Finish: 5th Stadium: Ochilview Park Capacity: 3, 776

fter sitting in the bottom two of the Second Division table for the majority of the 2010/11 season, it will have been with a sigh of relief that Stenhousemuir fans watched their side hover in the right half of the Division Two table in the past year. Despite the fact that they were pleased to be in the division at all however, it will still be hard for the Stennie support to stomach missing out on the play-off positions by a singular point last season. This fact is made all the tougher to grasp by the fact that a win against league strugglers Forfar on the final day of the season would have given them a much desired shot at promotion. All in all it was a solid season for Stenhousemuir though, especially when it is noted that they conceded just 49 goals in the 36 games league games they played, a defensive record bettered only by champions Cowndenbeath, whose keeper picked the ball out of his net a measly 29 times. Goal scoring was the main issue at Ochilview Park then, and although the Warriorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on target total of 54 goals for

Stenhousemuir to win SFL Division 2: 9/1

the season wasn’t awful, neither was it good enough for them to secure a place in the play-off positions. When considering the teams that did make the top four scored, 76, 68, 68 and 61 goals respectively, the difference in attacking prowess at the top of the table becomes a little clearer. Nevertheless, Davie Iron’s effort to transfigure the team from rel-

egation battlers to play-off nearly men should not be overlooked in any manner. It seems Stenhousemuir will have to up their goal threat if they are to progress further through the SFL ranks though, and the signing of John “the beast” Gemmell from Albion Rovers has been made with this aim in mind. Having scored 73 goals in the Scottish Football League so far, Gemmell is a proven goalscorer and new gaffer Martyn Corrigan will hope the striker can show his top form at Ochilview this year. The new signing will hope to form a partnership with Andy Rodgers, who was the club’s top marksman last year with an admirable 17 league goals, and if the two can click they could present a formidable attacking threat. Another new face that wearing the maroon and white of Stenhousemuir this season is 24 year old Bryan Hodge, who signs after a travelled career that saw him play for Black-

last season by numbers Win: 41.67% Draw: 16.67% Loss: 41.67%

burn, Mansfield, Millwall and Darlington before transferring to the Scottish ranks where he joined Partick and most recently Brechin City. Hodge is a robust midfielder who has represented Scotland at various youth levels, and the new signing will likely add an element of versatility to a midfield currently dominated by the club’s Player of the Year Iain Thomson. In defence meanwhile, Scot Buist, who started his career in the Stenhousemuir youth academy, returns to the club for the 12/13 campaign, and right back Greg Ross will also look to keep Dave Iron’s back line as solid as it was last season following their summer transfers to the club. If their attacking threat can increase and Iron’s side can hold a similar resilience in defence to that of last year, there is no reason why Stenhousemuir cannot claim a top four position this season. Stuart Kenny

Fixtures August 11 Ayr 18 Brechin 25 Stranraer September 01 Forfar 15 Alloa 22 Albion 29 Arbroath

October 06 East Fife 20 Queen of Sth 27 Brechin November 10 Ayr 17 Forfar 24 Alloa

December 08 Arbroath 15 Albion 26 East Fife 29 Queen of Sth January 02 Alloa 05 Forfar 12 Stranraer 19 Ayr 26 Albion

February 02 Arbroath 09 Queen of Sth 16 East Fife 23 Stranraer March 02 Brechin 09 Alloa 16 Forfar 23 Arbroath 30 Albion

April 06 Queen of Sth 13 East Fife 20 Ayr 27 Brechin May 04 Stranraer

(a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (a) (h) (h) (a) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (h) (a) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h) (h) (a) (a) (h) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h)

USF62

stranraer

SFL DIVISION 2

The Facts: Nickname: The Blues Founded: 1870 2011/12 Finish: 3rd Stadium: Stair Park Capacity: 5, 600

he decision by Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footballing authorities to invite Dundee to replace Rangers in the Scottish Premier has meant Airdrie will take Dundee's place in Division One, with Stranraer moving up to Division Two. Stranraer were the defeated finalists in their play-off at the end of last season however the move marks the end of a three year spell in the third division for the Stair Park side. A strong third place finish in last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign will breed confidence in the Stranraer ranks as they look forward to life in the second tier of Scottish football. The third division title was won by a very strong Alloa side led by the relatively inexperienced manager Paul Hartley. Blues boss Keith Knox will relish another crack at the Wasps in the coming months after failing to take a point off the champions last season. To say the playing style of the Stair Park side was defensive in any way would be inaccurate to say the least. The adoption of an attacking style led the blues to 6-0 victo-

Stranraer to win SFL Division 2: 33/1

ries over East Stirlingshire and Montrose and a style which ultimately led them to a top three finish. There were however some pitfalls in this approach. Against higher ranked opposition these became evident. An 8-0 defeat to Morton in the Challenge cup first round last season highlights a potential issue of concern as Stranraer now face stiffer opposition in the form of the established second division clubs.

However a few things have happened in the close season that would suggest the Stranraer squad are prepared and up for the unexpected but welcomed challenge ahead. The signing of central defenders Mick Dunlop and Frank Mckeown will comfort those who witnessed the Morton defeat last season as blues boss Keith Knox looks to bolster his defensive line up. Twenty-nine year old Dunlop is a player who brings a wealth of experience and joins from Brechin City where he spent last season. With almost 300 career appearances in the SFL his addition to the Stranraer set-up will no doubt be met with positivity. With the defence shaping up the blues attack is blessed with the return of top goal scorer Craig Malcolm who re-signs for his third season at Stair Park. Malcolm has netted 41 goals in 84 appearances for the club; this type of form will be a welcomed asset for Blues fans. Striker Michael Moore has also signed once again to add

last season by numbers Win: 47.22% Draw: 19.44% Loss: 33.33%

firepower to the Blues attack and the aptly named ‘Mr Stranraer’ is only eight goals away from reaching a career century for the club. His experience and awareness of where the net is will no doubt have home supporters pleased with his acquisition. Stephen Stirling is one player that won’t be at Stair Park for this season’s campaign. The midfielder has moved on to play with Morton after his impressive spell with the Blues. Twenty-two year old Stirling, left Ibrox last summer after failing to establish himself in the first team squad was a bright spark in the side and will be a miss after an impressive season under the management of Keith Knox. The circumstances in which Stranraer find themselves in for the upcoming season may have been unexpected but there is no doubt the side from the southwest, will enter the second division with positivity and a desire to play attractive attacking football. Marc Spowart

Fixtures August 11 Arbroath (h) 18 Forfar (a) 25 Stenhousemuir (h) September 01 Ayr 15 Albion 22 Alloa 29 East Fife

October 06 Queen of Sth 20 Brechin 27 Forfar November 10 Arbroath 17 Ayr 24 Albion

December 08 East Fife 15 Alloa 26 Queen of Sth 29 Brechin

(h) (a) (a) (h) (h) (a) (h) (a) (a) (h) (a) (h) (a) (h)

January 02 Albion (a) 05 Ayr (h) 12 Stenhousemuir (a) 19 Arbroath (h) 26 Alloa (a) February 02 East Fife (h) 09 Brechin (a) 16 Queen of Sth (h) 23 Stenhousemuir (h) March 02 Forfar 09 Albion 16 Ayr 23 East Fife 30 Alloa

April 06 Brechin 13 Queen of Sth 20 Arbroath 27 Forfar

(a) (h) (a) (a) (h) (h) (a) (a) (h)

May 04 Stenhousemuir (a)

In a league of their own?

By Graeme Young

Lack of playoff opportunities for First Division teams could stagnate a competitive league

n the 2011/2012 Scottish first division season only 13 points separated Dundee who finished in second spot and Greenock Morton who finished six places below in eighth. It would be fair to point out that in a keenly contested league with only ten sides competing that there is always a chance that there will be precious little between the sides in Scotland’s second tier. The first division for many years has made experts look foolish with their pre-season tips for promotion and relegation. The problem with lack of playoffs for promotion to the SPL was highlighted last season with the way Ross County swept aside all before them and won the league by an impressive 24 points. Ross County proved to be the league standouts but the batch of sides below could have been fighting for their own day in the sun if a possible route to the SPL was on offer to the three sides that finished between second and fourth in the table. Along with the side who finished ninth the SPL playoff football would generated much more excitement in both the top half of the first division and the bottom half of the SPL. Playoffs in league football add a great deal to the overall

competition itself, teams are jostling for superior league positions to give themselves the best chance of promotion. Hamilton and Livingston closed the gap on 3rd place Falkirk in the final weeks of last season but outside of professionalism to finish as high as possible there was arguably no real incentive to finish within the top four. Each year the Championship playoffs in England, which gives the winners a place in the English Premier League is contested in what is often viewed as ‘the richest game in football’. Championship playoff finals have long delivered the goods from a football aspect and when the financial carrot of an estimated £90 million is at stake, drama isn‘t hard to find. It would be sheer folly to assume that a game which acted as an equivalent in Scotland would ever be of that monetary importance but it would surely add to the Scottish game overall. The playoff system seems to work well in the second and third division in Scotland and it adds real excitement as the season comes to a close. Last season Albion Rovers showed fantastic resolve to fight out of the bottom place in the second division and then to beat Stranraer in the final and re-

main as a second division side. Dumbarton sealed promotion to the first division after excellent wins over Arbroath and a demolition job of Airdrie in the playoff final. The SPL itself has not been adverse to new ideas and possibilities of altering the way the title is decided. A playoff system between the top four sides was mooted in 2010. Former Rangers manger and his Old Firm counterpart in Celtic manager Neil Lennon were quick to dismiss the idea of the title being fought out by the top four sides. Then Hearts boss Jim Jefferies spoke of displeasure in December 2010 after talks of potential changes cooled off, he said: "Rangers and Celtic invariably win the league with a bit of a gap to third place and they might feel a bit aggrieved. But if everybody agrees to it and they know the score before starting the campaign then fine. "If they are good enough to finish 20 points clear of a team in third, for example, they should be good enough to win the play-offs, but sometimes that's not the case. I'm sure every other club outside the Old Firm would be interested as it gives them a chance of the league title.” In the 2011/12 SPL season Dunfermline always looked like a side that would be fighting for their lives to survive. The Pars were never far from trouble and after finding themselves rooted at the bottom of the table almost exclusively in the New Year; they decided to change manager Jim McIntyre was replaced by the aforementioned Jim Jefferies in March, with Chairman John Yorkston hoping to get out of the singular relegation place in the Scottish Premier League. Hibernian had as poor a season in 2011/12 since they were relegated in 1998. They eventually edged away from danger in the final few weeks of the season and a 4-0 victory over Dunfermline in the penultimate fixture of the season condemned the Pars to relegation. Hibs for long spells looked a rudderless ship under Colin Calderwood and his replacement Pat Fenlon. The Leith side looked lost for most of the campaign and their run to the Scottish Cup final did little to paper over the cracks. In almost any other league they would have to pay the price for their showing either with automatic relegation or with a playoff to confirm their status as a premier league side. Familiarity breeds contempt and many SPL chairmen will look at this campaign and couldn’t be blamed for tightening the purse strings with the thought of as long as there is a side in a more perilous position than ourselves then we will still be a top flight team. It’s human nature.

Scottish football has suffered a myriad of sneering comments and assumptions for years from their English counterparts about the lack of competitiveness in the game in Scotland. The tit-for-tat rivalry between the two countries has played out for many centuries both north and south of the border and is not restricted to the world of football. Like any rivalry most comments are said in jest to rile the other side up but Scottish football without doubt takes a rough ride. With the success in Europe of Dundee United and Aberdeen in the 1980’s to the Old Firm’s runs to the final of the Uefa Cup in 2003 and 2008 respectively, Scottish football has done an excellent job in competing at a higher level on many occasions in the recent past. The 2007/08 season in Europe for Scottish teams was unbelievable. Aberdeen reached the last 32 of the Uefa Cup before losing bravely to a star-studded Bayern Munich side. Rangers as already mentioned made the final before losing to Zenit St Petersburg. Celtic made the Champions League last 16 for the second consecutive season, this was also aided with Scotland’s strong showing in Euro 2008 qualification in a group which included then World Cup winners Italy, runner-up France and an always dangerous Ukraine side. It is easy to take a negative slant on the Scottish game but there has been recent success, what everyone in Scottish football has to be careful of is that remarkable 2007/08 season isn’t viewed as some halcyon days of yesteryear in 20 years time. The teams who were in and around the playoff spots last season in the first division will no doubt be eager to kick off the new campaign but I can’t help but think that if the playoffs were in existence it would add to what already is an unbelievably competitive league. Sides like Dunfermline and a rejuvenated Livingston will be aiming for the title but there will teams who surprise and the potential of possible promotion could be exactly what is need to added even more intrigue in to a league which makes people look foolish every season when predictions are made. Scotland is no football wasteland but a country this small with such passionate fans should be rewarding those who support the game with the best possible product and it is hard to justify the current structure between the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish First Division.

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Bouncing Back

Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youngest manager , Greig McDonald, talks to David Ogilvie about making the transition from player to manager.

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hen Stirling Albion parted company with Jocky Scott in December of last year, they replaced one of Scotland’s most senior and experienced coaches with the youngest boss in

the country. McDonald was only 29 when he took charge for the first time – guiding the Binos to a 3-1 win over Stenhousemuir on January 2 – but the 30-year-old has always insisted age is not an issue. He was unable to keep Stirling in the Second Division despite some improved performances and astute signings in Mark Ferry and Graham Weir but the club have shown faith in the former East Fife captain and will hope to be rewarded with a place in the top four come the end of the season. Stirling kick off their campaign with a Ramsdens Cup clash at holders Falkirk on Saturday then go to Arbroath in the Scottish Communities League Cup a week later before Division Three begins with a first ever meeting with Annan Athletic at Forthbank. McDonald admits it has been a steep learning curve since he and his playing assistants Marc McCulloch and Shaun Fagan took over the reins but he is loving every minute. A project manager with a major bank away from football,

McDonald said: “Being a manager certainly takes up a lot of your time and it’s part-time only in name but I’m really enjoying it. I’ve had great support from the guys at the club and the players have been terrific - I couldn’t have asked for more. “Getting relegated was obviously a big disappointment but we have to look forward now. I’m not one for setting specific targets because that can be restrictive. We just want to go out and try to win every game and play the game in the right manner. We have tried to be more attack minded and I think the supporters appreciate that. “We had a good pre-season and the tour up north was good for the squad. We played well against Strathspey Thistle to win 4-0 on the Friday night but I probably learned more from the 3-0 defeat to Brora the following day. We had a lot of possession in that game but didn’t do anything with it and they picked us off on the break – that is something we need to be aware of.” The likes of former Motherwell forward Darren Smith and ex-Rangers keeper Callum Reidford, now with Stenhousemuir, left the club at the end of the season and McDonald has made four additions for 2012/13. Full-back David McClune arrives from Brechin City, the ver-

69 USF

satile Kieran McAnespie moves south from Arbroath, one-time Aberdeen keeper Mark Peat was snapped up from Beith Juniors and striker Bradley Coyne, son of former Celtic, Dundee and Motherwell striker Tommy, will be hoping to be among the goals after fruitful spells at East Stirling and Forfar following his release from St Mirren. Stirling will also give the graduates from their youth academy a chance and McDonald added: “These guys are the future of the club and will be given their opportunity. The fans saw their quality when we gave some of them a run-out in the final game of last season against Albion Rovers and they have shown up well in the preseason friendlies. “Stewart Taylor (Head of Youth) does a great job in bringing through these players and we want to ensure that the best talent in the local area comes to Stirling. We are also aware of our need to get out into the community and that is something we will do.” McDonald has been plagued by serious injuries since Allan Moore brought him to the club in 2009 but after recovering from knee surgery and a snapped Achilles tendon, he is fit and ready to take his place in the squad

this season – if selected! He said: “When I first took over as manager I spoke to a few people in the game and they advised me not to play initially because I wouldn’t be focused on my game as I would be worried what was going on elsewhere on the pitch, but I’ve had a full pre-season training and we’ll see what happens. I feel good and have played in the friendlies but maybe Marc and Shaun won’t pick me! McDonald is the youngest Albion manager since Jim Fleeting had a short but impressive stint at Annfield in the late 1980s, when his influence was such that Stirling’s brand of attacking football saw the current Scottish FA Director of Football Development lured to Kilmarnock after just six months. After two successive relegations, fans of the Binos will hope McDonald can emulate some of Fleeting’s success but without the move to Rugby Park! Rangers’ appearance in Division Three may put the title out of everyone else’s reach but Stirling should have a squad capable of pushing for the play-offs in their first season in the bottom tier of Scottish football since 2003/04.

A D V E R T

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S F L 3

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annan

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: Galabankies Founded: 1942 2011/12 Finish: 5th Stadium: Galabank Capacity: 2, 007

ormed in 1942, Annan Athletic FC originally competed in the Youth and Junior leagues of their native Dumfries and Galloway. Annan Athletic played in the East of Scotland League from 1987 until 2008. Having first applied to join the Scottish Football League in 2000, Annan Athletic were finally admitted to the SFL in 2008 after local rivals Gretna went into liquidation. Annanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admission to the Third Division saw them picked ahead of several other non-league teams in the form of Preston Athletic, Cove Rangers, Spartans and Edinburgh City.

Since joining the Scottish Football League in season 2008/09, Annan Athletic have proved that they can compete comfortably in Scottish senior football. They finished in seventh place in their first season in the third division. Annan achieved their highest league placing so far in 2011, recording a fourth place finish which saw them participate in the 2010/11 promotion play-offs, where they eventually missed out on promotion to Division Two as Albion Rovers beat them 4-3 on aggregate, Annan having earlier overcome Alloa Athletic in the two-legged semi finals. Harry Cairneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Galabank-

Annan to win SFL Division 3: 13/2

ies finished in sixth place in the Third Division in season 2011/12 and will be looking to improve upon that league placing in season 2012/13. This season also sees Annan Athletic named full members of the Scottish Football League, having served as associate members for the first three years of their membership. Annan has been active in the transfer market over the summer. They have brought in the experienced Scott Chaplain from Albion Rovers. They have also added former St Mirren youth Graeme Ramage, who spent the second part of last season on loan at East Stirlingshire. Another former Buddies youngster Ally Love has signed on at Galabank. The defender had been plying his trade at Kirkintilloch Rob Roy last season. Other new

last season by numbers

Win: 36.11% Draw: 27.78% Loss: 36.11%

faces include ex-Motherwell youngster Kieran McGachie and Steven Swinglehurst from Carlisle United. The new season will see Annanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Galabank stadium having a 3G artificial surface installed in time for the first competitive fixtures, making Annan Athletic one of four clubs in Division Three to have such a surface, after Montrose, Clyde and East Stirlingshire (who share Second Division side Stenhousemuirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ochilview stadium) also had such playing surfaces installed. Peter McCormick

Fixtures August 11 Stirling 18 Berwick 25 Montrose

September 01 Clyde 15 Rangers 22 Peterhead

October 06 Queens Park 20 Elgin 27 East Stirling November 10 Stirling 17 Berwick 24 Clyde

December 01 Rangers 08 Queens Park 15 Peterhead 26 East Stirling 29 Elgin January 02 Rangers 05 Clyde 12 Montrose 19 Stirling 26 Peterhead

February 02 Queens Park 09 Elgin 16 East Stirling 23 Montrose March 02 Berwick 09 Rangers 16 Clyde 23 Queens Park 30 Peterhead April 06 Elgin 13 East Stirling 20 Stirling 27 Berwick May 04 Montrose

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Berwick

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: The Borderers Founded: 1884 2011/12 Finish: 7th Stadium: Shielfield Park Capacity: 4, 131

t has been two mid-table finishes in the previous two campaigns for Berwick Rangers who will be looking to improve on this season and push for a playoff place under manager Ian Little. Results under the guidance of Little improved after the resignation of long standing manager Jimmy Crease in October of last season. After winning the IRN-BRU Manager of the Month award for November, with 10 points from a possible 12, Little was appointed to the role of manager on a permanent basis. Supporters will want to see this kind of winning form taken into his first full season in charge at Shielfield Park. There was little difference between the home and away winning form of the borderers last season as they won 6 games on the road and 6 games on their own patch. However an improved league position and promotion push will rely on reducing home defeats of which there were seven and converting draws into victories as one third of Berwickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s league matches ended in a draw during their 2011/12 campaign. A decent run in the cups throughout this season would also be a welcome addition to the list of potential improvements. The disas-

Berwick to win SFL Division 3: 12/1

trous 4-0 Scottish cup defeat to non-league outfit Deveronvale no doubt remains fresh in the minds of supporters however that was then and this is now. Ian Little and his men will need no motivation when they step out for Berwick in this year’s competition. The chances for Berwick Rang-

ers supporters to watch their side in preseason action have been few and far between as home friendlies with a Hearts XI and Dunfermline Athletic both had to be postponed as Shielfield Park bore the brunt of the torrential wet weather in the Berwick area. Supporters will have to wait until the challenge cup match against Queens Park this coming weekend to get a look at their side for the upcoming season. Those supporters will be hoping to see top goal scorer Darren Gribben, who scored 14 goals for Berwick last campaign commit to the club for the upcoming season. Both Gribben and strike partner Damon Gray have been training with John Coughlin’s East Stirlingshire side during the close season however shire boss Coughlin played down any chances of the duo joining the club insisting the pair were only there to make use of training facilities to get fit. Midfielder Fraser McLaren has however signed a new contract for the club and is back for the new season while defender Neil Janczyk (ex Brechin and

last season by numbers Win: 33.33% Draw: 33.33% Loss: 33.33%

East Fife) has also joined up this week to bolster the squad. Forward Darren Lavery has also signed a new contract and teenagers Darren Linton (Leith Athletic), Nicholas Rendall (Alloa), Craig Robertson (Tynecastle BC), Grant Sandison (Alloa) and Greig Smith (Alloa) have also signed up. Twenty-five-year-old Dougie Brydon is another new addition to the squad. After a successful training spell with the club the 6’3 defender/midfielder has signed on professional terms for the club. The relatively untested nature of the new boys at Berwick coupled with the uncertainty of current player commitments would perhaps unsettle some supporters but this is the nature of part time football. Ian Little no doubt has a job on his hands but with one manager of the month award already, he and his assembled squad will be looking to take the positives of a month of good form last season and convert it into a season long campaign of consistency this time around. Marc Spowart

Fixtures August 11 Elgin 18 Annan 25 Rangers

September 01 East Stirling 15 Montrose 22 Stirling

October 06 Peterhead 20 Clyde 27 Queens Park November 10 Elgin 17 Annan 24 East Stirling

December 01 Montrose 08 Peterhead 15 Stirling 26 Queens Park 29 Clyde January 02 Montrose 05 East Stirling 12 Rangers 19 Elgin 26 Stirling

February 02 Peterhead 09 Clyde 16 Queens Park 23 Rangers March 02 Annan 09 Montrose 16 East Stirling 23 Peterhead 30 Stirling

April 06 Clyde 13 Queens Park 20 Elgin 27 Annan May 04 Rangers

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clyde

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: The Bully Wee Founded: 1877 2011/12 Finish: 9th Stadium: Broadwood Capacity: 8, 029

he 2011/12 campaign was a difficult one for Clyde, they ended up well clear of rock bottom East Stirlingshire and were only three points behind eighth place Montrose but the Broadwood based side were still way off most of the division. The club have brought several new faces for this campaign and while expectation will most likely be tempered to some degree there is cause for optimism after the promising off-season the club have had. A new season brings new hope and Clyde will hope that the additions of several new players will lead them to have a more competitive campaign in 2012/13. Financial problems have plagued The Bully Wee but after dropping down the divisions, supporters will hope that the club can re-establish itself in division three this year. Clyde like many clubs had their say regarding the Newco Rangers situation but unlike many their grievance wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in regards to what division they should be playing but if the club should be allowed to enter the Scottish Football League at all given that they were was no accounts for the new club. The club were outspoken on the matter. "We have received

Clyde to win SFL Division 3: 20/1

absolutely no information on the organisation Sevco Scotland Ltd whom we are being asked, and encouraged, to vote straight into the top division of the SFL under resolution 2 and possibly into SFL 3 under Resolution 1," a statement released on Clyde's official website said.

One thing that must improve for Clyde is finding the back of the net. Clyde managed only a pitiful 35 goals last campaign. That was 16 goals less than any other side except East Stirling. Luckily for Jim Duffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men they managed to only concede 50 goals, which was the third fewest in the league. If they can keep things solid at the back and turn some of those 11 draws in to victories then they have every chance of finishing higher in the 12/13 season. Clyde has been active in recruiting players this summer. Attacker Stuart McColm has arrived from Stranraer, he netted 10 goals last season for the Stair Park club. Other new arrivals include goalkeepers Jamie Barclay and Nic Rajovic who have arrived from Berwick Rangers and Kilmarnock respectively. Clyde has also brought in youngsters David Marsh from Cumbernauld United and exciting striker Gary Graham has joined from

last season by numbers

Win: 22.22% Draw: 30.56% Loss: 47.22%

Hearts. One player who has left the club is Declan Gallagher. The former Celtic youth has signed on with Dundee and will now play in the SPL next season after the first division runners-up benefited from the Rangers situation. Manager Jim Duffy is still hopeful of adding one or two new players before the season kicks off. The Bully Wee are in Ramsdens Cup action against first division side Partick Thistle on July 28th. After league cup action they open their third division campaign against Montrose at Links Park. They follow that up with a home game against Peterhead before travelling to Forthbank to take on last years bottom placed team in the second division Stirling Albion. If Clyde can start quickly this season it could be the boost to get the club moving forward again. Graeme Young

Fixtures August 11 Montrose 18 Peterhead 25 Stirling

September 01 Annan 15 Queens Park 22 East Stirling October 06 Elgin 20 Berwick 27 Rangers

November 10 Montrose 17 Peterhead 24 Annan

December 01 Queens Park 08 Elgin 15 East Stirling 26 Rangers 29 Berwick January 02 Queens Park 05 Annan 12 Stirling 19 Montrose 26 East Stirling February 02 Elgin 09 Berwick 16 Rangers 23 Stirling

March 02 Peterhead 09 Queens Park 16 Annan 23 Elgin 30 East Stirling April 06 Berwick 13 Rangers 20 Montrose 27 Peterhead May 04 Stirling

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east stirling

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: The Shire Founded: 1880 2011/12 Finish: 10th Stadium: Ochilview Park Capacity: 3, 776

n the season of 2008/2009, things appeared to have finally turned a corner for infamous SFL struggles East Stirlingshire. The Shire had avoided the foot of the table in the previous season for the first time in six years, earning the right to remain full members of the Scottish League in the process, and at the end of 2009 the club found themselves lying miraculously in third place at the end of the season. The 2010/2011 season saw East Stirling finish in ninth position, returning to the bottom half of the table, yet avoiding the bottom by two points. Whilst this was not a disaster for the club, it was a result that would foreshadow East Stirlingshire's return to their traditionally unfortunate ways. A bottom place finish followed in the 2011/2012 season, with new manager John Coughlin failing to work some much needed magic at The Shire, and so after several years of promise, it seemed the Division Three club may be right back in the grave they took so long to originally climb free of. Whilst a goal statistic of 38 for the season is certainly something that could do with improvement, it is in fact the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record at the other end of the pitch that has hindered them so much in the past year. The Shire conceded 88 times in the Third Division last season, 13 goals off the second worst defensive record in the league and a huge 28 goal margin from the third leakiest back line in the division. The East Stirlingshire men will need to

East Stirling to win SFL Division 3: 40/1

seriously up their game if they are to avoid another dreaded bottom place finish. In order to make sure this

is not the case, several new men have been brought into the East Stirlingshire squad. Nathan Shepherd was one of the first men to join the flock for the upcoming campaign, and the 20 year old who previously strut his stuff for Stranraer and Greenock Morton will be looking to cause plenty of trouble from his wide midfield position. After making 25 appearances for the Blues last season, Shepherd already has an element of first team SFL experience despite his young age, and could prove a valuable asset for the club. Another new face looking to bolster the Shire’s midfield is David Greenhill, who joins after six seasons and over 200 appearances at Berwick Rangers. Having been promoted from the bottom tier of Scottish

last season by numbers

football before, Greenhill will be hoping to change his new club’s fortune for the better. He joins Richard Miller in signing up for the club, with Miller joining from East of Scotland side Vale of Leithen to strengthen the East Stirlingshire defence, as well as Michael Hunter, who has turned his season long loan into a permanent deal. Despite the poor performance of the club last year, there has in fact been an increase in ticket season sales for the Shire’s 12/13 campaign, and the pressure is on to please the new and old faces. Stuart Kenny

Fixtures August 11 Queens Park 18 Rangers 25 Elgin September 01 Berwick 15 Stirling 22 Clyde

October 06 Montrose 20 Peterhead 27 Annan

November 10 Queens Park 17 Rangers 24 Berwick December 01 Stirling 08 Montrose 15 Clyde 26 Annan 29 Peterhead

January 02 Stirling 05 Berwick 12 Elgin 19 Queens Park 26 Clyde February 02 Montrose 09 Peterhead 16 Annan 23 Elgin March 02 Rangers 09 Stirling 16 Berwick 23 Montrose 30 Clyde

Win: 16.67% Draw: 16.67% Loss: 66.67%

April 06 Peterhead 13 Annan 20 Queens Park 27 Rangers May 04 Elgin

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elgin

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: City Founded: 1893 2011/12 Finish: 4th Stadium: Borough Briggs Capacity: 4, 927

ince taking over the side in 2009 when Elgin finished bottom of the Scottish Football League, manager Ross Jack has steadily improved the standings of his side. Jack took City to a respectable seventh place finish in 2010/2011 before reaching the heights of fourth last season; the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best ever finish in the Scottish Football League. It was an impressive 2011/2012 for Elgin City, finishing fourth and narrowly missing out in the play-offs to eventual winners Albion Rovers. The next step would be to win promotion to SFL Division Two, but with the arrival of Newco-Rangers Football Club to Division Three, winning the league may now seem a task too far. However, reaching the play-offs again will be no disappointment to an ever-growing side, but the boss believes that having a new team in the league will have no effect in his sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style of play. "Whether it is Brora Rangers, Berwick Rangers or Rangers, our target will be to go out and win every game," said Jack. "What an opportunity for the players to play

Elgin to win SFL Division 3: 13/2

at Ibrox." City will hope to build on last season’s overall performance having secured the signings of several key players, including last season’s Player’s Player of the Year, Daniel Moore. The 23 year old winger signed a one-year deal with Stuart Leslie, Brian Cameron, Craig Gunn, Mark Nicolson, Jamie Duff, David Niven, Graeme Beveridge and Ross O'Donoghue also agreeing to stay at Borough Briggs.

Also joining the squad is experienced forward Dennis Wyness (35) who is sought to adding experience to the young City squad in the aim for promotion. Speaking of his admiration for Wyness, Ross Jack said, “Dennis would have had every right to just say enough is enough after so many years in the game, and he also had the option to take more money by signing for a Highland League side, several were on his trail. “He believes in what we are trying to do at Elgin City and feels he has some unfinished business here, so I am delighted he has agreed to sign.” Ex-Hearts man Wyness, who signed a two-year deal, has already opened his Elgin City account, scoring in an exciting 3-3 friendly against Cowdenbeath. The City boss believes that his squad is now coming together nicely with a second signing in the form of Montrose defender Sean Crighton who has also agreed to sign a two-year deal. The 22 year old started his career at St Mirren before

last season by numbers Win: 44.44% Draw: 25% Loss: 30.56%

moving to Montrose where he made over 100 appearances as a defender over three years. Jack said, “Sean is just the type of player I was looking for to bolster our defence and I am delighted he has also chosen Elgin City to further his career.” With summer signings Wyness and Crichton already playing a part in pre-season, there may still be more on the way with Ross Jack fielding several trialists in their impressive performance against Inverness, with a few set to put pen to paper. However, City are still sweating over the signature of club captain Paul Kaczan, who has been sidelined since November through injury and may require surgery for back and knee problems. Midfielder Blaire Lawrie and goalkeeper John Calder have left the club, along with loanees Archie MacPhee and Alex Cooper, while Jason Crooks has left Borough Briggs to join SFL Division Two new boys Albion Rovers. Scott Lorimer

Fixtures August 11 Berwick 18 Stirling 25 East Stirling

September 01 Rangers 15 Peterhead 22 Queen Parks October 06 Clyde 20 Annan 27 Montrose November 10 Berwick 17 Stirling 24 Rangers

December 01 Peterhead 08 Clyde 15 Queens Park 26 Montrose 29 Annan

January 02 Peterhead 05 Rangers 12 East Stirling 19 Berwick 26 Queens Parks February 02 Clyde 09 Annan 16 Montrose 23 East Stirling

March 02 Stirling 09 Peterhead 16 Rangers 23 Clyde 30 Queens Park April 06 Annan 13 Montrose 20 Berwick 27 Stirling

May 04 East Stirling

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montrose

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: The Gable Endies Founded: 1879 2011/12 Finish: 8th Stadium: Links Park Capacity: 3, 292

aving finished in eighth position for the last two seasons, Montrose will look to try and climb the depths of the Scottish Football League. Lack of consistency could be blamed, with the Gable Endies rarely winning two games on the bounce last season. Scoring goals was not such a problem, but the Links Park men often leaked goals heavily; conceding 75 goals in SFL Division Three. Perhaps as a way to stem the flow, manager Stuart Garden has appointed former Scotland international defender Lee Wilkie as his assistant for the upcoming season. The ex-Dundee United man, Wilkie will now join Garden, along with George Shields as part of the Links Park coaching team. Garden said of Wilkie’s appointment, “I’m absolutely delighted to get him as assistant manager as he’s got so much experience as an ex-player. He’s given up being an agent to come to us, so he is putting a lot of commitment into the club.” Wilkie added, “I’m really excited. This is my first step into the management side of things so I’m really looking forward to it. I watched a lot of Montrose last season and I think they have the potential to

Montrose to win SFL Division 3: 25/1

get further up the league. They have a great bunch of players and an excellent set up.” Despite the club’s lowly league finish and defensive woes, in front of goal there was no such

problem, Martin Boyle even scooped top scorer in SFL Division Three. The 19-year-old claimed the sponsor’s ‘Ginger Boot’ with a final day hattrick in a 5-0 win over Clyde. Boyle, who scored 22 goals in last season’s league campaign, could be the difference between another disappointing finish and a successful campaign for Montrose. If pre-season is anything to go by, then it has not been the best start for Stuart Garden, with a 2-0 defeat at Stenhousemuir and then a 5-0 home thrashing from Angus neighbors Brechin. With experienced midfielder likely to miss the start of the season with a hernia injury, Montrose look to be lacking depth in midfield which might be a problem if they are unable to supply the ball to Martin Boyle. With time running out un-

last season by numbers

Win: 30.56% Draw: 13.89% Loss: 55.56%

til the 2012/13 season kicks off, the Gable Endies currently only have ten outfield players, although many trialists have been looked at, none have yet to sign. And with promising young defender Sean Crichton leaving for SFL Division Three rivals Elgin City, along with six other players leaving after their contracts expired, there are some serious gaps needing plugged by Stuart Gardn. Montrose will start the season where they left off, at home to Clyde where they claimed their biggest win of the season. The Gable Endies, with their skeletal squad, will hope that they can pick up from where they left off. Scott Lorimer

Fixtures August 11 Clyde 18 Queens Park 25 Annan September 01 Peterhead 15 Berwick 22 Rangers

October 06 East Stirling 20 Striling 27 Elgin

November 10 Clyde 17 Queens Park 24 Peterhead December 01 Berwick 08 East Stirling 15 Rangers 26 Elgin 29 Stirling January 02 Berwick 05 Peterhead 12 Annan 19 Clyde 26 Rangers

February 02 East Stirling 09 Stirling 16 Elgin 23 Annan

March 02 Queens Parks 09 Berwick 16 Peterhead 23 East Stirling 30 Rangers April 06 Stirling 13 Elgin 20 Clyde 27 Queens Parks May 04 Annan

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USF84

peterhead

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: The Blue Toon Founded: 1891 2011/12 Finish: 6th Stadium: Balmoor Capacity: 4, 000

ounded in 1891, Aberdeenshire club Peterhead FC were elected to the Scottish Football League in the year 2000 and participated in the Third Division in season 2000/01 along with another newcomer to the SFL that season, Elgin City, who, like Peterhead, had been prominent members of the Highland League up until then. Peterheadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long membership of the Highland League was relatively successful, with 5 Highland League title wins, 5 Highland League Cup wins and 6 Scottish Qualifying Cup wins as well as 22 regional Aberdeenshire trophy successes. Peterhead and Elgin City

were invited to join the ranks of the Scottish Football League after the formation of the Scottish Premier League and its expanded 12 team format had created a vacancy for two new clubs. Finishing in fifth place in their first season in the SFL Division Three, Peterhead very quickly established themselves as a club who were able to compete at their new level and to that end, were promoted to the Second Division at the end of season 2004/05 after finishing in second place behind Third Division champions Gretna. Peterhead again adapted well to their new level and finished in 3rd place in season 2005/06, and in do-

Peterhead to win SFL Division 3: 9/4

ing so, achieved their highest ever league finish. Season 2011/12 saw the club rebuilding and finishing in fifth place in SFL Division Three under new manager, Jim McInally, who replaced former manager John Sheran in October 2011, making him the 16th manager in the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. The club lost 15 of its 36 league matches and to have a more successful campaign in 2012/13 the aim will be to make the side harder to beat. The six home defeats will have to be improved upon as Peterhead strive for progression. Peterhead have released several players over the summer. Most notable has been the departure of Dennis Wyness who has joined Elgin City. Other departures include Aaron Conway, David Donald, Raymond Jellema and Neil Duffy. The club have brought in several new faces

last season by numbers

Win: 41.67% Draw: 16.67% Loss: 41.67%

including a loan deal for talented young Dundee United player Ross Smith. The defender has been capped at Under-17 and Under-19 level with Scotland and will look to get some first team football under his belt. The Blue Toon have also added Queen of the South midfielder Scott McLaughlin. Steven Noble has also joined from Stranraer. Peter McCormick

Fixtures August 11 Rangers 18 Clyde 25 Queens Park September 01 Montrose 15 Elgin 22 Annan

October 06 Berwick 20 East Stirling 27 Stirling November 10 Rangers 17 Clyde 24 Montrose

December 01 Elgin 08 Berwick 15 Annan 26 Stirling 29 East Stirling

January 02 Elgin 05 Montrose 12 Queens Park 19 Rangers 26 Annan February 02 Berwick 09 East Stirling 16 Stirling 23 Queens Park March 02 Clyde 09 Elgin 16 Montrose 23 Berwick 30 Annan

April 06 East Stirling 13 Stirling 20 Rangers 27 Clyde

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May 04 Queens Parks (a)

USF86

Queen’s Park

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: The Spiders Founded: 1867 2011/12 Finish: 2nd Stadium: Hampden Park Capacity: 52, 500

espite finishing second in the third division last season, the 2011/12 season will be remembered with disappointment after a convincing defeat against Stranraer in the playoffs. The loss will be even harder to take now that Stranraer, who lost in the playoff final to Albion Rovers have been promoted after Newco Rangers had been placed in the third division. The blow of missing out on promotion won’t be helped with the presence of competing against Ally McCoist’s side for the one automatic promotion place. Queen’s Park will however be confident of another season in and around the promotion places. After finishing fourth in the 09/10 season they went one better in 10/11 and finished third but for the second straight year they were thwarted in the playoffs. The Spiders yet again improved their position in the 11/12 campaign by a place but it was promotion heartache for the third year in a row as they were beaten comfortably by Stranraer over two-legs. They fell victim to a 3-1 away defeat in the first leg and then suffered a 2-0 loss at Hampden in the return leg. Manager Gardner Speirs will know that he will face tough task rejuvenating a side that have

Queen’s Park to win SFL Division 3: 4/1

been beaten in the cruellest of manners on three consecutive

occasions. Paul Hartley’s Alloa side were comfortable winners of the third division but Queen’s second place finish was more than deserved. They scored the same amount of goals as the league winners with 70 apiece, which was only bettered by Stranraer and they conceded 48 goals, which was second lowest in the division. Very few sides in Scottish Football have the tradition that The Spiders can cherish and the SFL’s only amateur side will be boosted by the addition of former player Michael Keenan. Keenan has spent the last five seasons in junior football. The midfielder has an eye for goal and at 27 years of age, he can add some vital experience to the squad.

last season by numbers

The team has lost ten goal man Michael Daly from last season’s side. Manager Gardner Speirs has stated that he would still like to bring in a couple of fresh faces before the start of the season. Queen’s Park starts the new campaign with a trip to Berwick Rangers in the Ramsdens Cup on the 28th of July. They open their SFL campaign on the 11th of August against last season’s bottom side East Stirling. Consistency throughout the season has not been an issue for Queen’s Park but fans will be hoping that in the 12/13 season they will finally be able to take the next step and seal promotion. Graeme Young

Fixtures August 11 East Stirling 18 Montrose 25 Peterhead September 01 Stirling 15 Clyde 22 Elgin

October 06 Annan 20 Rangers 27 Berwick

November 10 East Stirling 17 Montrose 24 Stirling December 01 Clyde 08 Annan 15 Elgin 26 Berwick 29 Rangers

January 02 Clyde 05 Stirling 12 Peterhead 19 Eas Stirling 26 Elgin February 02 Annan 09 Rangers 16 Berwick 23 Peterhead March 02 Berwick 09 Clyde 23 Annan 30 Elgin

Win: 52.78% Draw: 16.67% Loss: 30.56%

April 02 Stirling 06 Rangers 13 Berwick 20 East Stirling 27 Montrose May 04 Peterhead

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USF88

RANGERS

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: The Gers Founded: 2012 2011/12 Finish: N/A Stadium: Ibrox Capacity: 51, 028

he Rangers’ story over the past year has been more chaotic than a highlights reel of Mario Balotelli’s off field actions. The journey has featured its fireworks and sleepless nights, and ultimately ended in a car wreckage for the club who once won nine SPL league title in a row. After claiming 54 domestic league titles, 33 Scottish cups and 27 League cup victories, the famous Glasgow team were liquidated, and the newco brand arising to take their place were demoted to the bottom tier of Scottish football, and at the time of writ-

ing, were yet to be confirmed as official SFL members. Gone were the Ibrox glory days; the champion’s league ties, and the fierce rivalry that comes from an SPL Old Firm derby, and gone from the top flight were an elite club who were founding members of the Scottish Football league when it began in 1890. Now a new chapter opens for the blue side of Glasgow, and The Rangers year of genesis will see them operate under a mound of pressure so high it could encompass Chris Iwelumo even if he stood on the shoulders of Celtic’s 6ft 7 goalkeeper Fraser Forster,

although it’s uncertain how or why this situation would arise. At prices as low as 1/50 to win the Third Division, the weight of expectation will be firmly on McCoist’s men, and despite fea-

turing a squad reduced to its bare bones, it is hard to argue against the newco side. Neil Alexander, Lee Wallace and Lee McCulloch are an important trio of men to have committed their future to Charles Green’s company, and as Alejandro Bedoya and Kyle Hutton have hinted they will also be wearing the blue of the teddy bears next year, it certainly seems that the club’s starting line up will be one capable of outclassing every opponent they will face in the 12/13 league campaign. Whilst the injury of striker Kane Hemmings for five months, the team’s options up top have been tightened even further, yet it is still difficult to say with confidence that the team will lack the quality to earn promotion next season. With a flock of players leaving Ibrox quicker than you can say ‘we don’t do walking away’ though, McCoist will be eager to make the most of the fact that the club’s accepted transfer embargo does not being until September. His side are barely

last season by numbers Win: 68.42% Draw: 13.16% Loss: 18.42%

able to make up a starting 11, and so it is imperative they look to bring new blood to the club. No matter who wears the shirt though, The Rangers faithful will be ready to pack out unfamiliarly small stadiums throughout the year, even if their love of Charles Green falls on a similar level of sentiment to the colour with which he shares a surname, and it is likely this support will have enjoy a season of success. With a strong side and a nationwide interest in their proceedings, it should be a very interesting season in Scottish football, and be sure that as soon as a ball is kicked, McCoist and his men will have their minds set on laying the first brick in the newco fortress. What the upcoming years hold for Rangers however, nobody knows, but if one thing is certain, it is that every team in the Third Division will be out to prove they can best the men in blue when the chance arises. Stuart Kenny

Fixtures August 11 Peterhead 18 East Stirling 25 Berwick September 01 Elgin 15 Annan 22 Montrose

October 06 Stirling 20 Queens Park 27 Clyde November 10 Peterhead 17 East Stirling 24 Elgin

December 01 Annan 08 Stirling 15 Montrose 26 Clyde 29 Queens Park January 02 Annan 05 Elgin 12 Berwick 19 Peterhead 26 Montrose

February 02 Stirling 09 Queens Park 16 Clyde 23 Berwick March 02 East Stirling 09 Annan 16 Elgin 23 Stirling 30 Montrose

April 06 Queens Parks 13 Clyde 20 Peterhead 27 East Stirling May 04 Berwick

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USF90

stirling

SFL DIVISION 3

The Facts: Nickname: Binos Founded: 1945 2011/12 Finish: 10th Stadium: Forthbank Stadium Capacity: 3, 808

he division in which Stirling Albion play has changed every season for the last four years, ultimately resulting in their relegation to the bottom tier of Scottish football. The team will look to continue this yo-yo behaviour in the 12/13 season as they target a return to Scotland’s Second Division. Last season was a grim one for the Binos as they finished bottom of their league table for the second successive automatic relegation, ending the season an unfortunate seven points from safety. Greig McDonald’s side particularly struggled in defence, conceding a huge 70 goals that was better only than Forfar’s defensive record, and this will have to change should they wish to begin a climb back up the SFL. A crack in the Albion side that aggravated their support more than defensive issues however was the frustrating amount of times they watched their team throw precious points away in the final ten minutes of a match. The statistics show that the Binos would have avoided relegation comfortably had their fixture list ended after 80 minutes. This may make the Albion faithful cringe, however it does at least prove that with a little tweaking the team are capable of holding their own in leagues higher than Division Three. McDonald will need to shape his side to be more capable of closing out a result if he is to see them return to a higher level of football next season and

Stirling to win SFL Division 3: 10/3

several new faces have been brought in to try and solve this issue. At the back, David McClune and Kieran McAnespie have joined the club in an effort to tighten the defence. Both men will bring a key element of experience to MacDonald’s young team, and this could be

a vital factor in avoiding a repeat of last season’s defensive record. With McAnespie having played for Fulham, Hearts, St. Johnstone and more during his lengthy career, the left back will now be looking to rejuvenate his career at Albion after being released by Arbroath. He will play alongside 29 year old McClune who also enjoyed a lengthy spell with St. Johnstone in his early days of professional football. Along with the likes of Gary Thom and Brian Allison, the Albion defensive unit boasts an array of experience. At the other end of the pitch, former St. Mirren man Bradley Coyne will aim to send regular rifts of celebration through the Forthbank support. The son of Tommy Coyne, who enjoyed a successful career in Scotland including a spell at Celtic, will look to become a fans favourite with the Binos, and is confident he can do so, saying, “I do look to score one goal in

last season by numbers Win: 25% Draw: 19.44% Loss: 55.56%

every game and I know that’s not always going to be possible but that is the aim. “If the ball drops to me in the box I would say I’m confident of scoring.” Having scored three times against Albion last season, McDonald will hope Coyne can walk the walk for his side this season, and the 19 year-old will have experienced support from the likes of Scott Davidson and Mark Ferry who have both signed new contracts with the club. With several fresh faces graduating from the youth academy also, the Stirling Albion support will hope that this blend of experience and youth will be enough to see them bounce back to winning ways, and with a strong third division squad, there is every chance the team will compete in the right side of the table this season. Stuart Kenny

Fixtures August 11 Annan 18 Elgin 25 Clyde

September 01 Queens Park 15 East Stirling 22 Berwick October 06 Rangers 20 Montrose 27 Peterhead

November 10 Annan 17 Elgin 24 Queens Park December 01 East Stirling 08 Rangers 15 Berwick 26 Peterhead 29 Montrose

January 02 East Stirling 05 Queens Park 12 Clyde 19 Annan 26 Berwick February 02 Rangers 09 Montrose 16 Peterhead 23 Clyde

March 02 Elgin 09 East Stirling 23 Rangers 30 Berwick

April 02 Queens Park 06 Montrose 13 Peterhead 20 Annan 27 Elgin May 04 Clyde

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USF92

How to Improve Scottish Football

Scottish Comedy FC take a look at how to improve our game For this inaugural edition, the Scottish Comedy FC team decided to tackle the weighty issue of how to improve Scottish football. The suggestions, with varying degrees of seriousness, were...well, to be honest, the suggestions were no worse than anything that Stewart Regan or Neil Doncaster could (or have) come up with. Andy Todd: For me, the problem with Scottish football is that it only contains teams from Scotland. On this basis, I’ve given serious thought to which team from the rest of the world could be added to Scottish football to improve it! I would dearly love to watch Cristiano Ronaldo in front of 900 fans at Rugby Park on a cold Wednesday night in December. I'd love to hear 900 Ayrshire casuals shout 'fannybaws!' every time he touched the ball. And, I'd love to see his face, when he returns to the car park after the game and realises that if you don't pay the wee skinhead in the tracksuit £5 to "look af yer car, mista" it's a long drive back up the M77 when Marvin from the scheme has done a jobbie on the back seat of your Ferrari Testarossa.

But, I know that Ronaldo would never stick around to play in Scotland, he'd wangle a transfer faster than Steven Davis can say "Tupe Transfer", so my choice would be the more realistic (and wonderfully named) 'Joe Public' of Trinidad & Tobago. Because, if Joe Public can't turn up and support Joe Public then the game in Scotland is well and truly dead.

Iain Todd: Dear Scotland Team, This season I hope you bring back the pink strip! I know you claimed it was salmon coloured but I know it was pink to make the girls wink. You also experimented with yellow. It really brought out the colour of your thighs. Now what do you wear? White! White is the colour of England. If I wanted to wear the strip of a team that perpetually fails in major tournaments then I’d buy our home top. Yours Faithfully, Iain Todd – Tartan Army (supporter number 22374) Richard Hunter: The main issue with the current SPL format is the league split. I know with a 12 team league it’s a better op-

I vow to save Scottish Football. If you help me find my nostrils...

tion than 33 or 44 games, but why not add to the SPL? There are easily four teams in the First Division that have stadiums fit for the top tier of Scottish football, another 3 and we could have an 18-team league (Club 12’s stadium doesn’t appear to be up to standard). To play each team home and away in a season adds to the fan entertainment. The only reason this hasn’t been done before is the SFA crave the money from 4 Old Firm fixtures a year. Now this highlight isn’t available, and may not be for a few seasons, why can’t this be a viable option?

Craig Hazell: Sepp Blatter is admittedly synonymous with all that is wrong in football. However, Scottish football needs excitement. Here’s how I think Sepp’s would improve the Scottish game.

Backboards – If only to keep Richie Foran’s temper down. Scottish strikers aren’t the best at finding the net so we install a backboard to give them a second chance. Shorter goalkeepers – We want more goals. Now yes, we could spend millions on training facilities and youth development or we could just make it illegal to have a keeper over 5’8. Text votes – Everyone loves a text vote. Was that a goal? Textvote. Was he offside? Textvote. The outcome is dramatically revealed live by an the SFA panel, dressed like the council in Bill and Ted. Daniel Downie: "The problem with Scotland...is it's full of Scots" The words of the villain Edward Longshanks from Braveheart come to mind when considering the foibles of Scottish Football, so, "the problem with Scottish Football is...." eh, da ken Edward auld bai.

There are just so many. When I recently watched Jim Traynor's documentary 'a match for Europe' I was shocked at how in the last 10 years of Scottish football sfa has changed - including the SFA! The most obvious problem for me is having a four-tier league system based on a neighboring country with over 10 times the population. Quite simply, Scotland has too many clubs and too few supporters. Ye ken..?? Teddy: This is likely to be controversial and unpopular! I’d recommend a time machine going back about 150 years and ensuring the setting up of a UKFA and associated league structure. The benefits would be that Scottish clubs would have access to a league set-up with far better revenue streams available to it. Also, much of the parochialism - and especially the sectarianism - that have blighted parts of our game would be diluted.

Our clubs would be more able to hold onto their best players, partly due to the likelihood of being better financed and partly because players would no longer have to move from Scotland to feel they were testing and improving their abilities in a strong league. What would happen with the national team you ask...? Em...I don’t know. Hence my “controversial and unpopular” acknowledgement. Gary Black: 1. Copy everything the Bundesliga does. 2. Lock all chairmen up in a big underground pit. 3. Profit.

Conclusion: The rest of us have taken far more words to put forward suggestions that aren’t as good as Gary Black’s!

USF - World Football Quiz Here at Ultimate Scottish Football we have been racking our brains and scouring football archives to produce a quiz which will challenge our readers. In today’s technology driven world we are fully aware you can probably find the answers to many of these questions at the click of a button but we hope you can refrain and challenge yourself with this quiz. Entrants with the most correct answers will be drawn together and the overall winner will receive a free copy of FIFA 13 upon its release on the 28th of September. Let the games begin!

1. Which Italian player scored the most goals in Serie A last season? 2. Which team conceded the most goals during the 2011/12 Barclay’s Premier League campaign? 3. Who is the odd one out? A.) Hulk, B.) Arsene Wenger, C.) Gary Lineker, D.) Didier Drogba 4. Which international team are nicknamed The Copper Bullets? 5. What do Andrei Kanchelskis, Robbie Keane and David Weir have in common? 6. Who has won more caps for England, Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard? 7. Name this player by his team history: Dukla Prague, Sparta Prague, Lazio, and Juventus? 8. Who was the only team not to lose a game at the 2010 FIFA World Cup? 9. Who did Papiss Cisse join Newcastle United from in January of this year? 10. New Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers has previously been in charge at Swansea, Watford and who else? 11. What is the full name of the Major League Soccer team who ply their trade in Chicago? 12. Which European team plays their home games at the Lerkendal Stadium? 13. Celtic, Manchester United, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea have all won the European Cup/ Champions League; name the other British side that have also lifted Europe’s biggest prize? 14. Who is the odd one out? A.) Gaizka Mendieta, B.) Ricardo Quaresma, C.) Juan Roman Riquelme, D.) Rui Costa 15.) Which Argentine playmaker joined Paris Saint Germain in a 21 million pound deal in June? Please send your answers to info@ultimatescottishfootball.co.uk,the winner will be announced on our website on the 26th of September. Please include your name and your full home address as well as the attached answers. Best of luck to all who take part.

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A NEW ERA IN SCOTTISH FOOTBALL