Alloa Athletic Manager – Tom Hendrie Alloa’s pre-season build up got under way with a home match against Livingston Reserves last Saturday. The visitors won 3-2. Both Alloa goals were scored by Stuart Callaghan. The Wasps continued in midweek with a visit to Tom Hendrie will still be hoping to add to his squad before the start of the season. The only significant signings so far have been Andy Brown and Steven Nicholas. Alloa have a couple of young players on loan from Opening Fixtures: Jul 31 H V Released Signed Prediction – 6th | Arbroath Manager – Stevie Kirk French Second Division side SCO Angers were the opponents for Arbroath last Saturday in an unusual friendly match. The French side have been undertaking a training camp in The match came at a cost for Arbroath who lost Euan Donaldson through injury. The former St Johnstone, Stenhousemuir and Arbroath have signed Alan Brazil from Aston Villa. He is the son of legendary ex-Hibs player ‘Benny’ At a recent AGM the club revealed profits of £20,000 for last season. Their debt amounts to £132,000 compared to more than £150,000 the previous season. Worst news from Gayfield is that the Tuttie’s Neuk is a pub no more – it has been converted into a restraint. Some things should never change. Released Signed Prediction – 10th | Manager – Played two games last weekend, scoring 7 against Threave Rovers on the Friday night and then hitting 5 in a charity match against the Royal Ulster Regiment in Ex Arbroath player Andy Cargill hit two goals in Campbell Money must be hopeful that his team can bounce back to Division One at the first attempt. They will be missing the glamour of weekly appearances on Football First. Well, maybe not. This past midweek they faced up to the challenge of Cumnock. Released Signed Prediction – 4th |
Berwick Rangers Manager – Paul Smith Defeated First Division Raith Rovers 3-1. Defeated a full strength Apart from the two wasp-defectors, Andy Seaton and Ian Little, the main addition to the squad is Elliot Smith. The ex-Hearts defender spent the latter part of last season with Montrose. Manager Paul Smith and his Assistant Greg Shaw have grafted a strong squad together down at Shielfield. They will probably not be far away come the end of the season. Over the last couple of years they have lacked the consistency to mount a sustained promotion challenge – that could be all changed this season. Bet they were glad to be drawn at home to Released Signed Prediction – 8th | Manager – Be afraid…Pre season victories over It is hard to pinpoint any weaknesses in the City squad which is excellently organised by Dick Campbell. Shaun Dennis, Scott McNicoll, Scott Walker, Kevin Byers and Paul Ritchie will all be excellent additions to what was a strong squad in the first place. Watch out for young striker Graham Gibson making an impact this season. Forthbank News has been touting this lad for years – he could have been an Albino player four years ago if anyone had been prepared to listen…And Chrsi Templman will continue to score goals for fun at Second Division level. Released Signed Prediction – 1st | Dumbarton Manager – Brian Fairley Dumbarton headed south for a match against Earlier in the week they had drawn 1-1 with a Royal Navy Select team at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium. James Allan, who featured as a trialist for The two key new faces at Dumbarton are defender Derek Allan and striker Robert Dunn. Released Signed Prediction – 3rd |
Forfar Athletic Manager – Ray Stewart Ray Stewart had a face like fizz following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Montrose last Saturday. Eddie Forrest is the main new singing for the Ray will be hoping for a good start to the season – again it was inconsistency that dogged his team last year. Released Signed Prediction – 9th | Manager – John McCormack Spent last week up North playing three friendlies against Highland League opposition. Return in time to take on local rivals St Mirren in the Final of the Renfrewshire Cup. Morton defeated Viewfield Amateurs 10-1 in the semi-final ten days ago. No sign of Alex Williams in their early pre-season games – apparently he is injured. Must start the season as favourites for the title – who would bet against them to take the honours this season? And anyone who says their own players should remember that these were only scurrilous and unsubstantiated rumours. Airdrie United and Hamilton Accies proved themselves to be the best teams in the Second Division over the course of the season. Released Signed Prediction – 2nd | Stranraer Manager – Neil Watt Stuck 7 goals past Annan Athletic at the weekend with all the usual suspects on target. Well, with the exception of Michael Moore, who has joined up at St Johnstone for a fee reckoned to be in the region of £35,000. Gary McCutcheon, a Stranraer lad signed from Berwick Rangers, and a former Stirling Albion target, could be the man to fill the gap left by the departure of The Opening day opponents to our local rivals Alloa Athletic – they could find the long trip to be in vain if Stranraer maintain last season’s form. Released Signed Prediction – 5th |