So the SPFL season is finally nearly upon us. An interesting year ahead after some major changes all through the leagues. We will look at the ins and outs and I’ll give my predictions for the coming season!
Premiership
Aberdeen (4th last season)
Boosted by Derek McInnes signing a new deal until 2022, Aberdeen will be looking for another season in Europe next year. It would be a great achievement for the Dons who overall, have added well in their transfer window. The addition of former Derby County midfielder Craig Bryson looks to be a fine bit of business with the Dons ex captain Graeme Shinnie swapping changing rooms with Bryson down the M6 as Shinnie agreed a 3 year deal with the Rams. More positive news was the extension of Shay Logan and Joe Lewis’ contracts. The exit of Gary Mackay-Steven raised some eye brows as hes landed right on the Hudson with a deal at New York City FC.
Their European campaign has started well with victory in Finland taking them into the second round, a first leg draw in Georgia puts the Dons in a good position for the return leg at Pittodrie.
In: James Wilson (Manchester United), Curtis Main (Motherwell), Craig Bryson (Derby County), Ryan Hedges (Barnsley), Ash Taylor (Northampton Town), Luc Bollan (Dundee United), Sam Jackson, (Dundee), Michael Ruth (Queen’s Park), Funso Ojo (Scunthorpe)
Loan: Jon Gallagher (Atlanta United), Greg Leigh (Breda).
Out: Gary Mackay-Steven (New York City), Graeme Shinnie (Derby County), Mark Reynolds (Dundee United), Archie Mair (Norwich City), Greg Halford David Craddock, Ryan Harrington, Morgan Brown.
Loan ended: Greg Stewart (Birmingham City), Max Lowe (Derby County), Dominic Ball (Rotherham United).
Loaned out: Frank Ross (Ayr United), David Dangana (Stranraer).
Celtic (1st last season)
Neil Lennon’s appointment will split opinions both outwith and within the Celtic support. Some praising it as good business and others feeling its a backwards step. The exit and loss of experience with the likes of Mikael Lustig and Dedryck Boyata, will make the need for new faces all the more important. The Glasgow side will be looking for another year of trophies to back up their treble treble although Celtic didn’t look the same outfit under Lennon as they did under Rodgers. So it will be interesting to see the teams reaction and how they start the campaign.
A confident start to their competitive season has seen positive results in the Champions League qualifying rounds. They head to Estonia with a 5-0 advantage from the first leg.
In: Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo (Rapid Vienna), Christopher Jullien (Toulouse), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Hatem Adb Elhamed (Hapoel Be’er Sheva).
Out: Dedryck Boyata (Hertha Berlin), Scott Allan (Hibernian), Dylan Forrest (Hamilton Academical), Wallace Duffy (Dundee) Marvin Compper (Duisburg), Regan Hendry (Raith Rovers), Reece Willison (Airdrieonians), Dorus de Vries (retired), Mikael Lustig, Emilio Izaguirre, Youssouf Mulumbu, Christian Gamboa.
Loan ended: Timothy Weah (Paris St-Germain) Filip Benkovic (Leicester City), Jeremy Toljan (Borussia Dortmund), Oliver Burke (West Bromwich Albion).
Hamilton Academical (10th last season)
Hamilton are a team who have been in and around the lower end of the league for as long as I care to remember. A team not fussed on what others think, it gets to Christmas and the points start rolling in. Last season was no different. An impressive 2-0 away win to Aberdeen midweek the pinnacle of a Hamilton result! Brian Rice has unfortunately managed to keep them in the league again so the story of Hamilton continues. You’ve got to tip your hat to how they manage to do it, season after season! This year looks to see some major changes on the pitch, names always associated with Hamiltons top flight leaving and taking their years of experience with them – Ziggy Gordon, Dougie Imrie and Tom Taiwo all leaving New Douglas Park. New signing Blair Alston has had high expectations in the past, so pressure will be on him to deliver at the Accies.
In: Will Collar (Brighton & Hove Albion), Blair Alston(St Johnstone), Brian Easton (St Johnstone), Markus Fjortoft (Southern United), Dylan Forrest (Celtic), Owain Fon Williams (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Ciaran McKenna (Falkirk), Johnny Hunt (Stevenage).
Out: Ziggy Gordon (Central Coast Mariners), James Keatings, (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Gary Woods (Oldham Athletic); Dougie Imrie (retired), Tom Taiwom (retired), Alex Penny, Lennard Sowah, Matthew Kilgallon, Delphin Tshiembe, Jacob Marsden, Hamish Morrison.
Loan ended: Tony Andreu (Coventry City), David McMillan (St Johnstone).
Heart of Midlothian (6th last season)
Last season saw Hearts spring to the top of the league after the first 12 games, then it all fell drastically downhill. A spate of bad injuries to key players ultimately cost them their league position and then towards the later part of the year more injuries costs them a decent crack at the Scottish Cup, where they lost in the final. The younger members of the squad will have gained some valuable experience both in the cup and league which will no doubt benefit them going forward. The return of Jamie Walker will sure to excite the Jambos fans but seeing the back of Steven Naismith will mean a new goal threat is required.
The pre season style Betfred Cup has seen the Jambos draw with East Fife, but do still sit second in their group and will face Motherwell in the last 16.
In: Craig Halkett (Livingston), Conor Washington (Sheffield United), Jamie Walker (Wigan Athletic), Aidy White (Free Agent).
Out: Arnaud Djoum (Al-Raed), Jack Hodge (Hibernian), Marcus Godinho (Zwickau), Aaron Hughes (retired), Conor Sammon (Falkirk), David Vanecek, Malaury Martin.
Loan ended: Steven Naismith (Norwich City), Demetri Mitchell, (Manchester United), Conor Shaughnessy (Leeds United).
Hibernian (5th last season)
After the bizare turn of events which lead to Neil Lennon’s departure from Easter road, Paul Heckingbottom came into Hibs and continued right where Lennon left off – losing only 2 of his first 13 games in charge. Having lost influencial players in the transfer window including John McGinn, Hibs managed to get a comfortable 5th without ever really putting pressure on 4th spot. Heckingbottom will be keen to keep hold of players like Florain Kamberi and Stevie Mallan especially with goals exiting as Marc McNulty heads back to Reading. Scott Allan makes another return to Hibs to bulk up their midfield. Ryan Gauld reflected the story of his career after Dundee United by never really getting going!
The Hibees topped their Leagu Cup group with 4 victories (one on penalties) and will fancy their chances of progressing as they’ve drawn Championship side Morton for the knock out stages.
In: Scott Allan (Celtic), Josh Doig (St Johnstone), Jack Hodge (Heart of Midlothian), Joe Newell (Rotherham United), Adam Jackson (Barnsley), Christian Doidge (Forest Green Rovers), Tom James,(Yeovil Town), Steven Bradley (Queen’s Park).
Loan: Chris Maxwell (Preston North End).
Out: Marvin Bartley (Livingston), Ross Laidlaw (Ross County), Kane O’Connor (Brentford), Mark Milligan (Southend United), Miquel Nelom, Gael Bigirimana, Jonathan Spector, Callum Donaldson, Kane O’Connor, Kevin Waugh, Lewis Allan, Ruari Paton.
Loan ended: Marc McNulty (Reading), Ryan Gauld (Sporting Lisbon), Stephane Omeonga (Genoa), Thomas Agyepon (Manchester City), Adam Bogdan (Liverpool), Darnell Johnson (Leicester City).
Loan: Kevin Dabrowski (Cowdenbeath), Tommy Block (Queen’s Park).
Kilmarnock (3rd last season)
The end of the Stevie Clarke era will be a difficult one to follow up. Angelo Alessio has his work cut out to even try and get close to the previous 2 seasons. An anomaly among Killie and Scottish football to see such a transformation in a short space of time. The new gaffer impresses in terms of his coaching and experience, but the proof will be in the performances. Last seasons squad had a number of key players loaned in, so replacing them will be a top priority for the new boss. Losses like Yousouff Mulumbu and Aaron Tishbola were regulars in the starting XI while goalkeeper Dan Bachmann also returns to Watford. Mohamed El Makrini looks to bolster the middle of the park and a replacement keeper is already in place – Laurentiu Branescu from Juventus, hopefully hes like that Buffon lad.
A disastrous start for new gaffer Anglo Alessio saw part time side Connahs Quay Nomads beat Killie 2-0 at Rugby park and send them crashing out of Europe in spectacular style. A lack of matches and signings is a big worry for Killie who are definitely in a re-building season.
In: Mohamed El Makrini (Roda), Alex Bruce.
Loan: Laurentiu Branescu (Juventus).
Out: Jordan Jones (Rangers), Kris Boyd (retired), Scott Boyd (retired), Daniel Higgins.
Loan ended: Youssouf Mulumbu (Celtic), Daniel Bachmann (Watford) Mikael Ndjoli (Bournemouth), Liam Millar (Liverpool), Aaron Tshibola (Aston Villa), Conor McAleny (Fleetwood Town).
Livingston (9th last season)
After consecutive promotions, David Hopkin decided not to take a new contract to see his Livingston side into the Premiership. Kenny Miller got the job on a player/manager role but after just 7 games they parted ways. Gary Holt took over the helm and lead them to an impressive 9th position. With goals not too easy to come by and no real out and out scorer, Livingston struggled to find any sort of consistency but a 5-0 win over Hearts was the highlight of the season. The loss of goalkeeper Liam Kelly is cause for concern given his form was worthy enough for a Scotland call-up, and Craig Halketts performances for the season earned him widespread plaudits, so he will also be a big miss. Holt has been active in the transfer window already looking to fill the voids that have been left.
Livi have also progressed into the League Cup final stages having not lost a match, a confidence booster for Gary Holt and his side as they prepare for their league opener versus Motherwell.
In: Marvin Bartley (Hibernian), Aymen Souda (Dunarea Calarasi), Robbie Crawford (Ayr United), Nicky Devlin (Walsall).
Loan: Matija Sarkic (Aston Villa).
Out: Craig Halkett (Heart of Midlothian), Declan Gallagher (Motherwell), Liam Kelly (Queens Park Rangers), Shaun Byrne (Dundee), Nicky Cadden (Greenock Morton), Callum Crane (Edinburgh City), Cameron Clark (Queen’s Park).
Loan ended: Ryan Hardie (Rangers), Ciaron Brown (Cardiff City).
Loan: Carlo Pignatiello (Stranraer), Jack Hamilton (Queen of the South).
Motherwell (8th last season)
Motherwell spent their 34th consecutive season in the top flight of Scottish football in 2018-19. Manager Stephen Robinsons contract is due to run out after this year, so he will be looking to impress the board. Losing Cedric Kirpe to Wigan in August was a loss for the Steelmen but the loss didnt effect their defence as badly as first thought. Curtis Main, Chris Cadden were the main threats from Motherwell’s attacking options along with David Turnbull. The turmoil surrounding David Turnbull’s pre-season situation has meant the Midfielder has undergone surgery on a knee problem, putting him out for a number of months. Along with the loss of Jake Hastie Motherwell face a tough test to break into the top 6.
Motherwell topped group E without losing a single goal. 4 victories and 13 goals will give the Steelmen all the confidence they need heading into the new season.
In: Casper Sloth (Silkeborg), Declan Gallagher (Livingston) Sheerwin Seedorf (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Liam Polworth (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Jake Carroll (Cambridge United), Christopher Long (Blackpool), Jermain Hylton (Solihull Moors).
Loan: Devante Cole (Wigan Athletic).
Out: Jake Hastie (Rangers), Curtis Main (Aberdeen) Carl McHugh (ATK), Shea Gordon (Partick Thistle), Kyle MacDonald (Airdrieonians), Neil McLaughlin (Edusport Academy), Elliott Frear, Alex Gorrin, Aaron Taylor-Sinclair, George Newell, Christian Mbulu, Shaun Bowers, Liam Brown, Akeal Rehman, Broque Watson.
Loan ended: Tom Aldred (Bury), Gboly Ariyibi (Nottingham Forest), Ross McCormack (Aston Villa), Conor Sammon (Heart of Midlothian).
Rangers (2nd last season)
Steven Gerrard arrived at Ibrox for the beginning of last year. An impressive Europa League performance saw them get into the group stages, finishing 3rd behind Rapid Wein and Villeareal. This good form continued into the start of the season with only 3 losses in their first 15 games. Draws and some untimely defeats saw Rangers come up short of first spot by 9 points but were a comfortable 11 points ahead of Killie in 3rd place. For the 19-20 season some strong additions include Greg Stewart from Birmingham, a player who showed his class with Killie in the first half of last season, could play a vital role for Gerrard’s side. The loss of Ryan Kent could be costly but talks continue to get the winger back to Ibrox.
A confident start in Europe has seen the taming of Progres Niederkorn at Ibrox. Rangers head to Luxembourg with a 2-0 advantage and only an unthinkable disaster would see them go out.
In: Steven Davis (Southampton), Jake Hastie (Motherwell), Jordan Jones (Kilmarnock), Greg Stewart (Birmingham City), Joe Aribo (Charlton Athletic), George Edmundson (Oldham Athletic), Filip Helander (Bologna).
Loan: Sheyi Ojo (Liverpool).
Out: Lee Wallace (Queens Park Rangers), Lee Hodson (Gillingham), Gareth McAuley.
Loan ended: Ryan Kent (Liverpool), Joe Worrall (Nottingham Forest), Lassana Coulibaly (Angers).
Loan: Ross McCrorie (Portsmouth), Jordan Rossiter (Fleetwood Town), Robby McCrorie (Queen of the South).
Ross County (Promoted – 1st in the Championship)
A dominating Championship performance saw County win by 6 points. Striker Billy Mckay scoring 17 league goals and will be the main threat going into the Premiership season. County had 3 other players with over 10 goals in all competitions, so scoring didn’t come short last year. Goalkeeper Scott Fox, who made 45 appearances in the Championship season, will be the main loss for co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell. Blair Spittal looks to be a good signing with years of experience from Partick Thistle and previously Dundee United.
In: Ross Laidlaw (Hibernian), Joe Chalmers (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Blair Spittal (Partick Thistle).
Loan: Nathan Baxter, (Chelsea), Simon Power (Norwich City).
Out: Scott Fox (Partick Thistle), Callum Semple (Queen of the South), Russell Dingwall (Elgin City); Greg Morrison.
Loan ended: Andy Boyle (Preston North End).
Loan: Ross Munro (Raith Rovers).
St Johnstone (7th last season)
The top of the bottom league last season saw the Saints comfortably pull away from the relegation battle and fight it out with Motherwell for 7th position. A lack of goals should cause concern if they want to get into the top 6. Only Hamilton, St Mirren and Dundee scored less than St Johnstone last year – and with Blair Alston and Tony Watt leaving, manager Tommy Wright must be on the hunt for a goalscorer.
St Johnstone are 1 of the 2 Premiership sides who didn’t make the last 16 of the League Cup. A worrying start for the Perth side who only managed 1 win in their 4 group matches – losing the other 3.
In: Elliott Parish (Dundee), Wallace Duffy (Celtic).
Out: Tony Watt (CSKA Sofia), Blair Alston (Hamilton Academical), Brian Easton (Hamilton Academical), Josh Doig (Hibernian), Aaron Comrie (Dunfermline Athletic).
Loan ended: Sean Goss (Queens Park Rangers); Cammy Bell (Patrick Thistle), Niall Keown (Partick Thistle).
Loan: Euan O’Reilly (Airdrieonians), Marky Munro (Stenhousemuir), Olly Hamilton (Brechin City).
St Mirren (11th last season – defeated Dundee Utd in playoff)
It’s been an eventful pre-seaon for The Buddies. Former manager Oran Kearny has parted ways and headed back to Colraine in Northern Ireland. Alloa’s successful manager and former League Cup winning captain Jim Goodwin has taken over at the top. Goodwin will have it all to do with a large number of last seasons squad heading back to their respective parent clubs. The playoff penalty shootout win comes about as close to relegation without actually going down. So a clean slate for the Paisley side could be the injection they need to spring into a more secure league position.
Must be something about the St’s. The Buddies are the other side waving goodbye to the League cup with their inferior goal difference meaning Falkirk took their best second place spot. 2 wins and 2 losses in arguably the easiest of the groups will have the Paisley faithful a bit concerned.
In: Tony Andreu (Coventry City), Dean Lyness (Raith Rovers).
Out: Adam Eckersley (Airdrieonians); Anton Ferdinand, Simeon Jackson.
Loan ended: Mihai Popescu (Dinamo Bukarest), Lee Hodson (Rangers) Danny Rodgers (Aberdeen), Anders Dreyer (Brighton & Hove Albion), Laurentiu Corbu (Dinamo Bukarest), Jordan Holmes (Bournemouth), Kyle McAllister (Derby County), Duckens Nazon (Sint-Truiden), Brad Lyons (Blackburn Rovers)
Final League table prediction
- Celtic – The depth of squad should see them pip Rangers in a close marathon.
- Rangers – As above, Rangers could win the league, but I don’t think they will this season.
- Hibernian – A good year lies ahead in my opinion, the best of the rest.
- Heart of Midlothian – A chance for them to get back on track and build on the first half of last season.
- Aberdeen – I feel this could finally be the season where they struggle, its been going too well the last few years.
- Kilmarnock – A rebuilding year, would be delighted with a decent top 6 finish.
- Motherwell – Have lost too many big players that will be difficult to replace. Top of the lower league.
- St Johnstone – Another difficult year ahead for the Saints who are crying out for goals.
- Livingston – Another solid year will see them finish in a position away from the relegation scrap.
- Ross County – A strong squad coming up but could find it tough to adapt to the Premiership.
- St Mirren – Scraping last seasons Premiership Playoff and looking likely to be in the same mix again.
- Hamilton Academical – Last season could have been their final avoiding the drop.
Cups
Scottish Cup – Rangers -Can see a cup heading to Ibrox.
League Cup – Hibs – A strong season ahead with the chance of silverware.
Challenge Cup – Dundee Utd – Superior of the teams in the competition.
The Championship
A strong bunch of teams make up this seasons Championship. Possibly the strongest second tier Scotland has seen for a number of years. Both Dundee clubs are likely favourites for the top 2 spots, but United’s capture of goal machine Lawrence Shankland is a great bit of business which puts them firm favourites for the title. Closely followed by Partick and Inverness who have both gained promotion in recent history. At the other end the two As of Arbroath and Alloa are likely to struggle this year. Alloa being a part time outfit will always find it tougher against other full time opposition.
- Dundee United
- Partick Thistle
- Dundee
- Ayr United
- Inverness Caledonian Thistle
- Dunfermline
- Greenock Morton
- Queen of the South
- Arbroath
- Alloa
League 1
If you check the odds for the league 1 winner then Falkirk are streaks ahead. And rightfully so. A team of their stature have made a dramatic fall from grace, losing their academy and gaining all sorts of negative limelight with their board and managerial appointments. Their closest rivals will be Kirkcaldy outfit Raith Rovers and top scorer Kevin Nisbet who bagged 29 league goals last season. Airdie, Clyde and Forfar will likely make up the middle of the pack. The relegation battle could see Montrose and East Fife along with Stranrear and Dumbarton. A close contest is to be expected.
- Falkirk
- Raith Rovers
- Clyde
- Forfar
- Airdrie
- Peterhead
- East Fife
- Stranrear
- Dumbarton
- Montrose
League 2
Last season saw Edinburgh City close to getting out the League for the first time, eventually losing out to Peterhead on the final day. Clyde and Annan were consistently around the top half and pose a real threat to what could be the closest league in Scotland this year. The addition of Cove Rangers will see the former non league side up in the professional game for the first time. Their demolition of Berwick Rangers in their playoff showed they are well comfortable playing with pressure. Albion Rovers are runaway leaders at the bottom of the odds checker list with only 27 points last season. Cove certainly on paper seem a stronger outfit leaving the Coatbridge side in real danger of finishing bottom.
- Edinburgh City
- Annan Athletic
- Stenhousmuir
- Cove Rangers
- Elgin City
- Stirling Albion
- Queens Park
- Brechin
- Cowdenbeath
- Albion Rovers
So that wraps up my predictions for the upcomming season, be sure to make note to challenge me at the end of the 19-20 season when the results are in.
Cheers!
Post Match Pints 