SPFL Season Preview – League One

The club finished in a respectable position last term (sixth), missing out on the play-offs by just four points. Having achieved this last time out, fans will be expecting at least the same, perhaps even making the play-offs this season is not out of the question. The Diamonds have replaced the players who have been lost to other clubs, but whether they can make a notable contribution or not is key.

The Honest Men secured a play-off spot last term and will be hoping they can achieve this again, especially now that Rangers are no longer in the Division. Former player, Michael Moffat, was top scorer in League One last season, and now that he has switched to Dunfermline, Ayr could be set to find themselves short of goals this season. They will need to replace him if they are to stand any chance of the play-offs again.

Although Brechin were safe from the relegation play-offs last season – they finished 10 points clear of relegated East Fife – the fans will be looking for a push higher up the table. An attempt at the promotion play-offs is not out of their reach as the League is looking a lot more even, however there will be clubs who have stronger chances. They’ve also lost more players than brought in, so more strength in depth is needed.

Promotion contenders, and with their impressive performances last season, no one would be surprised if they won automatic promotion. Especially with the addition of runaway top scorer last season, Michael Moffat, now on their books, The Pars will have high expectations of their new man. The signings the club has made – on paper – do seem like they will benefit the team, but will they cope with the pressure?

Another club who have been busy so far in the window, Forfar will be looking to cement their position in League One. However, it is looking like they will once again find themselves closer to the bottom end of the table than the top as there looks like there could be clubs with a stronger chance of taking the promotion play-off spots. They have added to the squad, but like their rivals, the new players may not fit the bill required.

The club which was relegated from the Championship last season after pushing for promotion the season before. Jim Duffy has bundles of experience in the lower levels of Scottish football and he is the man which is tasked with the job to get Morton back in the Championship. The Ton have lost some of their key players, however they have brought in a vast number of new faces – which could either add or detract from the club.

Convincing winners of League Two last season, Peterhead will be looking to avoid relegation in this first season out of the bottom tier and build from there. One of the quieter clubs in the window so far, Jim McInally obviously feels that his side is strong enough to compete in the higher division. Maybe he’ll sign one or two more back up players, just to keep the side ticking over.

After narrowly missing out on the play-offs by one point last campaign, Stenny will be aiming to reach that treasured top four spot this season. The club have made several signings, including a couple from Stirling University’s side, but not many of the players look as if they will be first team regulars. If this is the case, Scott Booth, must believe that his current crop is worthy of a promotion push again this season.

The club that finished third in the League Two season last year, which many believed was disappointing looking at the squad strength, they will have an uphill battle to remain in this division. They have lost a number of their players who got them to where they are currently, but importantly, have replaced them. Avoiding relegation will be the main aim for Greig McDonald and his men.

After finished third last season, Stranraer fans will be wanting more of the same from their team this campaign. Although goals weren’t a problem last year, they did concede lots of goals which many feel cost them when it mattered. The club have also lost Martin Grehan, who was key in their promotion battle last term. If they successfully tighten up at the back and can continue to find goals going forward, this is a club which will be up there come next May.

Words – Blair Condie @bcondie92

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