The Comprehensive Preview Of The Thirty!
SPFL Specialists "The Thirty" give their preview for all 30 non-Premiership SPFL clubs
This article was a guest article for the website by one of the best accounts on social media to cover SPFL football from a non-Premiership perspective.
“The Thirty” is my go to resource for stats, knowledge, pictures and updates from the second-fourth tiers of Scottish football.
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The new league season is upon us tonight, with league debutants, new managers and plenty of drama to look out for across the leagues.
Here we’ve given an expectation of who might be in the running for the title and relegation in each division, followed by a rundown on how all thirty teams are looking ahead of the new campaign - even though it’ll most likely be as unpredictable as ever!
FOR THE TITLE
Championship
St Johnstone and Ross County are clear favourites, and it’s hard to see past either of them winning it. However Ayr have shown they’re capable of pushing teams until the end and might just do that again. Raith are another who shouldn’t be underestimated for the title, Barry Robson’s side were arguably the best in the division towards the end of last season. Maybe even Dunfermline and Partick Thistle could be in the mix, but their focus will likely be on a high playoff place.
League One
Inverness are looking likely for it despite their 5 point deduction, but Hamilton Accies may fancy their chances after keeping a fair amount of their squad from relegation. Other than them two it’s difficult to think anyone else can do it. Although Queen of the South and Alloa aren’t too far behind in terms of squad quality, they’ll certainly be in and around the playoff places and might just put the pressure on Caley and Accies.
League Two
Probably the hardest league of all to call, but the teams that stick out are East Kilbride, Edinburgh City and Annan. They all have plenty of quality within their squads and will almost certainly amongst those playoff places. Elgin and Stirling could even fancy their chances with most of the league being so evenly matched this year, it’s certainly going to be interesting to see how it unfolds.
FOR RELEGATION
Championship
The promoted side are always looked at to go down, however it may not be as clear cut. Arbroath looked very good in League One and their signings have put them in just as good a place in terms of squad as a few Championship sides. The risk of appointing inexperienced Sean Crighton could be costly for Queen’s Park, and they may find themselves in a relegation fight.
League One
Since Michael Tidser’s departure Kelty Hearts haven’t looked the same, and their first full season since he left could take its toll. Another side that could struggle are Montrose, purely down to the number of additions. They struggled last season with injuries and after only making a couple of signings, they could find themselves in a similar situation near the bottom due to a lighter squad.
League Two
Clyde have been around the bottom since relegation from League One and this season might just be when they end up in that relegation playoff. Their squad is strong, but with teams around them arguably looking better it could be difficult. Forfar may also be in and around 10th, purely based on their incredibly close escape last time out.
A summary for all of The Thirty now follows:
CHAMPIONSHIP
Airdrieonians
The major injury crisis last year turned Airdrie’s season into a disaster, even staying up via the playoffs was an achievement. They’ll be looking to prove the 4th placed finish in 23/24 wasn’t a one off, and that they can now replicate something similar. With three successive wins in the Premier Sports Cup (including at Dens Park) the Diamonds may already be showing glimpses of that season, they’ll definitely be fancying themselves to push for those playoff places.
Arbroath
Since the appointment of David Gold and Colin Hamilton, the Lichties have been flying. A different challenge now awaits however, after mostly dominating League One last season - avoiding the drop could even be the minimum. With 11 new signings (the joint most in the division so far) it seems they not only want to survive, but really push on after such a successful first campaign under new management. Their result against St Mirren in the League Cup has already proved they’re not to be underestimated.
Ayr United
The Honest Men are desperate for another playoff finish after their quarter final exit last season. Scott Brown has made some smart additions, most notably Kevin Holt, and looks to be building a squad with a good mix of experience and youth. Coming off the back of a successful and high scoring League Cup group campaign, it looks like they’ll be once again challenging for those playoff spots and possibly even a top 2 finish.
Dunfermline Athletic
It’s now all about looking up for the Pars ahead of the new regime and Neil Lennon’s first full season. Plenty of trust has gone into the project they’re building at East End Park (with some big deals for players!), and their ambition is to return to the Premiership very soon. The title may seem a push this season, but breaking into the playoffs is something their squad are more than capable of achieving. With some impressive signings, they have one of the biggest squads in the division which could prove to be vital over the course of the season.
Greenock Morton
It was a slow start to transfer business leaving some doubts with the squad, but recruitment has picked up and they appear to now be in a pretty strong position. Despite many always tipping the Ton for relegation, Dougie Imrie always seems to prove those wrong and overall have a solid campaign. If injuries are kept to a minimum, a playoff push shouldn’t be ruled out as they’ll be looking to aim even higher than what’s been a regular mid table finish based on recent seasons.
Partick Thistle
After the drama of the management issue it looks like Thistle are very much back on track. Mark Wilson already seems to be keeping doubters away, with a perfect 12 points in the League Cup group. They’ve been patient with signings, experience and youth also seems to be approach for that. Aiming for, at least, those playoffs again will most definitely be the target at Firhill. Keeping players fit will be key for the Jags, with not the biggest of squads.
Queen’s Park
Sean Crighton takes charge of his first senior managerial role, a big risk but one that may well pay off. Their squad is looking strong, especially with new signing Josh Fowler who has already impressed and will be one to watch this season. Without knowing too much about Crighton and an inconsistent League Cup campaign, it makes it difficult to judge Queens at this stage. However it’s set to be an interesting one for the Spiders in what will be their first full season at Lesser Hampden.
Raith Rovers
Fair to say Barry Robson won over the fans towards the end of last season, 10 unbeaten and just missing out on playoffs. With even more quality added and Dylan Easton committing, Rovers are arguably in their best shape for some time. Playoffs will no doubt be the target but, even after a disappointing League Cup group, the title could be a real possibility if the tail end of last season is anything to go by. Ahead of the new season, Rovers are also on the longest league unbeaten run across the SPFL.
Ross County
Having made statement signings such as Declan Gallagher, Gary Mackay Steven and Ross Docherty, Don Cowie’s aim is definitely the title. County have gone down the experience route with recruitment - and with 6 of their 11 signings over 30 - it’s fair to say they won’t be short of it! A poor League Cup campaign suggests they may not be the dominant side most are expecting, but on paper the Staggies are still one of the top 2 sides in the division. To lose out on title would be disappointing, but promotion is certainly the priority.
St Johnstone
Based on the perfect League Cup group campaign and their squad, the Saints are probably the strongest side in this season’s Championship. It’s pretty difficult to see past them finishing in the top 2 especially with some of their recruitment after a short transition within the squad. So far it’s 11 signings and with additions such as Jamie Gullan and Stevie Mallan, they’re putting themselves in the best position possible for the title. After their recent takeover, that Premiership return will be all that matters.
LEAGUE ONE
Alloa Athletic
The Wasps certainly impressed in the League Cup picking up maximum points. In arguably the most unpredictable Scottish league this season, Alloa will be hoping they can push for top 4 after narrowly missing out last year. With their light squad it seemed they could struggle, but after bossing that League Cup group with some new additions it looks like that won’t be the case. Playoffs will likely be the aim for Andy Graham’s side, and if that group campaign is anything to go by it seems they’re more than capable of achieving it.
Cove Rangers
Cove are coming off the back of an impressive season, a 2nd placed finish and just falling short in the playoffs to Airdrie. However it could be a difficult upcoming campaign with some star players from last year returning to their parent clubs. Despite this, players such as Mitch Megginson staying will keep them in the conversation for a playoff push. Teams around them arguably in a much stronger place in terms of squad though, and it could prove difficult. However it’s fair to say they’ve been punching above their weight in recent years and they shouldn’t be overlooked.
East Fife
They may have missed out on the League Two title, but an impressive playoff triumph proves Dick Campbell’s side are ready. Their attack is arguably the best in the division, and SPFL top scorer Alan Trouten is still going strong at 39 years old - he has already opened his account for the season! It’ll be challenging, however the Fifers may even fancy themselves for a playoff push. They’ll certainly be a side few teams will want to face, and the belief will be there at Bayview that they can achieve something special.
Hamilton Academical
To say it’s been a shambles behind the scenes at Accies would be an understatement. Kicked out their own ground, playing at Broadwood and now a transfer ban. They may not be able to sign anyone, but they’ve done pretty well this transfer window at keeping some key players. It’s still one of the better squads in the division and a title charge is likely the aim. After a season of misery last time out, now is the chance to lighten the mood a bit around the club.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Caley’s great escape ended on a big high, and they’ll be looking to more than build on that this season. Despite a 5 point deduction, the title will still be in their sights with many also tipping them for it. Their squad has got to be the strongest, and they’re certainly looking good for that return to the Championship ahead of the new campaign. They’ve made the 2nd most signings in League One and with the quality they have, playoffs has got to be the minimum for Scott Kellacher’s side.
Kelty Hearts
It’s going to be an interesting one at New Central Park with player/manager Thomas O’Ware taking charge for his first full season. Charlie Mulgrew didn’t leave the side in the best shape after Michael Tidser’s impressive job, and it may be a struggle for them to avoid the bottom end of the table. However after picking up a result against Kilmarnock the other week, they might just end up being the team that surprise this season.
Montrose
After such a positive start last season, the Mo ended up being dragged into a relegation fight. Some injuries took its toll and if something similar was to happen it could be difficult to avoid that happening again. They do however have the SPFL’s longest serving manager in Stewart Petrie so won’t be short of experience, especially with this season being their 8th consecutive one in the division. In that time they’ve never finished below 8th, showing they certainly know a thing or two about avoiding those relegation places.
Peterhead
The Blue Toon return to League One after a title triumph where they looked unstoppable at times. It was a poor League Cup campaign with no points, but they’ll be desperate to prove that wasn’t a reflection of what they’re capable of and that they can bring more quality to this division. Their signings have certainly been a mix, an example being 38 year old Niall McGinn and 18 year old Fraser Mackie! However the squad is looking good and they’ll be looking to do much more than just avoid relegation and instead compete amongst the top half of the table.
Queen of the South
Queens will be hoping this is finally the year they mount a title charge in League One. Since their most recent Championship relegation, last season was the first time they finished in the playoffs. The departure of Adam Brooks could be a big miss, but they do still have plenty of quality in attack with players such as Jordan Allan and Kai Kennedy. Playoffs has to be the minimum and they’ll no doubt be fancying themselves for a title push, promotion of any sort will certainly be the aim but it’ll be disappointing for them to end up falling far behind in a title race again.
Stenhousemuir
It was an impressive playoff season last year, coming off the back of their historic promotion. Although replicating something similar is going to be difficult, losing players such as Matty Yates leaves the squad in a weaker position for quality on paper. However, after making the most signings in the division those players might be exactly what Stenny need to fill in those gaps. Playoffs may seem a push this time, but with arguably one of the best managers in the league nothing should be ruled out for Gary Naysmith’s side.
LEAGUE TWO
Annan Athletic
On paper the Galabankies are arguably the strongest side in this division. Coming down from playoffs, they’ve still managed to keep some key players and have added even more quality to their squad. Despite the number of signings not being too high, their squad is still in a great position and challenging at the top will be the priority this season. Wullie Gibson certainly brings his experience, and that could prove to be vital for that return to League One.
Clyde
The Bully Wee will be playing at New Douglas Park again, in amongst the drama of the grounds with Accies! After being near the bottom in recent seasons they’ll be hoping they can now push on under a first full season of Darren Young. With signings such as James Hilton and Mouhamed Niang they’ll looking up the table rather than down, and with results against higher league opposition in the League Cup perhaps they’ll even have their sights on a playoff push.
Dumbarton
It’s a new era at the club and after all the difficulties they faced the Sons are back on track. With the most signings in the division it’s fair to say it’s certainly been a rebuild at The Rock, and how they fare this season is going to be interesting. An immediate return to the third tier will be the aim, but it may be difficult with teams around them also adding much quality to their squads. Playoffs will be a realistic target and one which would please many fans after all the uncertainty of last season.
East Kilbride
The Kilby are finally in the SPFL as they look ahead to league football for the first time. It’s certainly been a statement of intent with signings, one of the most in the division with a few coming from leagues above. After beating Raith at Stark’s Park they’ve certainly shown the quality their squad are capable of. It would be surprising if they were near the bottom end of the table, playoffs will be the aim and with the ambition the club are showing perhaps they’ll even have their eyes on the title.
Edinburgh City
Michael McIndoe’s side surprised plenty last season as they finished 3rd after challenging the top 2 for most of the season. Despite losing goal machine Connor Young, forward threats such as Innes Lawson and James Stokes will certainly make up for those goals. Another playoff place will definitely be the objective, however they’ll no doubt be another team with sights on the title. With the squad they have they’ll be hard to beat and are certainly going to be a team not many will fancy playing.
Elgin City
The job Allan Hale has done since saving them from a relegation playoff has been brilliant. They’ve gone from a relegation side to playoff and even title contenders recently! However with this season being arguably the division’s best standard for a while, securing those playoffs again could be a struggle. They’ll no doubt be in the mix though and will be fancying themselves to surprise a few once again, especially with their squad not changing too much from last season.
Forfar Athletic
After just surviving the relegation playoff last season they’ll be doing everything they can to make sure that doesn’t become something regular. A few teams are in similar positions in terms of squad, but with a fair few signings they’ll be hoping this season will be where they return to challenging for those playoff spots. With their first full season under Jim Weir since his return, there seems to be a good feeling at Station Park that they can really challenge higher up the table this season.
Stirling Albion
The Binos are hoping this season they’ll challenge once again at the top following an overall poor campaign last time out. Playoffs has to be the priority and anything less would be a big disappointment, however no goals or points in the League Cup certainly doesn’t fill many with confidence. Although with the impressive addition of Ross Cunningham, top scorer in League One last season, goals shouldn’t be a problem and it certainly shows the ambition of the club wanting to challenge towards the top.
Stranraer
Following survival via the playoffs the season before last, it seems the Blues’ target is now to aim much higher. Some good form last season even saw them in with a shout of playoffs at times and staying in the division was never really an issue. With plenty of signings adding to their already strong squad, challenging for those playoff spots might just be the aim at Stair Park. After extending goalkeeper Josh Lane’s loan who impressed massively last year and by adding more quality at the back, they could well also be the best defensive side in the division.
Spartans
Since promotion from the Lowland League Spartans have been at the higher end of the table. They missed out last season but being there or thereabouts in the playoffs will most likely be the aim once again, however with the least signings in the division it could be challenging. There’s no doubt they’ll most likely be safe from danger but there’s always a risk with few additions. A mid table finish would be a realistic shout for their season, although surprising people is something this side have done many times before.
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Fantastic article, after quickly browsing before the boss comes in, Lunchtime reading well and truly sorted ⚽️🏴