Football Season Guide

It has been summer of major change for the Galabankies following the departure of manager Jim Chapman. Having lost out to Forfar Athletic in the play-off semi-finals in May, Chapman decided to end his four-and-a-half-year reign at Galabank and take over the reigns at Clyde. With so many players out of contract Champman has already taken several of them with him to Cumbernauld, with the biggest loss being young goalkeeper Blair Currie, who was outstanding last season and deservedly voted player of the season. Midfielders Barry Cuddihy, Darren Ramsey and Maxwell Wright were all regulars last year and have also followed Chapman to Broadwood. Midfielders Barry Cuddihy and Darren Ramsey will also be big losses as will defender Jean-Guy Lucas and striker David McKenna, who have both left the club during the close season with the latter joining Beith Juniors. Former Carlisle United midfielder Peter Murphy has been appointed as Chapman's successor and he faces quite a task to rebuild the squad and challenge for the play-offs again in the forthcoming season. He has brought in a number of players from Championship neighbours, Queen of the South, including goalkeeper Jim Atkinson, defender Scott Hooper, midfielders Aryton Sonkur and Owen Moxon and striker Aiden Smith, who had impressed during his loan spell last season. Winger Daniel Orsi, a summer capture from junior side Glenafton Athletic, was impressive during pre-season but the Black & Golds still look a little short in attack, especially having seen experienced striker Peter Weatherson announce his retirement from senior football. Murphy has brought in defender Kevin Rutkiewicz as his assistant and both men appear to be ready to play a part both on and off the pitch this season. It is difficult to know what to expect from the Dumfries and Galloway side this season with so many changes. A season of consolidation might be just what the club need in 2017/18.