Football Season Guide

Bonnyrigg Rose

In


Conor Doan (mid) Stirling University; Kevin Smith (att) East Fife;

Out


Dean Hoskins (sp) (def) released; Andy Mair (sp) (def) released; Nathan Evans (sp) (att) Tranent JFC; Robbie Neave (mid) Haddington AFC; Arran Laidlaw (att) Arniston;

Achieved impressive promotion from the National League last term – 31 wins in 38 games and 100 goals scored in those 38 matches. All of the regulars stayed in the team after the impressive last season so coach Horn knows his personnel very well. Not just that but added extra depth in attack and defence with the signings of Smith and Grigor. Talented winger Doan also seen as useful addition, although he’s likely to be coming mainly off the bench. Bonnyrigg use modern 3-5-2 formation with very aggressive wing-backs. This sees them cause constant overloads on the flanks to opponents that practice rigid and old-fashioned tactics like 4-4-2 and 4-1-4-1. Despite this being Bonnyrigg’s first ever season at this level, the squad is very rich on experience. Have 14 players aged 28 and older, with all of them having many seasons at League One and Two levels under their belts. The team’s experience and modern tactics set to be their main strengths. Also the fact that pretty much the entire starting line-up will be the same as last season suggests that the displays should be positive right from the first game. Not many weaknesses in terms of players, but it’s worth noting that coach Horn has never managed a team at such a high level. His modern tactics had worked great in the lower divisions, but it is yet to be seen if they will be as successful this term.

Target


Back-to-back promotions. Strong contenders for the League Two title.