Football Season Guide

Clyde

In


Ewan McNeil (Defender, Berwick Rangers), Jordan Lowdon (Defender, Arbroath), Martin McNiff (Defender, Annan Athletic), Michael Oliver (Defender, Cumbernauld Colts), Dylan Easton (Midfielder, Elgin City), Kyle Ferguson (Midfielder, Airdrie), Matthew Flynn (Midfielder, Annan Athletic), Michael McGinty (Midfielder, Blantyre Boys Club), Phil Johnston (Midfielder, Stirling Albion), Robbie Davidson (Midfielder, Blantyre Boys Club), Peter MacDonald (Attacker, Greenock Morton)

Out


Gareth Watson (Goalkeeper, released), Marc Waters (Goalkeeper, Partick Thistle, Loan ended), Billy Robb (Defender, released), Marvin Andrews (Defender, released), Michael Bolochoweckyj (Defender, Montrose), Mark McLaughlin (Defender, released), Ross Millen (Defender, Queen’s Park), Scott Durie (Defender, released), Scott McMann (Defender, Hamilton Academical, Loan ended), Jordan Kirkpatrick (Midfielder, Dumbarton, Loan ended), Paul Slane (Midfielder, released), Reece Glakin (Midfielder, released), Steven Brisbane (Midfielder, released), Anthony Higgins (Attacker, released), Connor Lynass (Attacker, released), John Gemmell (Attacker, Hurlford United)

Clyde head into the new season as the favourites to lift the League Two title in 2016/17. The Bully Wee enjoyed a successful campaign under former Scotland international Barry Ferguson in 2015/16, albeit one which ultimately ended in disappointment following defeat in the play-offs. There were more than a few question marks hanging over Ferguson 12 months ago following a season of struggle which saw the side languish at the wrong end of the table before eventually finishing in 6th place. He learnt the lessons of his mistakes and stopped the constant tinkering with his squad, relied on far fewer experienced 30-somethings and strengthened his squad with likes of goalkeeper John Gibson and wing-back Scott Linton, who were outstanding. They were amongst the play-off pack before a fine run of form in March and April, with seven wins from nine league games, saw them challenge East Fife for the League Two title. They fell away at the end however and had to settle for a third place finish in the table. They comfortably saw off Elgin City in a two-legged play-off semi-final but were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Queen’s Park in the two-legged final. Ferguson certainly didn’t rest on his laurels and acted quickly to strength his squad during the close season with some impressive signings including defender Martin McNiff and midfielder Matthew Flynn from Annan Athletic, attacking midfielder Dylan Easton from Elgin City and experienced striker Peter MacDonald from Championship Morton. The strength the Bully Wee now possess is illustrated in the fact they have allowed defenders Ross Millen and Scott Durie to leave the club during the summer. The side from Cumbernauld looks a cut above the rest of their challengers and they will have to manage the expectations which come with being favourites for the title.

Target


The Bully Wee have the strongest squad in the division on paper and are expected to go one better than last season and lift the League Two title.