Football Season Guide

Stenhousemuir

In


Conor Brennan (gk) East Kilbride; Jay Cantley (gk) Airdrieonians; Dan Higgins (def) East Fife; Callum Yeats (def) Queen’s Park – on loan; Scott Walker (def) Airdrieonians; Mickey Miller (mid) Ayr United; Craig Bryson (mid) St. Johnstone; Niyah Joseph (att) Queen of the South; Will Sewell (att) Largs Thistle; Matty Yates (att) Stranraer;

Out


Ryan Marshall (r) (gk) released; Graeme Smith (r) (gk) released; Jordan Tapping (r) (def) Spartans; Ross Lyon (r) (def) Clyde FC; Cammy Graham (r) (mid) Cowdenbeath; Robert Thomson (r) (att) Stirling Albion; David Wilson (sp) (gk) Broomhill; Josh Grigor (sp) (def) released; Declan Hughes (sp) (mid) Bo’ness United; Darren Christie (sp) (att) Pollock FC; Jamie Mills (def) released;

Missed out on the play-offs last season by only 3 points, but the campaign was nothing more than average – 13 wins and 13 defeats. In the summer released all 3 goalkeepers, so new faces signed for that role. Brennan expected to be the new number one, with Cantley his back-up. The only other really notable departure was that of right-back Lyon. Disappointing striker Thomson also left. Some quality signings were made and for what is worth the squad looks stronger, at least on paper. Higgins, Yeats and Walker should see plenty of playing time in defence. Miller and Bryson add quality and experience to the midfield. Joseph, Yates and Sewell will be helping last season’s top scorer Orr (13 goals) up front. Stenny are expected to be one of the most dominant teams in terms of possession and ball control this season. They have very strong and experienced midfield line. This, combined with the quality up front and Orr’s proven scoring record at this level gives the fans reasons to feel optimistic about the team’s chances to finally end their stay in League Two on the fourth time of asking. The small size of the squad and possible injury issues to important players seen as main weakness. Also coach Swift had issues with naive tactical choices in crucial games last season and he’s yet to prove to the wider public that he can make the right decisions when it matters most.

Target


Will make a push for the promotion play-offs and have strong case to hope for a top 4 finish.