Scottish Premiership Season Preview Part One

From Aberdeen to Falkirk as seen from Row Z

Hello

We’re only two days away from a new league season. After last year’s surprise packages it feels like anything could happen this season. Will it though?

One thing is certain - Row Z will deliver the joy and laughter from start to finish.

I’m doing this alphabetically. No firm predictions, just a gut feeling as to how things might pan out. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Aberdeen

After the crime committed by last year’s post Scottish Cup victory trading we are looking at a very different Aberdeen this season. A Stephen Robinson yappy ankle biting Aberdeen ready to noise up their opponents. No more soft touch powder puff Dandies.

The eggs are in the basket. Things are currently positive. Expectations have to be 3rd or 4th I would think.

Bloomhearts

Oh Wouter. What a start to the season for Bloomhearts. New manager, big players gone. This season will be pure Bloomhearts and it’s going to take time. European football will take its toll too. Patience will be key, starting with Tony Bloom himself who I’m certain understands the bigger picture.

I doubt Bloomhearts can hit the heights of last season but I’m sure they’ll get into their stride to give them a shot at 3rd by season end.

Celtic

The champions continue to be at loggerheads between fans and the board. The problem is that in many respects winning the league last season showed the board they can win the big one without spending their beloved money. So why change their ways this season?

Two strikers in, Duran and Hogh (pronounced Hoo apparently) but Daizen is gone. All the stalwarts are another year older and how much stardust does Martin O’Neill have left in his magic pouch? I’m seeing second this season unless there is a significant spend that nobody can see coming. You reap what you sow.

Dundee

This time last year Steven Pressley was the subject of much mockery (including here) and everyone’s favourite to be the first manager sacked. Oh how the times have changed. Elvis has not left the building as Dundee were relatively comfortable in their league position. They’ve lost some decent players again but their replacements might be even better. Who fucking knows?

I’m right behind the big man this season but top six still seems unlikely.

Dundee United

It’s fair to say that Jim Goodwin has lasted longer in the hot seat than predicted. Last season was a bit of a disappointment but then they did bring in 14 players. Another nine this season and you get the feeling it’s just too much change at Tannadice.

No idea if United will be decent or crap. Maybe they’ll be trapped in mediocrity again.

Falkirk

Top six last season and with John McGlynn the darling of the press it was an outstanding season for the new boys. Another team that’s lost a few players but I’m not sure they’ve been replaced. Maybe this year they return to their first year expectations. Either way there will be goals at both ends.

Bottom six beckons and there’ll be no shame in that.

Tomorrow we go from Kilmarnock to Rangers and the other four in between.

Cheers

Keith