Scottish Leagues For Next Season

[zonker84]

Any sign of any odds yet?

I have looked a bit, but not come across anything. I remember last season most bookmakers only put their odds up on the lower leagues a week or so before it started, cowards.

Three or four years ago though, you could get odds much earlier in the summer

[kompressaur]

ODDS ARE OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!c brb

[kompressaur]

whats a day! the aussie coupon sitting like untouched snow and i've got all that to look at too Just need it to rain now and i'll be in raptures.

Lets have a quick scan and i will say if laddies go e/w 123 on Stenny then they'll be getting a chunk of my cash for the season.

[kompressaur]

Not really interested in the first but Ross look interesting to me with all thats been happening there over thye past year. Need to read up as i iant had a chance to look at ANY Sots this season so far. Ross got rid of Smith too didnt they? Just after he signed a new contract. what happened there then?

Dare i mention Morton? You'll all kick my head in if i do but i could chance them again this year to get it together. Think theyre strengthing in the summer they have.

Div 3 is gonna be a corker this season and Stenny look to have possibly the strongest squad from what ive picked up on my travels. Skybets's 8/1 on Cowdenbeath does stand out and rightly so. Arbroath and Berwick to challenge though Montrose have beed steady over the summer i think.

Loads to look at and thats what its all about that above. I just felt like how i used to feel whilst opening christmas presents as a kid then looking at Div 3. Magical division this year. Div 2 too. Div One as expected looks a bit bland. If dundee have a team left from last year i suppse them and St J and Ross be my interest. Teams coming down from the premier have had a terrible record though havent they?

[zonker84]

Mainly I was wanting to know what sort of odds we'd be getting on Gretna, 6/4 is a bit disappointing, but will even that last week long? I think not probably. Now I have to persuade William Hill to let me bet on football if I wanted to take it My limit on everything is zero. A trip down to the local shop is called for for the first time in a while possibly. Will see in a couple of days.

Other early comments. It looks like a nice competitive Division Three this year, which is nice. Cowdenbeath one to think about each way.

Surely Partick will go close in Division Two, 11/2 does look a wee bit high. However, if Gretna splash the cash, they could be playing for second place, which doesn't quite make it so appealing.

Will be back later with more

[Beanie]

Originally Posted by kompressaur

Dare i mention Morton? You'll all kick my head in if i do but i could chance them again this year to get it together. Think theyre strengthing in the summer they have.

I'll generally stay away from lower league betting, but Derek Lilley should be a star for Morton. 20+ goals in 2003-2004 in the SPL, and even though he was poor last season, in a physical and goalscoring sense he'll be a cut above anyone else in the league. Great signing for them, and if they get a few more I'd fancy their chances v Gretna.

[kompressaur]

and Mclaren signed too from that loan deal i think Beanie. If he settles then between them they could be not a bad strike force and youve got Heathreton (shit thats an aussie team) and aye i'm gonna take on the Gretan folks. Im a Scummy Morton fan again this year. I'll be hating them by Christmas . noooooooooooo

[kompressaur]

Stenny looks a certain e/w seasonal bet from what i can see so far. at Zonker @ Pie and Bovril. Starting new threads

Looking for cross-bet in Elgin as it was mentioned he was going 12/1 on Stenny. I phoned him last year (fcuk i sound like someone else you all know and trust) for prices and he sent us some bumph. Was thinking we could sort something out with him as he offers some interestin g prices but after reading this i aint so sure
http://sport.scotsman.com/racing.cfm?id=498462004

Anyone a link to cross-bet? there was one last year.

brb

[kompressaur]

Ok time to start getting it all together. I'll start at the BBC and then just add from there.

30th July
Bell's Cup first-round draw

Raith Rovers v Elgin City
Peterhead v Berwick Rangers
Brechin City v Clyde
Morton v Gretna
Ayr United v Stirling Albion
Dundee v East Stirlingshire
Ross County v Montrose
Arbroath v Stranraer
St Johnstone v Alloa Athletic
East Fife v Stenhousemuir
St Mirren v Forfar Athletic
Queen's Park v Hamilton Academical
Partick Thistle v Cowdenbeath
Queen of the South v Albion Rovers

ALBION ROVERS
Jim Chapman has been named as the new manager of Third Division strugglers Albion Rovers.
The 36-year-old will combine coaching at Cliftonhill with his work as the SFA's Football Development Coordinator for South Lanarkshire.
A former Rovers player, Chapman has coaching experience with the successful women's team at Hibernian.
Chapman is best remembered for scoring the goal that clinched the Second Division title for Rovers in 1989.
Rovers finished second bottom of the table last season and Chapman takes over from youth coach Jimmy Lindsay, who had been in temporary charge since January.

Albion Rovers have added six players to their squad for the coming season.
Striker Thomas Franch, a 22-year-old formerly of Symington Tinto, and fellow forward George Wallace, 23, formerly Auchinleck Talbot, have arrived.

Rovers have also signed 21-year-old former Motherwell goalkeeper Jamie Ewings and 22-year-old midfielder Philip Creaney, previously of Falkirk.

As have midfielders Tommy Lennox, 22, from Queen of the South, and Martin Bonnar, 25, formerly Queen's Park.

Scott Friel and Lee Wilson have also re-signed for the Third Division club


ARBROATH
Arbroath have made two more additions to their squad, while Greig Henslee has left for Montrose.
Goalkeeper Mark Cairns has signed a one-year deal. Cairns previous clubs include Hearts, Alloa Athletic and Stirling Albion.
Midfielder Hugh Davidson, 25, formerly of Forfar and Dundee United, has also joined the club.
But Henslee has signed for local rivals Montrose after rejecting a new contract offer to stay at Gayfield.

We've lost most of our top players (Sw**kie, Henslee, McGlashan, McLeod)

BERWICK RANGERS
Former Falkirk defender Andy Seaton has joined junior side Penicuik Athletic after rejecting a new contract with Berwick Rangers.
The 27-year-old also turned down offers from Third Division rivals Cowdenbeath and Second Division Morton.
However, it is being reported that Berwick striker Gareth Hutchison rejected an approach from Penicuik.
Seaton, who spent five years with Falkirk, had joined Berwick last July after three with Alloa Athletic.

Third Division Berwick Rangers have secured the signatures of midfielder Robbie Arthur and goalkeeper Craig Coyle on one-year contracts.
Coyle made 136 appearances for Morton, but the 24-year-old lost his place with the Greenock club.

He played five times on loan for Second Division rivals Arbroath last season.

Midfielder Arthur is an 18-year-old released by Livingston after coming through the Scottish Premier League club's youth ranks.


COWDENBEATH
Veteran midfielder Marc Millar has signed a new one-year contract to remain with Cowdenbeath.
The 36-year-old made 10 appearances for the Third Division club after arriving from Arbroath in March.
His one goal for the Fife club secured third place for Cowden in the last game of the season.
Millar started his career with Brechin then headed for Dunfermline Athletic, Livingston, St Johnstone, Ross County, Raith Rovers then Brechin again.

EAST STIRLING
(see Stenny for now)

ELGIN CITY
Elgin City manager David Robertson has signed up Cove Rangers centre forward Martin Johnston on a two-year deal.
Johnston has previously played in the Third Division with Peterhead.
Stewart Easton, who was released by Stenhousemuir, also moves to Borough Briggs and will be joined by fellow midfielder Mark Booth.
Booth played with Forfar last season but spent the last few months playing for junior side Shotts Bon Accord on a delayed transfer basis.

MONTROSE
(see arbroath for now)

STENHOUSEMUIR
Stenhousemuir have signed experienced pair Colin Cramb and Greig Denham.
Striker Cramb made nine appearances for First Division Hamilton Academical during the second half of the season.
The much-travelled 31-year-old has had spells with Southampton, Falkirk, Hearts, Doncaster, Crewe, Fortuna Sittard, Shrewsbury and Grimsby.
Defender Denham, 28, who has played for Motherwell, Falkirk, St Mirren and Arbroath, made 16 appearances for East Stirlingshire in the past season.
Earlier, 24-year-old striker Frankie Carroll had signed for Stenny from Queen's Park.
Carroll, who joined the Glasgow club from Benburb Juniors in 1999, scored 16 goals last term.

Former Berwick Rangers manager Paul Smith has been named new assistant to Des McKeown at Stenhousemuir.
McKeown was left without a number two when John McCormack took up the manager's post with junior outfit Bellshill this month.

"I have spoken with Paul and have been very impressed with what he had to say," McKeown told the Third Division club's website.



I say Stenny will go off about 3/1 - 2/1 favs in 2 or 3 weeks imo

Stenny are looking stronger by the day, as other clubs lose players. The Stenny board have realised that this season is their best chance of going up, and with Campbell Money, Cowboy McCormack and some decent signings they look ahead of the pack - with Arbroath, Berwick and Montrose in hot pursuit. Cowden are only quoted because we came third last season, but we've lost some of our good players and haven't - yet - replaced them with players of similar quality.

http://www.pieandbovril.co.uk/forum/...ic=20509&st=25

[kompressaur]

ALLOA
Midfielder Chris Townsley is to return to Alloa Athletic from Ross County for the coming season.

The 20-year-old made 42 appearances for Second Division Alloa during the last campaign while on loan.

His performances won him a new one-year contract at First Division County.

But Alloa have announced that the two clubs have reached an agreement for Townsley to return to Recreation Park.

AYR UTD
Ayr United have added further to their squad with the signing of midfielder Paul Hyslop on a one-year deal.

Young midfielder Paul Templeton has also been tied up on a new one-year deal after he broke into the first team towards the end of last season.

Manager Robert Connor has brought in another five players, including defender Martin Campbell.

Midfielders Chris Strain and Raymond Logan and strikers Chris Robertson and Ian Cashmore have also arrived.

Ayr United have re-signed midfielder Dougie Ramsay on a one-year deal after he responded to manager Robert Connor's demand to improve his fitness.
The 26-year-old, who joined Ayr in 2003 after leaving Motherwell, had been given a target for the close season.

Connor told his club's website: "Dougie responded to the fitness challenge like the true professional that he is.

"I am delighted that he will be with us for the challenges ahead."


Ayr United are poised to complete the signing of French striker Jerome Vareille, who has left Airdrie United.
It follows the capture from the same club of goalkeeper Mark McGeown.

Former Kilmarnock striker Vareille had attracted interest from Partick Thistle after he was not offered a new deal by First Division Airdrie.

Now the 31-year-old will face Thistle in Division Two and will team-up with 35-year-old McGeown, who has already signed a one-year contract with Ayr.

McGeown was signed as a replacement for Ludovic Roy, who moved to Livingston.

Ayr assistant manager Robert Reilly told his club's website: "I played with Mark during his time at Stirling and know him to be a true professional with ability and good experience."

Meanwhile, Craig Conway, Richard Buckley, Andy Reid, Darren Johnson, Neal Gilmour and Darren Quigley have all agreed new contracts to stay at Somerset Park.

DUMBARTON
Scott Bannerman has joined Dumbarton after the versatile midfielder left Second Division rivals Morton.

The 26-year-old, who began his career with Hibernian, has signed a one-year contract at Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

It follows the re-signing of striker Iain Russell and goalkeeper Stephen Grindlay on 12-month deals.

Dumbarton manager Paul Martin said: "There is a real buzz about the football club right now. Iain and Stephen signing gave everybody a lift."

The Sons had days earlier received the sad news that winger Chris Boyle could be out for at least six months "as he battles to overcome a series of events and injuries".

The 23-year old, who joined Dumbarton from Kilmarnock in 2003, suffered a life-threatening fit in a match with Hamilton Academical in 2004.

Bannerman started his career as a striker and Martin believes his arrival has helped shape a squad with great competition for places, plus "quality, experience and youth".

"Scott is a fantastic player and was one of my targets," Martin told his club's website.

"Basically, we get two players for the price of one.

"With a bit of luck, we could have another player signed over the weekend and this guy will give us real options."

Former Stirling Albion and Ross County midfielder Kevin MacDonald has signed for Dumbarton on a one-year contract.
The 21-year-old played 27 times for Division Two rivals Stirling last term.

Sons manager Paul Martin said: "We are now only looking for one player to give us cover on the left but it is proving a difficult gap to fill.

"He asked to do pre-season training and we have been very impressed not only with his ability but in his desire to play for us."


FORFAR
Forfar have signed the former Dundee United and Dundee midfielder Aaron Conway on a one-year deal.

The 20-year-old was released by the Dens Park club as they sought to make savings following their relegation to the First Division.

Conway played 12 times for First Division Clyde last season after being loaned out by United.

He was then freed by the Tannadice club and signed for Dundee, where he made two appearances as a substitute.

GRETNA
Former Port Vale midfielder Mark Boyd could become the third Gretna player to join Scarborough this summer.

Boyd, 23, is due to join the Seasiders for part of their pre-season programme.

He joined Gretna from Carlisle last summer but played just a few games for the Scottish Third Division champions and had a loan spell at Macclesfield.

Brian Wake and Marc Eccles have already left Gretna for Scarborough and boss Nicky Henry is eager to bring in more new faces ahead of the new campaign.

MORTON
Morton manager Jim McInally has added two more former SPL players to his squad as he seeks to put together a side to challenge for promotion.

Winger Andy McLaren, who played for the Cappielow side on loan from Dundee United last season, has joined on a permanent deal.

And Alex Walker, a defensive midfielder, has signed from Rangers on a two-year deal.

Derek Lilley had already moved back to the club from Livingston.

PARTICK THISTLE
Partick Thistle midfielder Jamie Mitchell has been forced to retire from football at the age of 29.

Mitchell had started pre-season training after being taken off the transfer list at Firhill.

But the Thistle website explained that he had been struggling and was sent to a specialist.

"He received the sad news that he is suffering from a degeneration of the hip joint and he has been advised to stop playing football immediately."

Mitchell had been placed on the transfer list last season after a breach of discipline but was welcomed back into the fold after the Glasgow club's relegation to Division Two.

Now he has accepted specialist advice "to protect his quality of life in future years".

Thistle assistant manager Jimmy Bone said: "It is always very sad when a player has to retire from the game due to injury, especially when it is a player who can contribute to your team.

"It has not been a easy time for Jamie recently and all we can do is offer him all the help we can and wish him all the very best for his future."

Veteran defender George Rowe was also forced to retire during the summer before completing his move to Thistle.

PETERHEAD
Third Division Cowdenbeath have announced the departure of defender Calvin Shand to promoted Peterhead.

The 22-year-old right back had made 62 starts for the Blue Brazil since moving from Hibernian in 2003.

But he decided to step up a division with Peterhead after coming to the end of his current contract.

Shand will miss the first two games of next season for his new club after picking up a suspension during the current campaign.

Meanwhile, Peterhead have reportedly dropped their interest in Arbroath midfielder Greig Henslee due to the compensation they would have needed to pay for the 22-year-old.

RAITH
Raith Rovers have re-signed striker Paul McManus from Stranraer for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old is back at Starks Park on a one-year contract after failing to settle at Stranraer.

Meanwhile, Neil Jablonski has also put pen to paper on a new one-year contract with the club.

The 25-year-old midfielder moved to Raith in January from Dundee and will hope to help the club make a quick return to the First Division.

STIRLING ALBION
Stirling Albion manager Allan Moore has added three players to his squad for the coming season.

Former Rangers, Hearts and Livingston midfielder Steven Boyack has joined up at Forthbank after spells with Boston United and Blackpool last season.

Left-back Ross Forsyth, 24, has signed on at the club after seven years with St Johnstone.

Centre-half Andy Graham has also moved to Forthbank after playing amateur football last season.




Goonna be a hot division this next season with a lot of teams tightning up. I think its gonna be a lot closer than the Gretna supporters suggest. Looking forward to it and im gonna be a Gretna basher i think this season.

[kompressaur]

AIRDRIE
irdrie United have completed the signing of Gary Twigg after the midfielder left Derby County.
The Glasgow-born 21-year-old only managed one start and eight substitute appearances during four years with the English club.

Having come through the youth ranks at Pride Park, he also spent time on loan at Conference outfit Burton Albion and League Two side Bristol Rovers.

Twigg has signed a on

BRECHIN CITY
Brechin City have signed the vastly experienced defender Gary Bollan after his contract with Clyde expired.
The 32-year-old left-back played with Clyde last season, having joined them after a spell at Motherwell.
Bollan's previous clubs include Dundee United - where he began his career and later returned, Rangers, St Johnstone and Livingston.
The Second Division champions hope Bollan's experience will help keep them in the First Division.

CLYDE
Clyde have signed defenders Craig McKeown and Michael McGowan, plus midfielder Roddy Hunter, after the trio of 20-year-olds impressed on trial.
McKeown was formerly with Dunfermline Athletic, while McGowan was released by relegated Dundee.
Hunter, from Condorrat, near Clyde's Broadwood Stadium, was previously with Clydebank and Ayr United.
Clyde have now signed five of the players who answered the club's nationwide call to join their trials.
But manager Graham Roberts insists that he is not being panicked into signings, having inherited just three signed players at the end of a season during which the Cumbernauld outfit finished third in Division One.
"We can't afford to make mistakes," he told the Clyde website.
"Next season will be tough enough without rushing into signing players who aren't of the required quality and it will be good to see them in action against other sides.
"I have nothing but admiration for the young guys who have been training so hard over the last fortnight.
"They have not received a penny but have given it their all, but we need to be as sure as we can be before offering terms."
Roberts has also lost experienced defender Stuart Balmer, who was assistant to Billy Reid last season and was still under contract for the forthcoming campaign.
Balmer was allowed to rejoin Reid at First Division rivals Hamilton Academical after Roberts chose Joe Miller as his assistant.

DUNDEE
Steve Lovell has decided against a move from Dundee to English Championship side Leicester City.
The 24-year-old spent the last few days mulling over an offer from the Midlands club, but has chosen to stay with Dundee for the time being.
Leicester manager Craig Levein told the club's website of Lovell's reasoning.
"After discussing the issue with his family back in Scotland, Steve felt that it wasn't the right move for him at this moment in time," he said.

HAMILTON
Full-back John Robertson and veteran striker Graeme Jones have signed for Hamilton Academical.
The 29-year-old Robertson, previously of Stranraer, Ayr United, Oxford United and St Johnstone, was released by Ross County at the end of the season.
Jones, now 35, scored twice in 15 appearances for Hamilton's First Division rivals, Clyde, after moving from Bury in January.
He previously was with St Johnstone, Doncaster, Wigan, Southend and Boston.
Hamilton manager Billy Reid said: "I am delighted with these two latest acquisitions to our squad.
"Things are shaping up for us."

ROSS COUNTY
New Ross County manager John Robertson is aiming to take the Highlanders into the SPL but has warned that it won't be easy to escape the First Division.
"This is a progressive club and my aim is to improve on that and work towards promotion," Robertson told BBC Sport.
"It may not be this season or the next but we'll be working hard at it. This is the toughest league in Scotland."
Speaking on his first day at Victoria Park, Robertson confirmed that he will be joined by assistant Donald Park.
Robertson and Park worked together at Inverness Caley Thistle before the pair left for an ill-fated spell at Hearts.
They won promotion to the SPL with Inverness and Robertson is happy to return to the Highlands.
"I'm delighted to be back in the north," added Robertson, who lasted just seven months in charge at Tynecastle. "I had a fantastic time at Inverness."
Robertson, who is replacing the sacked Alex Smith, will now turn his attention to bringing in a few new faces.
The 40-year-old said: "What we have to do is add to the very good squad we have here and make it competitive.
"Any team can win the First Division. It's the team that puts a run of consistency together that comes out on top.
"Dundee and St Johnstone look to have made some good signings, while Hamilton have been busy throwing the money around."

ardiff manager Dave Jones says former Scotland Under-21 captain Jamie McCunnie has impressed him.
The Ross County midfielder cum full back, 22, has been on trial at Cardiff.

"Jamie has done really well and I will have a decision to make over the next few days, but the boy will be the first to know," said Jones.

ST JOHNSTONE
St Johnstone have signed the versatile Simon Mensing from Clyde.
The 23-year-old has signed a two-year contract at McDiarmid Park and admitted that manager Owen Coyle was a key factor in his decision to sign.
"Saints are a big club and I spoke to Owen and was impressed by his ambitions to take the club forward," Mensing told the club's website.
"I had one or two other options but am more than happy to be coming to McDiarmid Park."
Mensing favours a right-back role but is comfortable in a variety of positions.
He added: "I'm just looking to get the full pre-season routine underway now.
"We have a good squad here and Owen has already added some quality players and I'm looking forward to being a part of his plans for the next couple of seasons."

ST MIRREN
St Mirren have confirmed that striker Mixu Paatelainen is poised to stay at the club but that midfielder Allan Russell is to leave.
The Buddies are to give a trial to Halstead Town's Gareth Heath.
And manager Gus MacPherson told his club's website: "Allan came back from holiday and told us he wanted to keep his options open.
"So we felt we had given him long enough to make us his mind and we have withdrawn our contract offer."
The 24-year-old Russell had made 56 appearances for the First Division club, having arrived in 2003 after four years with Hamilton Academical.
"I'm really disappointed as it now looks as if he just doesn't want to be here," complained MacPherson.
"It appears that he feels he has a chance in England and is prepared to go down there for trials."
"But, at a meeting with the chairman, Mixu has verbally agreed to stay at the club.
"Mixu wants to be here and everybody felt that it was the best deal for both parties.
"This should now put an end to the speculation on Mixu's immediate future and allow us to focus on other things as we prepare for the upcoming pre-season."
Veteran Paatelainen, who has played for Hibernian, Aberdeen, Dundee United and Bolton Wanderers, will sign the deal once he proves his recovery from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, MacPherson will give 25-year-old Heath a chance to impress after he scored 38 goals in the Eastern Counties Premier Division in the past season from midfield.
"We've spoken to Gareth and have said that we will take a look at him up here during the pre-season," added MacPherson, to whom the player was recommended by a Buddies fan living in Essex.
"The truth is that I've not seen Gareth play."

STRANRAER
Stranraer have signed striker Leigh Hinds from Partick Thistle.
The 26-year-old has played for Wimbledon, Clyde and Aberdeen before joining Thistle last season.
Stranraer assistant manager Stuart Millar told the club website they were delighted, if a little surprised, to have secured his signature.
"He comes with terrific pedigree and is a smashing signing for us. Leigh is probably the last addition to the squad before the season gets going," he said.
"But we may have another look before the window closes."


Aye i fancy possibly chancing Ross.

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

I really dont think Gretna are going to win this league this season. They haven't strengthened the side to my knowledge. Maybe they think its going to be another walk in the park??

Morton are my fancy. Like stated Lilley is going to be different class in this league. He could easily have kept in the SPL and still put in good performances. A 20+ striker and you are halfway over the line in my opinion. McLaren is a midfielder who will also chip in with his fair share of goals also. Might be wrong but didnt they sign Chris Templemen last season also? Who at the time was the divisions top goalscorer? He didn't settle in very well last season but should be fine now and he is another potential 20+ goalscorer for your side.

Is it just me or are most of the interesting teams odds a bit short??

[kompressaur]

I agree on Morton Kiko and forgot Mclaren was a midfielder as he likes to get forward so much. Templemen i'm hoping will find his feet. I think we'' find that Gretna will have stregthened again mind.

Stenny to me e/w is a corker so i aint even gonna look at Div 3 probably. shit door

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Dont really know much about Stenny Komp but i will take your word for it. So far my little accy of league winners is going to consist of Morton/Stenny.

My work managers a Morton fan and goes to most of their games and will be at most their friendlies too i would imagine so will see what his look on the new season is, and how his team are gelling pre season.

[zonker84]

Originally Posted by kompressaur

Stenny looks a certain e/w seasonal bet from what i can see so far. at Zonker @ Pie and Bovril. Starting new threads

Went rushing into it without seeing they had some already! I don't think they liked that Never mind though, hopefully provoke a bit of debate there