SPFL Season Preview – Championship

Date: 4th August 2014

 

A somewhat disappointing campaign last season saw the Wasps finish above the relegation play-offs on goal difference. Fans will be looking for the club to push much further up the table this season, but have to be realistic in what they can achieve. A promotion place is out of their reach, but a stronger final position in the league table is not. The club were the second bottom goal scorers last season – something which needs improving.

One of the most obvious contenders for relegation, the Blue Brazil were in the relegation play-offs last season but came through against Dunfermline comfortably over the two legs. Goals weren’t a problem last season but it was their defence which let the club down. After losing Kane Hemmings in the summer, the club will need to replace his goals, but shore up the defence at the same time.

The club narrowly missed out on the promotion play-offs last season and with the number of clubs which will be looking for those places this season they could find themselves missing out again this term. The area of concern could be in the goals department. The Sons’ fans will be looking for the club to achieve similarly this season as to what they did last year, with plans for the following season should they still be in the Championship.

The Bairns fans will be demanding at least the promotion play-offs once again. Having lost in the play-off semi-finals to the eventual winners, Hamilton, Falkirk will be looking to go one better, perhaps even winning in the play-offs. They will have their work cut out with the teams they’re competing against, however the players have been there before and that experience is invaluable when the time comes.

A side which was unfortunate to be relegated last term following administration. The Jambos were always going to struggle last season after being docked points and losing almost all of their first team regulars. However Robbie Neilson had a feel good atmosphere in the dressing room which, without the docked points, would’ve seen the club safe. The young squad has plenty of experience now and could bounce back immediately.

Another club whose fans were furious to find themselves in the Championship for this season. New boss, Alan Stubbs, is yet to be proven as a manager and he could not have wished for a more testing first season in charge. The club has enough talent in there, which under normal circumstances, should be able to get out of the Championship with ease, however they could struggle, especially with so many clubs challenging.

A club who will be finding themselves in the bottom half of the Championship this season. There are simply too many teams in this division this season which have better promotion chances than Livingston, which is a real shame as without the shocks and surprises of last season, the club could have challenged but it does look like it is out of their reach for this season. The priority will be to stay in the Championship.

After reaching the promotion play-offs last season, the fans would have hoped for something similar this season, but like other clubs in the league, this may be out of their capacity this season. Should be safe from relegation, but can’t hope for much more than a mid-table finish this season. Building for next season is what this season should be used for.

A club which will mainly look to avoid their close call with the relegation play-offs. After only finishing two points above the relegation spots last season, Raith will look to draw a wider margin between themselves and the clubs who will find themselves in that unfortunate predicament. A goal scorer is needed but the club are limited in what they can achieve even with this.

Title elect for many people. Bringing back key figureheads of days gone by on the field; Kris Boyd has shown that he can still cut the grade, while Kenny Miller may still prove to be a valuable asset. Goals won’t be a problem for the club, but their defence is still in need of improvements – however if they do concede, the chances are that they can still go on to score two or three more.

 

Words – Blair Condie @bcondie92

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