SPFL Season Preview – Premiership

Date: 8th August 2014

The Dons fans will be looking for at least the same finish in the League this season as they managed in the last campaign. If they can go one better – and finish second – the fans will be even happier with that. Perhaps a few more key signings need to be made, but following the success the club had last season, Derek Mcinnes will have high expectations among some supporters.

Once again, the League title is the minimum expectation of new manager, Ronny Deila. There will already be many fans expecting his Hoops side to qualify for the Champions League group stage, and one thing which could be key to that will be holding on to Fraser Forster. The towering ‘keeper was pivotal in the club’s campaign last time out and could prove key again.

The newly promoted side will mainly be focussed on remaining in the top flight of Scottish football, however some fans will be looking for a mid-table finish. It’s not entirely out of reach for the club, however Paul Hartley will have his work cut out if he is to achieve this goal. Holding on to his key players will be his first focus before he begins to look at how far he can take this side.

For Jackie McNamara, his aim will be to finish slightly higher up the table. Although he has lost Ryan Gauld – who was a key player last season – his squad has the experience to do well in the League this season. To achieve this goal, the Arabs will need to improve their away form as it was what let them down last season – winning just five of their away fixtures.

After beating Hibernian in the Premiership play-off at the end of last season, Alex Neil’s men showed that they can compete against some of the bigger teams in the top tier at the end of last season. The main objective for the Accies will be to remain in this competition for next season. After coming so close to automatic promotion last season, the club will feel like they can compete similarly to Dundee.

A first full season in charge for John Hughes after he took over last winter following Terry Butchers move to Hibs. Another club which will be looking to go one better this season, guaranteeing a top half finish once again is necessary for Caley Thistle. A couple more wins here and there compared to last season may be all that’s needed for the club to get into the top four this season.

After losing Kris Boyd in the summer, the club could have their work cut out in the goals department this season. Boyd was their main man – scoring almost half of the club’s goals last season and more than five times as their next top scorer. Unless someone steps up or a signing is made, the club could find themselves flirting with relegation next season.

Once again, Stuart McCall has done brilliantly with the tools he had at his disposal. Although the League is out of their reach, the fans may expect the club to do a bit better in Europe this season, after the disappointing loss in qualifying to Kuban Krasnodar last year. A domestic cup win could be what excites the fans most this season. If McCall strengthens his defence, this could happen.

On several occasions last season, Partick found that it was their home form which was letting them down. Brilliant on the road last term, terrible at home – it’s something Alan Archibald has to improve on this season. The club picked up only 14 points at home last season, so a higher home success rate is needed, otherwise this is another club which could find themselves close to relegation.

After finishing seventh last season, fans will be wanting a similar finish this season, which if the club can tighten up its defence, is not out of the question. The Staggies conceded 62 goals last season and only managed to score 44 times. A goals turnaround is needed if the club are to improve on their finish last season. Experienced defenders are needed to make this happen.

The main worry Saints fans have is whether or not Stevie May will still be a St Johnstone player come the end of the transfer window. After scoring 20 times last season for his club, the Scotland Under 21 striker has attracted the attention of a few clubs down south. If they can hold onto him, as well as doing what they did last season, the Perth club should be safe with a mid-table finish.

Danny Lennon could have his work cut out once again this season. The club’s away form was the worst in the League, whilst their home form was almost in the top six. An improvement is needed in the away games if the club want to steer clear of the relegation places this campaign. More goals and a tighter defence is also needed, without this the Buddies could be relegation candidates.

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