Football Season Guide

Considering the awful finances did well to stay out of trouble last term. Still finished only 8th and had worst defence in entire division – 58 goals conceded in 36 games. The deepening financial troubles saw as many as 7 regulars leaving in the summer. Those included 2 main strikers Byrne and Doherty plus starting goalkeeper Binnie and 3 of 4 starters in defence. Able to offer only minimal wages to new signings, so struggled to replace those with high quality players. From the new arrivals goalkeeper Leighfield, centre-back Sonkur and versatile Paton (could be used as false nine) seen as nailed on starters. Likely to play with only 1 forward in 4-5-1 formation. Not just that but in some games this could be false nine as right now Wright is the only typical centre forward on the books. 20-year-old Reilly was last season’s top scorer (6 goals) and he is expected to have even more freedom to venture forward this term. McGowan will have to be vital in defence as he is the only defender with vast League Two experience in the current squad. The main strength of the team is probably the fact that right from the off they know the season would be a struggle. Focusing extra effort on the games that really matter could be adopted as tactic. Weaknesses plenty as far as Albion are concerned. The awful finances, combined with very small and inexperienced squad mean that major hurdles will have to be overcome to protect the league status.