Football Season Guide

Berwick Rangers manager Robbie Horn has spent the summer looking to build a squad capable of competing in League 2 this season. Horn was appointed less a month into last season following the dismissal of predecessor John Coughlin and despite his success at Bonnyrigg Rose, found life at the Shielfield Park considerably more challenging. He had to rely on a number of loanees and youngsters from the commendable youth set-up but they won just three of their last 20 league matches to finish in 8th place. Goalkeeper Robby McCrorie has returned to parent club Rangers following an outstanding season-loan between the sticks whilst versatile midfielder Kieran Stewart has opted to join Edinburgh City. Midfielder Steven Notman has retired following his testimonial season whilst midfield playmaker Steve Thomson has signed for Bonnyrigg Rose having failed to repeat the impressive performances of the previous season. Horn has been busy in the transfer market looking to replace those influential players and looks to have made a shrewd addition in goalkeeper Alasdair Adams from Musselburgh Athletic. He is one of a trio of players to have made the move from the East Region Premier League Champions with midfielders Jed Davie and Sean Murray joining Adams on the banks of the Tweed. Striker Daryl Healy will be hoping to make an impact after signing from Lowland League side Selkirk especially with striker Ouseman See not expected to be fit before Christmas as he recovers from a nasty ankle injury. Horn will be relieved to have re-signed versatile defender Gary Phillips and attacking midfielder Darren Lavery on new deals for the coming season. He still has work to do in the transfer market to strengthen his squad which will be necessary if they aren’t to face another season of struggle at the wrong end of the table.