Football Season Guide

A strong Cove squad won League One with something to spare, but manager Paul Hartley did not hang around to enjoy his success and is now in charge at Hartlepool. Experienced manager Jim McIntyre has taken charge although he has been without a role since Dundee sacked him in May 2019. Cove have retained the core of their squad as they are set to compete at the highest level they have ever played at. However, they will significantly miss Harry Milne who has transferred to rivals Partick Thistle. He was easily the best left-back in League One and a potent attacking threat. Back-up centre-backs Anderson and Strachan have also moved on. New signings have only been notable by their absence. Striker Gerry McDonagh joins from Halifax Town but the Irish striker has been injured and unsettled for a while and not scoring regularly. He will struggle to dislodge Megginson and McAllister from their forward line. It’s expected more signings will be made just prior to the season starting. Evan Towler arrives on loan and is tasked with replacing Milne at left-back. Cove when under the charge of Paul Hartley seemed more than ready for the Championship. New manager Jim McIntyre may be experienced, but he has failed in several places and is a risky appointment. So far there are few changes to the squad, but it’s hard to imagine McIntyre will not want to make his mark on the team.