Football Season Guide

Cove Rangers adapted to life in League One impressively last season as they made a serious fist of achieving promotion only to fall short. There have been no dramatic changes for the Aberdeen side in 2020-21, with manager Paul Hartley still in charge and the ambition of growing the club still very much in tact. However, League Cup results were disappointing. Cove suffered a shock 3-2 home loss to Stirling Albion – just the third home defeat they have suffered in more than two years – and suffered further losses against Hearts and Peterhead before recovering to defeat Inverness 3-1. They will seek to carry momentum into the new season after that latter game. Big changes have not taken place over the summer, with the focus very much on improving the quality of the side rather than the quantity. Indeed, the players they have drafted in have been impressive. This is particularly the case in the midfield, where established Premiership players Ross Draper and Iain Vigurs have arrived from Ross County. Robbie Leitch has arrived from Falkirk, meanwhile. Indeed, it is in this midfield sector that Cove should be strongest, with Fraser Fyvie an outstanding player. His issue last season was fitness. They are also strong in attack, where they are anchored by Mitch Megginsson, who has been prolific for some seasons now. Rory McAllister, meanwhile, is not the player he was but remains a useful option along with Leighton McIntosh. Where there is some cause for concern is the defence. Cove conceded 10 goals in just four League Cup matches. On paper, this should be a steady area for them, especially after the arrival of Morgyn Neill from Dumbarton, yet they are notably light in the full-back areas, with Harry Milne still getting back to his best after a long injury. Cove are also lacking a strong goalkeeper for this level, with Stuart McKenzie a player of average standing.