Football Season Guide

Beath's nickname has never seemed more ironic than last season when the “Blue Brazil” finished bottom of the League Two table after yet another year of struggle. They remain a Football League club by the narrowest of margins after beating Lowland League Champions, East Kilbride, on penalties in the relegation play-off and they will be desperate to end their downward spiral. Former Hearts boss, Gary Locke, was initially handed the job for the new season having taken over in March but then opted to return to Tynecastle in a coaching role so the club have handed his assistant Billy Brown the role of head coach. It certainly is an unenviable job for Brown as is illustrated by the loss of several influential players during the close season including outstanding young goalkeeper Jamie Sneddon, who has joined Premiership side Partick Thistle. The blow is softened by the fact that goalkeeper David McGurn remains at the club and had been in fine form himself before being replaced by Sneddon in the new year. The loss of the striking duo in Livingston loanee Dale Carrick and Kris Renton, who has signed for Alloa Athletic, appears to be far greater problem and striker Josh Morris, signed from Hawick Royal Albert, faces the task of replacing their 16 league goals. Experienced defender John Ovenstone has joined the club as Brown's assistant and is expected to play a part on the pitch too. Defender, David Syme, and striker Robbie Buchanan saw their loan moves both been made permanent but Brown will still be hoping to strengthen his squad. They have the lowest average attendances in the Scottish League and Brown will need to use all of his experience, and enjoy a little luck too, if the Blue Brazil are to avoid finishing bottom of the pile again next season.