Football Season Guide

The Citizens can be justifiably proud of their first ever season in the Football League following back-to-back Lowland League titles. They recovered from a dreadful start to finish in 7th place in the League Two. Manager, Gary Jardine, has established his reputation as a tough operator and will want to build on a mean defence which was the second best in the division. Several influential players have left this summer with the most high profile departure being that of striker Ousman See, who has signed for play-off winners Forfar Athletic for an undisclosed fee. Goalkeeper Andrew Stobie, midfielder Ian McFarland and striker Ross Guthrie have all signed for junior side Spartans whilst experienced midfielder Dean Cummings and striker Derek Riordan have both been released. Defender Joe Mbu and player of the season Dougie Gair have both announced their retirements. Gair heads off for a new life in Australia and he will take some replacing having been the Citizens talisman for years. One of the biggest changes this summer has been the move to Spartans' Ainslie Park, which will be Edinburgh City's home for the next three seasons whilst the Meadowbank Stadium is refurbished. Jardine has sought to improve his team with the capture of defender Gareth Rodger from Brechin City whilst the arrival of experienced striker Ashley Grimes from Southport has caught the eye of a few and he made a promising start in the League Cup. Striker Lewis Allan has returned for another spell on loan from Edinburgh neighbours Hibernian and will hoping to build on his impressive displays impressed last season. It would seem a big ask to challenge for the play-offs having lost so many important players over the summer and Jardine is still yet to replace Gair. Having also moved home, they should be content with another mid-table finish and that is well within their grasp.