Football Season Guide

Montrose will go into another season hoping to retain their prized Scottish League status. The Gable Endies have spent the last seven seasons struggling at the wrong end of League Two, finishing bottom of the table twice and no higher than 6th place. They were given a huge scare at the end of the 2014/15 season when they faced Highland League Champions Brora Rangers in a two-legged play-off. Having lost 1-0 in the first leg they won 3-1 in the second leg to retain their senior status. The appointment of rookie boss George Shields at the start of the season backfired spectacularly and his successor Paul Hegarty was determined they would not suffer a similar fate last summer. The double blow of losing goalkeeper Stuart McKenzie and striker Garry Wood and leading goalscorer with a dozen goals was softened by the arrival of goalkeeper Jordan Millar on loan from St Johnstone and the capture of 30-year-old journeyman striker Gary Fraser, who put in a series of impressive performances. An encouraging start saw them reach the giddy heights of second place in October but they were unable to maintain that form and briefly flirted with relegation before eventually finishing in 8th place. A season of consolidation will do the club no harm and Hegarty will be pleased with the improved form of winger Graham Webster, who reached double figures whilst also supplying the ammunition for Fraser, who finished as leading goalscorer with 19 goals. Hegarty has added experienced goalkeeper Allan Fleming and defender Michael Bolochoweckyj to his squad and they will be hoping to continue their strong home form on the artificial surface at Links Park. The Gable Endies will have to improve on their away form however, which was the worst in the division with just two victories from 18 matches, if they are to avoid another season of struggle in 2016/17.