Football Season Guide

Although Brechin may provide some surprises at Glebe Park, the part-timers are clear favourites to go straight back down. Brechin are simply surprised and happy to be testing themselves against full-time opposition after finishing 4th in League One and 31 points behind Livingston. They took their chances in the play-offs against Raith Rovers and then Alloa. Brechin have by far the smallest budget in the Championship and will not stretch themselves foolishly to compete with their full-time rivals. Former Livingston captain, Sean Crighton, has been their main signing of the summer and he is expected to hold the defence together. At the same time Brechin have lost significant experience from the ranks with midfielder, Alan Trouten, and defender, Dougie Hill, choosing to move on. Like the rest of the Championship teams they seem likely to boost their squad with young players from Premiership teams. The quality and application of their loanees may make or break their season. Manager, Darren Dodds, has registered to play again this season at the age of 40. Pre-season form has been limited as they try to find a settled team. Some positive results were achieved against lesser opposition including Montrose and Spartans. However, their Betfred Cup section has proved difficult and indicates just how hard they will find life in the Championship. Ally Love has shown up well and proved he can grab goals when he comes in from his wing. Anything but automatic relegation for Brechin would be deemed a success. However, with a relaxed attitude about their fate, they may produce some surprises, especially early in the season. Playing on the narrow Glebe Park surface in mid-winter also offers a challenge to some of the more pampered teams in the Championship. However you view their situation, Brechin appear certainties to finish last and return to League One.