Football Season Guide

Had difficult last season and finished in the bottom half of the table. Never in real danger of relegation though. Coach Young took charge only last December and this summer has been his first chance to properly reshape the team to his liking. He saw many players leave, amongst them important McNiff, Grant, Roberts, Flanagan and Mackin. To replace the hole left in midfield after 3 regulars left experienced Davidson and Dunholm were signed from East Fife. As Mackin’s replacement Thomson has joined and is expected to form attacking partnership with last season’s top scorer Carrick (11 goals). Experience is Stirling’s main strength. This will be eight consecutive season at this level, also 10 of the players have played 100 games or more in this division. Carrick carries the main hope for goals and he will be looking for third campaign in just the last 4 years with double-digit return. Lack of depth in midfield likely to bring serious issues as the season progresses. Currently only 2 typical central midfielders on the books. Also just 2 wide midfielders. The other weakness is the home form – last season 10 of the 16 defeats suffered in Stirling.