Football Season Guide

Stevie Farrell was unable to prevent Stranraer from finally falling through the trapdoor and into League 2. The Blues have spent the last eight seasons in League 1 with Farrell working miracles, especially over the last couple of years, to avoid relegation. The last campaign was one too far as they were sat rooted to the bottom of the table with just two victories from 27 matches before the Covid-19 pandemic ended the season. Despite the cancellation, there would be no reprieve as they were replaced by League 2 Champions Cove Rangers in League 1. Farrell has been given the chance to take the Club straight back up but he will have do so without goalkeeper Max Currie, who has left to join Airdrie. Full-back Jordan Allan and midfielder Ryan Thomson were regulars last season but have both signed for West of Scotland Premier Division side Darvel. Greg Fleming will be a more than able replacement for Currie after signing from Peterhead whilst Darryl Duffy brings plenty of experience with him from Stirling Albion. Strikers Ruari Paton and Thomas Orr will have something to prove having joined from Lowland League sides East Kilbride and BSC Glasgow respectively. Having spent several years fighting against the drop, it will take time to adjust to the demands of a promotion push and a season of consolidation and stability might be what Stranraer.