Football Season Guide

Last season managed to stay out of trouble despite youthful squad and youngest manager in the division. The top 6 finish was seen as major success. Despite good results had second worst defence in division. The off season had seen the squad significantly weakened. Important defenders Burns and Sonkur left. Also last season’s top 2 goalscorers Yates (9 goals) and Muir (8 goals) no longer in the team. This significantly weakened the core of the squad at both ends of the pitch. To add numbers in defence teenagers Dunn, Ellis and Girvan were signed. None of them particularly experienced. It seems Stranraer could be starting with 4 very young defenders, the oldest being Dunn at just 21. Yet to sign any new forward players and, as things stand, 38-year-old Duffy is the only typical centre forward on the books. Due to that centre-back Robertson might be used as a striker. The team spirit is Stranraer’s main strength. Also captain Gallagher is one of the best playmakers in the division and if he stays fit dominance in that area of the pitch can be expected. The lack of experience in defence and the lack of forward options seen as the team’s main weaknesses. Possible future transfers could change that, but as things stand the team’s finances are very poor and not likely to improve the staffing situation much.