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We’ve invited fans of the 42 SPFL clubs (well, some of them at least) to give us a preview of their team’s upcoming season. Let’s find out what Austin McGill thinks is in store for Arbroath…

Last Season’s Position –  3rd (knocked out in Play Off Semi Final)

This Season’s Prediction – 1st

Best Signing Of The Season So Far – Graham Hay & Sergio Cecilia

I’m stuck between two here. I think Graham Hay will be an important signing, with his lower league experience with Brechin, whom he captained. From what I have seen so far, he seems willing to play the ball out from the back and can also pick a pass. The signing of Sergio Cecilia is exciting, and the former C.D. Laguna man has shown lots of potential in his appearances as a trialist.

He comes across as a player opposition fans will love to hate, a little like former Lichtie Josh Falkingham (who has the power to turn the entire Cowdenbeath fanbase into seething messes).

Key Man – Bobby Linn

It can’t really be anyone other than Bobby Linn. On his day, the winger has the ability to turn any team inside out. His performance in the second half of our Play Off Semi Final first leg against Queen’s Park was one of the finest individual performances I’d ever seen. There’s no question he should be playing at a higher level, but I’m not complaining!

He scored 14 goals from the wing last season, and with the loss of Simon Murray and Paul McManus, Bobby’s goals will be all the more important this season.

The Manager – Todd Lumsden

When Todd Lumsden was appointed manager, I think it’s safe to say the Arbroath fanbase were a little underwhelmed, but his summer signings have instilled hope into the Lichtie loyal. Allan Moore’s assistant manager up until Moore’s sacking on 12th April, he was made interim manager before being appointed permanent gaffer. I think assistant manager, Steven Hislop, will be just as important, as he brought a few players from the juniors with him when he left Linlithgow Rose.

Expectations

After a disastrous second half of the season, Lumsden has set out to avoid making the same mistakes as last term. A mid-season injury crisis saw us rely on three sub-standard loanees from Falkirk, and Lumsden had already stated he will be reluctant to use the loan market. The signings of Graham Hay, Jamie Clarke and Craig Wilson bring with them bags of experience, something we lacked at times last season. Our defence last season, at times, was an utter shambles.

Craig Wilson, Graham Hay and Andy Munro will solidify the defence and Allan Fleming looks a decent ‘keeper. Our midfield is a bit overloaded, which suggests a 5 man midfield, but with David Gold, Jamie Clarke, Sergio Cecilia and Jamie Reid added to last season’s already strong midfield, I feel we’re playing to our strengths. However, I can’t see a future at the club for youth team product Kieran McWalter, who has divided fans with his tough tackling approach (which saw him sent off in the Play Off Semi Final first leg). I hope we’ll add another striker, as Martin Grehan is only coming back to fitness, Lewis Coult had a barren year at Stirling Albion last season and Kane Hester is in his first senior season.

About The Author

I’m Austin McGill, who alongside 10 or 20 of my mates, have been stupid enough to fall in love with Arbroath FC. I missed 2 league games last season, and hope to get a full set this year. If you’d like, you can follow me on Twitter @ozzie99_mcgill. My Instagram (austinmcgill36_0) is largely made up of photos of SPFL League Two grounds, and other places I watch football.

SPFL Fans’ Season Preview: Arbroath

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