The start of the Scottish Premier League is less than one week away, and fans of the SPL are looking forward to seeing what the class of 08/09 will be like. We thought we would have a look at the contenders, and what should shape the season:-

Aberdeen

How did they do last season:- A good end to the season ensured that The Dons finished in 4th, however they were always playing catch-up. An impressive run in the UEFA Cup took its’ toll on the league form, and while two cup semi finals may be viewed as a good season, the loss to Queen of the South cost them European Football, and their best chance of silverware in years. A mixed season.

New signings:- Gary McDonald (Oldham), Mark Kerr (Dundee United), Bertrand Bossu (Unattached), Sammy Stewart (Glenavon), Charlie Mulgrew (Wolves), Tommy Wright (Darlington - medical pending)

More to come?:- Linked with Adam Hammell on loan from Liverpool. A defender may yet be brought in, and Calderwood has yet to hear whether he will be allowed to take Sone Aluko (Birmingham) or Josh Walker (Middlesbrough) back on loan.

What will shape their season:- Calderwood’s plan to move captain Scott Severin into the defence could be the pivotal decision of their season. Severin has the ability to dominate games in the centre of the park, and is not a natural centre back. However, his organisational skills could mean he forms a solid partnership with more natural defenders such as Zander Diamond or Andrew Considine. If the decision works, Aberdeen could have a very good season, if it doesn’t then the decision not to sign a centre back will be scrutinised.

Key player:- Jamie Smith. Few players outside the Old Firm possess the ability to change a game on their own, the way Jamie Smith can. Last year he was dogged by injury, and couldn’t ever get his season started. With a full pre-season of training under his belt, Aberdeen fans will be hoping he can get more games.

Celtic

How did they do last season:- As well as they have in the past three seasons. Despite a poor run of form in the wake of their Champions League exit, Celtic put a fantastic run of results together in the closing months, to give Gordon Strachan his third title in as many years. Another good run in the Champions League showed just how much Celtic are improving in Europe.

New signings:- Pat McCourt (Derry City), Giorgios Samaras (Man City), Matty Hughes (Rochdale)

More to come?:- Linked to Nathan Dyer of Southampton, and both Marc Crossas and Jeffren Suarez of Barcelona.

What will shape their season:- Finding a regular partner for Scott McDonald. While retaining the SPL is the main priority for Celtic, they will be looking at going one stage further in the Champions League. Over the past two years they have got through the groups, and just come up short against some very good sides. Strachan has tried Venegoor of Hesselink, Samaras, Riordan and Zurawski with McDonald, but none have made the second striker position their own.

Key player:- Barry Robson. Robson’s improving form towards the end of the season co-incided with Celtic’s late title resurgance. His workrate in the centre of the pitch, not to mention his goals, have meant that higher profile players have been left on the bench.

Dundee United

How did they do last season:- Dundee United were one controvertial penalty decision away from winning the League Cup, and were it not for some poor form in the Top 6, they could have pushed Motherwell for the UEFA Cup place. Levein has managed to turn a team of huge underachievers to a difficult side to beat very quickly.

New signings:- Scott Robertson (Dundee), Michael McGovern (Celtic), Andis Shala (Mannheim), Paul Dixon (Dundee), Willo Flood (Cardiff - Loan), Warren Feeney (Cardiff - Loan), Francisco Sandaza (Valencia Mestalla)

More to come?:- United have been linked to Lee Hughes, and are one of several clubs linked to Rangers’ Alan Gow.

What will shape their season:- How they manage to replace Noel Hunt. Dundee United noticably faded when they lost Barry Robson to Celtic, but still had enough in their midfield to take them to a 5th place finish. Having lost the work rate of Mark Kerr to Aberdeen, United can’t afford to let the loss of Noel Hunt affect them too much. Not only did Hunt provide goals - both Warren Feeney and Francisco Sandaza can replace them - but he was a striker that didn’t ever give defenders any peace. Maintaining that workrate will decide where United finish.

Key player:- Craig Levein uncovered a real talent when he signed 21 year old Danny Swanson from Berwick Rangers. Swanson scored twice in his ten league appearances for United, and his trickery quickly won the fans over. If he can stay clear of injury then he could have a very good season.

Falkirk

How did they do last season:- Falkirk had an excellent season last year, and were one game from finishing in the Top 6. Their youth policy has to be admired, and they finally started getting results to match their attractive football.

New signings:- Jackie McNamara (Aberdeen), Dermot McCaffrey (Hibernian), Lee Bullen (Sheffield Wednesday), Neil McCann (Hearts), Eric Schultz-Eklund (Gretna), Burton O’Brien (Sheffield Wednesday), Ashley Young (Bury).

More to come?:- Falkirk are favourites to sign former Dundee and Aberdeen striker Steve Lovell.

What will shape their season:- Can they mix their youth with their experience? John Hughes has been very shrewd in the transfer market, and managed to acquire several players with experience. Lee Bullen and Burton O’Brien have experience of the SPL, and will add steel and some class respectively. There are doubts over McNamara and McCann, who struggled with injury and form at Aberdeen and at Hearts. If these players can bed in to an already solid Falkirk side, they could challenge for UEFA Cup football.

Key player:-Darren Barr was the star of last season, and brought admirers from North and South of the Border. But the real coup of the season could be the signing of Burton O’Brien. In his previous spell in the Premier League (with Livingston), O’Brien was instrumental in helping the side win the 2004 League Cup. He provides a cool head, and invaluable goals from midfield.

Hamilton

How did they do last season:- Winners of the First Division. Despite initially appearing to run away with the Division One title, Hamilton were made to work for their title, eventually winning it by seven points from Dundee. Proved that they can mix it with Premier League sides with their displays in the cups.

New signings:- Sean Murdoch (Dunfermline), Marc Corcoran (St Mirren), Derek Lyle (Dundee), Lucas Akins (Huddersfield Town)

More to come?:- Billy Reid has said he wants to sign five players before the start of the season. Finnish winger Sebastian Sorsa is currently on trial.

What will shape their season:- As with every side who are newly promoted, it is important that they keep their momentum going in the early weeks of the season. Hamilton have proved that they can score goals, and conceded just three goals at home all of last season. Hamilton are a difficult side to beat, and they will need to keep it that way.

Key player:- James McCarthy has won the plaudits (and rightly so for an 18 year old), but it is Scotland Under 21, James McArthur that makes them tick. He has already captained the side (aged 20), and is going to have to raise his game again this season.

Hearts

How did they do last season:- Hearts were the big underachievers last season. Confusion over the role of manager Steven Frail meant that there was no leadership on or off the pitch. Hearts’ season went from bad to worse, as they failed to make the Top 6, and were then beaten by a Gretna side which was almost entirely made up of youth players. Finished the season in 8th.

New signings:- None. Yet.

More to come?:- Hearts have been linked with taking Derek Riordan back to Edinburgh. There will almost certainly be new signings, and depending on the outcome of Rangers’ Champions League qualifier, don’t be surprised if they arrive from Kaunas.

What will shape their season:- Hearts have been on the brink of disaster constantly for the past three years. If Vladamir Romanov lets his new manager, Csasba Laszio, get on with his job then the prospects of Hearts’ having a good season increase. Hearts have the potential to split the Old Firm if they can all pull in the same direction, and they can make the standard of signings they suggest they will. At the same time, they could easily see a repeat of last season (or worse) if the dressing room is as divided as it has been.

Key player:- Laryea Kingston is one of the best central midfielders in Scotland. Although he has had problems with discipline, he is one of very few genuine box to box midfielders in the SPL. He tackles well, has the ability to beat a player, and weighs in with goals. How long Hearts will be able to hold on to him is another matter.

Hibernian

How did they do last season:- After looking like they could challenge for a UEFA Cup place, Hibs’ season went badly wrong in the closing stages. Hibs have won plaudits in recent seasons for the way they play, and the production line of young talent they have coming through the ranks. With that has come inconsistency, and last season was as good an example as ever as they ended the season 6th.

New signings:- David Van Zanten (St Mirren), Steven Thicot (Nantes), Joe Keenan (Melbourne Victory)

More to come?:- Could make a move for Alan Gow. Hibs have also been linked to Steve Lovell and are yet to make a decision on Fabian Yantorno.

What will shape their season:- Consistency. Hibs are capable of beating any side in Scotland on their day. When they are at their best, they pour forward in numbers, and are capable of sweeping away their opposition. When they don’t play, they have a habit of losing their discipline and matches they should otherwise win. Finding a goalkeeper they can rely on has been the task of Hibs managers for years, and this summer is no different.

Key player:- Brian Kerr will be important, not least as Hibs have lost Guilleume Beuzelin - the unsung hero of their midfield - to Coventry. Steven Fletcher will continue to be amongst the goals, as long Real Madrid don’t come calling. The real key to their season could lie with whoever they sign to fill the goalkeepers’ position. Goalkeepers have cost Hibs dearly in the past few seasons, and a solid ‘keeper could fill the rest of the side with confidence.

Inverness Caledonian

How did they do last season:- A fairly forgetable season for Caley meant that they finished in 9th position. A failure to score goals was their main downfall, as their home form was actually faily good. As with previous seasons, wins away from Inverness have been hard to come by.

New signings:- Andrew Barrowman (Ross County), Lionel Dejbi-Zadi (SC Verl), Ryan Esson (Hereford)

More to come?:- Caley have made moves to sign Calum Elliot from Hearts, and have Republic of Ireland under 21 Adam Rooney on trial.

What will shape their season:- Finding a regular goalscorer. Marius Niculae has been sold on to raise valuable funds, and club record goalscorer Dennis Wyness has moved on to St Mirren. Even Graham Bayne, who has always been capable of game winning goals, has moved on to Dunfermline. Caley are going to need to replace these goals, or it will be a very long season for them.

Key player:-Don Cowie was in fine form last season, scoring 9 goals. His form attracted the attention of several other SPL clubs, and there are reports that this has unsettled the midfielder. He has a new contract on the table at Caledonian Stadium, and their fans will be hoping he signs it.

Kilmarnock

How did they do last season:- Killie finished 11th last season, and had

New signings:- Allan Russell (Airdrie), Gavin Skelton (Gretna), Connor Sammon (Derry)

More to come?:- Jim Jeffries has indicated that he still wants to bring in another striker. Kilmarnock have been in negotiations to sign Peter Thompson from Linfield for most of the summer.

What will shape their season:- Kilmarnock have sold their top scorer for each of the past three seasons, letting Kris Boyd and Steven Naismith go to Rangers, and Colin Nish go to Hearts. Killie let Paul Di Giacomo and Gary Wales leave the club, and so a striker is a real priority.

Key player:-David Fernandez is the only recognised SPL striker at Kilmarnock, and they are going to have to rely on the veteran again this season. Keeping him fit will go a long way to keeping Kilmarnock in the SPL.

Motherwell

How did they do last season:- A fantastic season for Mark McGhee’s side. McGhee took the same side which had flirted with relegation a year previously, and turned them into a side which were capable of beating any side in the SPL. Their third place finish was well deserved, and were it not for the tragic death of captain Phil O’Donnell they might have pushed the Old Firm a little closer. Form after this event was understandably poorer, but they were still easily the third best side in Scotland last season.

New signings:- Bob Malcolm (Unattached)

More to come?:- Jim O’Brien could be added to the squad from Celtic, while the club could yet make Simon Lappin’s loan move permenant, and sign trialists Souleymane Mamam and Seyfo Soley.

What will shape their season:- Coping with the expectation of being a Top Six side can be difficult for sides which have been used to scrapping at the bottom of the table. McGhee also has had problems with players discipline. With extra UEFA Cup games to come, adding to the squad will be necessary, and they will need to replace Ross McCormack- such an important player last season. Transfer targets have been ambitious, and Motherwell could well build on last season.

Key player:- Stephen Hughes joined Motherwell from Leicester a year ago, and was vital at the heart of Motherwell’s midfield. The workrate and guile of Hughes allowed the players around him to get forward. McGhee plays an ambitious 4-3-3 formation, and it is the men in the middle of the park who make this possible.

Rangers

How did they do last season:- Rarely will a side which finishes with two domestic trophies, and as runners up in both UEFA Cup and League be disappointed with their season. Competing on all four fronts took its toll on the squad, and allowed Celtic back into the League. Rangers are unlikely to compete on all four fronts to the same extent, but stopping Celtic from winning a 4th title will be the priority.

New signings:- Madjid Bougherra (Charlton), Andy Webster (Wigan), Kenny Miller (Derby), Andrius Velicka (Viking FK), Kyle Lafferty (Burnley),

More to come?:- Walter Smith is still hoping to add a centre back to his side, with bids for Glen Loovens and Dickson Etuhu. The transfer of Steven Davis from Fulham looks to be dead.

What will shape their season:- Barry Ferguson will miss at least a couple of months of the season, and how Rangers cope with that will go much of the way to deciding how they will finish. The 0-0 draw with Kaunas was far from impressive, and a 4-0 friendly defeat to Liverpool will not inspire confidence in a side which sorely missed their captain. Someone will need to take on the captain’s role in his abscence.

Key player:-With Ferguson out, Rangers commanding defenders will be even more important. David Weir isn’t the youngest member of the squad, but his partnership with Carlos Cueller (who looks likely to stay at Rangers) will again be the basis around which the team is built.

St Mirren

How did they do last season:- A poor season saw St Mirren in relegation trouble until Gretna went into administration. No side scored as few goals as St Mirren, and Gus McPherson’s side will need to improve significantly if they want to survive this year.

New signings:- Steven Robb (Dundee United), Jack Ross (Falkirk), Tom Brighton (Milwall), Dennis Wyness (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)

More to come?:-Gus McPherson has said he wants to strengthen his side ahead of the new season, but there has been little movement in the transfer market.

What will shape their season:- Scoring goals. St Mirren scored just 9 goals away from home last season, and only 17 at home. Dennis Wyness should help them improve on that tally.

Key player:- Andy Dorman was one of the few bright spots from last season, and there were fears from fans that other clubs would take an interest. The Welshman was brought in from New England Revolution in January, and was an ever present in the side, scoring three goals. He is likely to improve on that this season.

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 3rd, 2008 by Thom Watt and is filed under Community, Football Texpertise. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.