The Fans voice. The Editor, puts his neck on the line and gives his Verdict on the clubs and players to look out for in 2001/02.
1st
Rangers:-
Must be said though that these signings will only be a one year quick fix.
2nd
Celtic:-
One point in their favour is their squad is probably younger than Rangers?
3rd
Dundee:- Main problem last year was the defence was for ever changing through injuries, lets hope this is over with now, as invariably teams who use the least number of players usually finish higher up the League.
4th
Hibs:-
There's still enough skill and graft in their team to worry any team in the league.
5th
Hearts:-
6th
Dunfermline:-
This time I think they'll make it, their heads went down at the end of last year, will be more hardened this time,(or were they hoping for the Fair Play raffle farce and stopped tackling?)
7th
Killie:-
8th
Aberdeen:-
Again if it wasn't for the lack of quality in the league, Aberdeen maybe looking at the spectre of relegation.
9th
Livingston:-
Can't see them finishing higher than 9th, as the league wears on graft rather than enthusiasm will win vital points for them.
10th
Dundee Utd:-
Two reasons for this.
Lack of a proven striker will be the Arabs biggest downfall.
The Arabs will not be in any relegation trouble this year, but only because Motherwell and St. Johnstone are in such a mess?
11th
Motherwell:-
Fear you'll be looking at league reconstruction again the following year, to save you again though.
12th
St.Johnstone:-
This statement more than any other makes you the weakest link. Goodbye
CIS CUP Finalists
Scottish Cup Finalists
Pride will have been hurt and have had a major clear out of their Midfield. Caniggia will improve any team if he gets a game, therefore the Rangers under achievers of last year(Flops) will improve. Latapy will also improve the Rangers midfield, he was beginning to stagnate at Hibs and the new challenge may revitalise him.
Were on the verge of dominating the game in Scotland, but looks like the lack of signings could work against them. Sitting on their laurels maybe the old failing. They only seem to react to what Rangers do?
I feel the attack and midfield are the best of any of the other challengers. The defence was the problem. Zura and Medora when he finally arrives, hopefully should shore this up.
Don't feel Hibs will be far away this season. Latapy won't be as big a loss as the majority think, he was stagnating anyway and lost form. Mixu's presence maybe a bigger loss, though they have gained a quality stiker in Luna, but he's a different type of striker.
Still good enough for the top six, but I feel not strong enough a squad for a European place again. They rely too much on Cameron in midfield and the defence may suffer if they lose Antti Niemi, the best keeper in the SPL last season in my opinion.
This may surprise a few? Calderwood has done marvels for the Fifers and they were unlucky not to make the top six last year.
On the downward slide, their team's getting too old, but still have enough quality to keep them above the rest of the also rans.
A lot has been made of their youngsters. I think too much, most of it's been plain patronising.They have no direction or leadership on the park. Stavrum will be missed and if a replacement can't be found you maybe swapping places with United.
New to the league, they will be full of enthusiasm and an unknown commodity, with some battle hardened campaigners.
Sorry! All the hype of a great run at the end of last season doesn't impress me.
1. It was against the Bottom 6 teams anyway.
2. None of those teams had anything to play for? The only team that still had something to play for was the Buddies and they won that game against you.
Similar state as St. Johnstone, locals would rather watch the Old Firm. At least Motherwell have made a couple of shrewd signings. Andy Dow just maybe good enough to save you this year, as St. Johnstone are so bad.
Sorry! I can't see anything saving you this year. No money coming through the turnstyles, can't hold onto the average players you had. Even your Chairman slags off his potential rivals for taking his players, because he can't afford their wage demands.
Dundee V Hibs 2-1
Celtic V Dundee 0-1