A look forward to 2004/5

Looking back on last season’s championship winning squad I was of the opinion that most of them could make the step up. Defensively we were pretty sound with our flat back four. The goalie did well after a horrific middle part of the season thanks in no small part to the sterling work from McManus, McGowan and Lovering in front of him. All three guys worked well together but they all had that killer attitude every time they stepped onto the park. They all went out with a look that said they wouldn’t be beaten. Right back was a bit less certain. Christie came in and did a fairly decent job in many ways but he had a vulnerable streak that saw him look shaky at times. Willie Wilson did a job in the run-in on several occasions and in fairness had shown a 100% improvement on earlier form. But can either be relied upon? In my opinion they, and Scott Wilson, will be the reserve defenders if a suitable new right back is found.

In midfield we were a bit shaky at times. Docherty and Dunn were probably the best combination in there but there wasn’t enough protection for the defence at times and again, that’s an area that’ll need tightened up for the step up in class or we could be in for some heavy beatings. Marvyn Wilson can do a job in there too but neither of these three, especially Dunn, are what you’d call a ‘holding’ midfielder. Dunn especially is a bit of an enigma. Attacking wise he’s as skilful and creative (at our level) as a typical European style playmaker such as Deco, Ballack or Costa. With his link up with Coyle, McLaren and Gow, I’m wondering if Airdrie will play two conventional midfielders and push Dunn further forward into a playmaker role this year? We blew a bit hot and cold on the wings. McLaren was sensational at times on the left but eventually he looked a bit tired whilst on the right both Vareille and Glancy flirted between occasionally brilliant, quiet, and anonymous. I’d think that we are going accommodate another protective midfielder by pushing Dunn further forward and leaving out the conventional right winger.

The strikers I was more than happy with. McLaren was a revelation and that pace of his will upset many a defender in Division 1. That’s one reason I think he’ll play more centrally this year. Gow was improving every game and his link up play and general all-round skill will set him apart from the rest. Add that to Coyle’s work ethic, guile and will to win, and you have a lethal combination. Varielle, McKeown and Roberts gives plenty of experience and goals from the bench. Roberts especially will have a lot to prove in his contract year.

This is the kind of team I’m expecting to see next season.