SPL Predictions

By Paul Marshall
August 6 2003

Take a look at the Pride of Lanarhire's prediction on how the SPL could finish next season.

Champions Celtic

Although Celtic have no signings at time of writing this article we feel the Bhoys will have a point to prove after finishing last season trophyless. Martin Appeal will no doubt make signings, he's already been linked with James McFadden.



2nd Rangers

Rangers have lost key players in the close season, Lorenzo Amorouso headed for Blackburn and was replaced by a man heading in the opposite direction who was surplus to requirements at Ewood Park, Ex Manchester United defender Henning Berg joins Rangers on a free. Arthur Numan and Neil McCann also left Ibrox.



3rd Hearts

Hearts finished last season with their highest ever points total but it was still not enough to even keep up with the Old Firm. Dennis Wyness and Paul Hartley should ensure another 3rd place finish and a place in europe. Could maybe lift a Cup if the Old Firm are heavily involved in the Chapions League.



4th Dundee United

While every other club is cutting back on spending Dundee United have reversed the trend.



Ian McCall has brought in Mark Kerr and Colin Samuel from Falkirk plus experienced Derek McCinnes from WBA. Like Hearts I feel the Arabs could lift a cup.



5th Hibernian

Like Motherwell, Hibs are heavily in debt so to pull off the signing of ex Newcastle and Aberdeen star Stephen Glass was a mjor coup for the Leith men. I predict Hibs will even win an Edinburgh derby this year !



6th Dundee

After a fantastic finish to last season which included a Cup final appearance, the Dee will hit the ground running even without the services of Mark Burchill who played a major part in the Dens Park side reaching the final.



7th Dunfermline

The Young brothers who have still to fufill their potential have signed up for the Fifers but I predict they will drop into the bottom 6.



8th Aberdeen

Steve Paterson tried to bring Lee Miller to Pittodrie but was out bidded by Bristol Rovers. Scott Booth will prove to be a good signing.



9th MOTHERWELL

Terry Butcher's side are now more experienced than this time last year, we've also brought in Alex Burns who'll no doubt bag at least 12 goals. At the other end of the park we shouldn't lose as many goals, Gordon Marshall had 11 clean sheets for Kille last season, 3 times what we had. This prediction was made on the assumption McFadden will be staying.



10 Kilmarnock

I fear for Kilmarnock this season, their only major signing is Danny Invincible from Swindon Town. I predict Killie will staying the bottom 6 for the majority of the season.



11th Partick Thistle

John Lambie is a hard act to follow and the man with the task is Gerry Collins, Thistle's number two takes over the Firhill hotseat and didn't waste anytime in replacing the 6 players who left the club. Goals from Stephane Bonnes and Andy Thompson could keep the Jags in the SPL.



Bottom Livingston

This could be the year the fairytale ends for the new cuddly toy of Scottish football. Signing players like Derek Liley who couldn't get a game for 2nd bottom Dundee United last season will not help Livi's fight for the drop. bye bye Livi