Here we go again...

After the disappointing defeat by Albion Rovers in the Challenge Cup, Warriors fans will be attempting to claim that the 'real' season starts this coming Saturday, with the visit of Elgin. Most observers would expect some changes to the side after such a poor showing; here's my take on the ideal line-up:

----------------------Bennett---------------------

McEwan --- Smith --- Ovenstone --- Lyle

---Love --------- Ferguson -------- Motion -

---------------------- Shirra ----------------------

--------- Hampshire -----Dalziel -------------

Good performances in midfield will be paramount, especially in wide areas - in previous season we've suffered from a lack of width, and we can't afford to fall into the same trap this time. Motion is the only decent candidate wide on the left (unless we put Lyle there and pick McGroarty at left back), whilst on the right, I think Love's pace and control could tear most teams to shreds. In central midfield, there is no better ball-winner than Ferguson - as proved against Fleetwood. On the basis of reports from the Airdrie match, meanwhile, it'd be impossible to leave out Shirra.

At the back, Smith and Ovenstone have impressed me greatly, whilst Thom will provide decent backup if he learns to be a bit less rash in the tackle. Bennett looks an assured keeper. Up front, Hampshire is looking fit and is probably the best candidate to partner Dalziel. The two players who've impressed me particularly, and who I'm especially keen to see picked, are Ferguson and Love.

I'm reluctant to make predictions about how we'll do this season, but I'm certainly looking forward to it: I have every faith in John Coughlin's capacity to bring the good times back to Ochilview. My formative years coincided with the 'golden years' of Second Division football, memorable cup runs, and quality coaches like Terry Christie, Graeme Armstrong and Brian Fairley - but since Brian's departure in 2001, we've only really had two or three decent seasons. Moreover, I think a lot of us perceived a great sense of negativity between 2001 and about 2004-5: from the backroom shenanigans in 2001-2 (Gordon Hill et al), to the abysmal league campaign of 2003-4: these were dark times.

These days, though, irrespective of what happens on the park, things are unquestionably more positive: we have a forward-looking board who do a terrific job at keeping us up to date with goings-on, a terrific artificial playing surface which is a great asset, and an excellent manager. As the new league season dawns, then, the message is simple: Bring it on!