SCOTLAND: Premiership 2013/14 Season Preview

It’s a sort of deja-vu when it comes to Scottish football, last summer we had Rangers demoted and liquated and now in League One – this year it’s the turn of Hearts, not liquated twice or thrown out the league just yet, it seems like likely scenario ahead for the Jambos, if the actions of the authorities and member clubs have to be seen as fair and objective. With the new SPFL brand yet to have any sponsoring and the TV deal which is not very lucrative the game in Scotland seems to be in a viscous circle of decline.

All of the squads apart from Hearts have managed to strengthen for the campaign which starts this weekend with Celtic odds-on favourites to pick up the trophy come May. Last season saw the relegation of Dundee, so this year Partick Thistle will be taking their place in the top flight. The aim of the Jags will be to keep their status in the league, although they will be aided by the 15-point deduction handed to Hearts, who look certainties to be heading to the Scottish Championship before a ball is kicked in anger.

Aberdeen are under a new manager with Derek McInnes will be looking to improve on their position last year and with a number of good signings with experience at this level I have no doubt that a top six finish will be the aim for the Dons.

Dundee United embark on their 1st full season under Jackie McNamara and also will be wanting to improve they lost their first choice strike-force from last season but have re-signed David Goodwillie who is a proven scorer at this level again much like Aberdeen a top six place will be the aim.

St Johnstone, Inverness and Motherwell will be aiming for the European places, yet again although could have a challenge from the afore mentioned Dundee United and Aberdeen.

Ross County will be looking to consolidate a place in the top six after their good debut season last term, they will have to avoid second season syndrome to do so, as manager Derek Adams stock continues to grow.

Despite the turmoil hopefully we will have a season where the football does the talking and there is plenty of goals and excitement.