Leahy critics were answered in style

LOCHEE United had good reason to be satisfied with their season.

The Bluebells celebrated promotion back to the Super League and also managed to get their hands on silverware in the shape of the GA Cup.

The highlight of Lochee United’s season came in the two-legged play-off against Sauchie after finishing third in the league.

The Super League side were blown away by a rampant Lochee, who chalked up a remarkable 10-0 victory over the two legs to make a return to the top flight after only a season down.

Steve Leahy, who has since announced he is quitting as boss to take up a promoted position at Dundee United, had his critics after they were relegated last season but responded in emphatic fashion by winning promotion at the first attempt.

At the start of the campaign, Leahy realised he had to make changes and some smart business paid dividends.

He beat off a number of clubs to secure the signing of Bryan Deasley and also raided North End for the signatures of Scott McComiskie and Reece Ritchie.

All three played a major role in the club’s success, with Deasley and McComiskie, in particular, making the biggest impact with the number of goals scored between them.

Persuading keeper Mark Fotheringham to come out of retirement was also another important decision made by Leahy, while the introduction of various youngsters is important for the club’s future.

Scott Webster and Ryan Winter both made appearances in the play-offs along with striker Pat Martin, who set the ball rolling with the opener in the first match against Sauchie. Not to be outdone, Winter scored a cracker in the second match.

Just to put the icing on the cake, the Bluebells lifted silverware with a penalty shoot-out win over Jeanfield in the final of the GA Cup at Tannadice.

So, overall, it was a highly-successful season for the Thomson Park side.

The club are working behind the scenes to find a replacement for Leahy. Whoever that is, the team look well equipped to make an impact in the Super League next season.

Scott McComiskie (right) made a big impact for Lochee United following his move from North End.