12 ANGRY MEN
They are the snarling stars who put the bite into the SPFL, so it’s time to let slip the dogs of war
Every team needs its enforcer, its go-to man when times are tough. As the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership gets ready to kick into gear, GRAHAM SWANN pays tribute to those players who don’t mind getting down and dirty when the occasion calls for it
ABERDEEN: LEWIS FERGUSON
He is only 19 years old but so much of Aberdeen’s play revolves around the gifted midfielder. Manager Derek McInnes knows if he needs a job completed, Ferguson can make it happen. Often playing in a deeper role, it is his energy and drive to build attacks which impresses the Dons faithful. Ferguson is not afraid to make his presence felt, either, with 14 bookings last season and one red card. He’s already off the mark in terms of scoring, too, with his winner against RoPS Rovaniemi in the Europa League first qualifying round second leg. Ferguson will be the key man yet again.
CELTIC: SCOTT BROWN
The glare, the snarl, the grin. It doesn’t take much for the Celtic captain to become fired up — or for opponents to snap, come to think of it. Brown is the man rivals love to hate. A Marmite figure if ever there was one. The 34-year-old has won 20 trophies during his career — 19 of them at Celtic — and one imagines he is not finished there. On his day, Brown can run the show in midfield. He need not burst a gut when he has got the likes of Ryan Christie, James Forrest and Callum McGregor to cause menace. But then there is the other side. The unnecessary taunting of opponents. This will be another lively season for Brown and all who stand in his way as he attempts to lead Celtic to more unprecedented success.
HAMILTON: DARIAN MacKINNON
Accies boss Brian Rice is determined to see youth talent continue to shine at the club. But among his squad, he possesses a player who is admired by so many of those up-and-coming stars. MacKinnon is a fighter and opponents know they are in a game when the midfielder is battling and scrapping. He picked up 12 bookings last season — not the worst offender, it must be said — but, in terms of being up for a tussle, MacKinnon stands out. Rice will look to the 33-year-old as Hamilton try once again to remove themselves from a nervy relegation battle.
HEARTS: CHRISTOPHE BERRA
If there’s a team that is not lacking in physical presence, it’s Hearts. Tynecastle captain Berra was left making up for lost time after he missed around six months at the start of last season with a torn hamstring. The 34-year-old defender returned to help Hearts reach the Scottish Cup final and remains a key part of the team. It’s in the air where he loves to compete, giving strikers a headache. Firing his side on, it will be interesting to see how boss Craig Levein settles with his defence as former Livingston centre-half Craig Halkett joins Berra and John Souttar in the backline.
HIBERNIAN: DARYL HORGAN
If this is to be a successful season for Hibs, then their midfield must be up to scratch. They have lost Mark Milligan and Marvin Bartley, who were both tenacious characters. While Stevie Mallan and new signing Joe Newell can be a threat going forward, they lack aggression. That means Irishman Horgan will be tasked with combining his own attacking threat with harrying the opposition. The former Preston winger let it all out when he fired a brace to dump Hearts at Tynecastle in April. What the Easter Road faithful would give for similar scenes of raw emotion in Paul Heckingbottom’s first full season in charge.
KILMARNOCK: GARY DICKER
We have already seen the rage at Rugby Park — and that’s before the Premiership season has even begun. Killie’s humiliating defeat to Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Europa League was a sickening blow. One can only imagine the reaction of last season’s captain behind closed doors. A key part of the success under former manager Steve Clarke, Dicker will be relied upon by new boss Angelo Alessio to ensure they at least come close to those standards and that all the good work under Clarke is not wiped out. Killie’s midfield was largely settled during the previous campaign and Dicker was a commanding presence in the centre of the park. After crashing out of Europe, slipping down the division will not be tolerated in 2019/20.
LIVINGSTON: MARVIN BARTLEY
This season will be an interesting test of Livvy’s character. The newly-promoted Lions safely avoided relegation in 2018/19 but a large part of that success was down to their settled defence. Declan Gallagher and Craig Halkett have left, so new leaders will have to emerge. Bartley’s arrival from Hibs should at least add some bite to boss
Gary Holt’s midfield. The 33-yearold was never a player to shy away from confrontation at Easter Road — both on and off the pitch. Holt will hope that personality continues and his experience can ensure this campaign does not involve being dragged into a relegation fight.
MOTHERWELL: ALLAN CAMPBELL
As Motherwell try to forget about the past, there is a real belief that the future remains bright. The turbulent David Turnbull transfer saga rocked the club but now focus can turn to the new season. Among the many young talented players at Fir Park is midfielder Campbell. The 21-year-old is willing to do the dirty work — getting in the faces of opponents, battling hard for 90 minutes — but that should not distract from the eye-catching performances he delivers for the team. His desire will surely grow under manager Stephen Robinson, who has boosted the players by extending his contract until 2022.
RANGERS: RYAN JACK
Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard clearly rates the former Aberdeen man and this could well be a defining season for the player if Rangers are to knock Celtic off their perch. Not only can Jack be creative and perform the ugly side of the game, he continues to make his presence felt on his team-mates. Gerrard was a leader as a player and now more than ever he needs individuals to help make this a season to remember for the right reasons. Jack’s influence on the game is growing and it would appear he is one of the most trusted men in the squad to perform on the pitch. He made 46 appearances last season and Rangers will once again be reliant on Jack’s qualities to shine.
ROSS COUNTY: ROSS DRAPER
As is the case at the start of a new campaign, there is a great deal of intrigue as to how the new boys will cope. County ultimately crossed the finishing line in the Championship last season with ease — but it is a whole new ball game in the Premiership. The key for County will be trying to play a brand of football that is easy on the eye but marrying that with a doggedness against the fittest teams in the land. At the heart of their midfield is Draper and the 30-year-old can be a crucial figure, breaking up play and being a physical presence in the air.
ST JOHNSTONE: JASON KERR
This will be a big season for the 22-year-old defender. Kerr has been handed the captain’s armband by boss Tommy Wright and this is his chance to show his leadership skills at a relatively young age. Kerr has been linked with a move away from McDiarmid Park, with Barnsley among those reportedly to have shown interest. Wright clearly has faith in the player and will want him to help the team try to return to the top six in the Premiership. Kerr made 44 appearances last season, chipping in with three goals. A threat in the air, keeping hold of him will be crucial for Saints this term.
ST MIRREN: STEPHEN McGINN
St Mirren’s squad is lacking numbers — never mind leaders — but McGinn has been through turbulent times, so a season which begins with uncertainty should not shock him. After eventful campaigns under Jack Ross and, latterly, Oran Kearney, the Buddies are starting afresh again with new boss Jim Goodwin. McGinn may not be the loudest but his experience will be key. The 30-year-old can create chances and develop attacks. At the start of a season which begins with Saints trying to boost their numbers, Goodwin will need strong characters if he is to be a success in his new role. McGinn will be one of the first names the Irishman turns to.