Success will be down to the players
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC’S titlewinning boss Allan Johnston reckons that players will determine who will pick up the League 1 crown, not whether clubs are full or part-time.
Livingston and Airdrie would appear to have an advantage by running full-time operations. However, Johnston does not feel that makes them favourites.
The East End Park boss said: “Being full-time does not guarantee you anything in what will be a really competitive league. It does help you at times, like Christmas, when there is glut of fixtures but having good players is more important.”
“Part-time players are fitter now than ever before so a lot will depend on the ability you have in your squad.
“Livingston have good depth as they have kept a good number of players whot played in the Championship and have added quality in Nicky Cadden from Airdrie and Shaun Byrne from ourselves.”
“Airdrie have brought in Ryan Conroy and Iain Russell, so there is ability there. However, there will be other challengers.
“We played Alloa in pre-season and they are good. Their manager has made strong signings and will be in the mix. Peterhead are always there or thereabouts and will be again.”
“Stranraer will a big physical presence up front with Christian Nade. If he produces the form he showed with Dumbarton he will be a real handful.”
Johnston’s potential top four will not get things their own way.
“Brechin were the most-improved team in the league last season and, if they carry on improving, they will have a good campaign,” he said.
“East Fife have confidence and that has shown in their Betfred Cup games. Gary Naysmith will have them fired up and they could have a good season in the same manner Albion Rovers had after they had won League 2 the season before.”
“Rovers are a strong side defensively and have brought in Ryan Wallace, a very dangerous striker, so they could shine again.”
Johnston completed his assessment by saying: “Brown Ferguson is taking Stenhousemuir for a second season and they will be keen to show progress. That leaves Queen’s Park who will be one of the mostorganised and fittest teams in the league under Gus MacPherson.”
“No-one will find it easy against them or indeed against any team.”