Fergie’s Bully Wee looking good for promotion

LEAGUE 2 fans are set for an exciting season according to East Fife player/manager Gary Naysmith (right) as so many clubs have laid the foundations to end the new campaign in pole position.

Naysmith, who guided the Bayview club to the title back in April, said: “League 2 will be a highpressure league as there has been a lot of signings and it looks like a lot of clubs are having a go.

“Forfar are a difficult side to play against as we found out on Tuesday. They have an experienced spine who know what needs to be done to be promoted.”

“However, Dick Campbell knows more about promotion than anyone. He has made changes at Arbroath and they will also be in the mix.”

The Angus challenge will be met head-on from the north with Naysmith adding: “Elgin lost Dylan Easton to Clyde but bringing Shane Sutherland back from Peterhead is a good move. Elgin are strong at home and, if they improve on the road, will challenge.”

Naysmith, however, reckons Barry Ferguson’s Clyde are favourites, and said: “They have the best firepower in Easton and Peter MacDonald as well as a lot of pace going forward.

“Easton could be the player that makes the difference.”

There are others in the hunt with Naysmith adding: “Cowdenbeath have a new side and a new boss in Liam Fox. “The experience of Burton O’Brien and Fraser Mullen will help them settle.

“Stirling Albion have the players to improve on last term – especially new signing Blair Henderson.”

The remaining four sides may not figure in the chase, with Naysmith saying: “Montrose have good experience but I cannot see them challenging and I am not sure if Berwick will either.

“John Coughlin did a super job in the second half of last season but it looks like his budget has been cut and he is rebuilding again.

“Annan need to find goals after losing Josh Todd, Peter Weatherson and Smart Osadolor as they contributed 40 goals last season.”

As for the SPFL new boys Edinburgh City, Naysmith reckons survival is the goal.

He said: “They’ll find there is a step up to the SPFL, and I’d imagine they’ll settle for ninth.”