The Fans voice.

Bob Laird, gives his Verdict on the clubs and players to look out for in 2003/04.

Bob Laird

 SPL Positions:-

1:   Celtic:- To win the Championship this year simply because it's Henrik's swansong they will not however run away with the title 3rd place will be far closer this year to the Old Firm.

2:   Rangers:- Will not be so successful this year their defence is a mess and don't believe Berg will suitably replace Amoruso.  Zura will take time to settle in the Rangers set-up and formation.

3.   Dundee:-I feel Dundee will be the most settled team this term which will bring the consisitancy which has been missing and ruined their past few Season's great performances points wise.  Di Stefano's money may not be seen greatly to start with, but the fact it's there may just make the players we do have up their performance levels to keep their places.

4:   Hearts:-Still a very solid team especially at home they have a great new signing in Wyness and will still be well clear of their nearest rivals for the European spot. 

5.   Dunfermline:- Always a tricky team to play especially at home.  The new turf will be interesting to witness.  I think they will be a little more consistant this year but not so high up the table for long spells like last year.  Never threating for a Euro spot.   

6.   Hibs:-No real reason for thinking Hibs will make the top six but they were unlucky last year they proved to be the best of the bottom six by a mile and feel they will make that leap into the top half this year.  

7.   Killie:-  I just can't see them reaching the heights they reached last season.  They are a very average team which I feel will be found out this season.  One year too many for Jeffries on a shoe string budget.  Still better than the rest. 

8.   Aberdeen:-Will be a better side than last year but still too far away to compete for a top six place won't be far behind Kilmarnock though and it will be very close between these two sides for 7th spot.  

9.   Livvy:-Will improve on last years poor performances but won't reach the heights of their first season.  Will go back to a passing game which will see them well clear of trouble this season.

10. Dundee United:-Will never be in relegation trouble this year, but not enough quality signings to improve their team too much.   Will never really recover from a poor start.  Injuries to so called key players may scupper their aspirations this term.

11. Partick:- Will struggle this year but still just avoid the drop. 

12. Motherwell:- Will lose McFadden eventually due to finances and will not recover they really have to go down to bring sense back to Scottish Football.