The Fans voice.
John Keith, gives his Verdict on the clubs and players to look out for in 2003/04.
John Keith
SPL Positions:-
1 Celtic:-
Their European run must have removed some of their focus at home last term, Their lack of new buys this season could prove both good or bad but I think they will make some moves during the transfer window, ant this season I don't expect them to do much in Europe leaving more focus for the league.
2 Rangers:-
This season I expect a good European run from them after Celtic did it last term they will want to prove that they can do likewise and could lose the league because of it.
3 Hearts:-
A good consistent Side who surprised many last year, successful even after drastically trimming their squad, will be up their again.
4 Dundee:-
I feel that we should have been up there by now but this term we have not lost many (as many as we could have) and all that is needed is consistency. This is the next step and we must take it now.
5 Kilmarnock:-
Up there again with a good team who play for each other and are consistent when not playing the of.
6 Aberdeen:-
The classic under achievers will fight much harder under paterson this term as it could be each and every one of their last chance. I expect 5, 6, 7, to be close all season.
7 Hibernian:-
Their off field problems will work against them again.
8 Dunfermline:-
A decent side who are tough to beat when not against the of.
9 Dundee United:-
They will also be tough to beat but will not win as often as the teams above them and possibly not even as many as livingstone who I place below them but I don't expect them to be overly troubled by a relegation battle.
10 Livingstone:-
I feel that they will win by the odd goal or be beaten by about the same margin without getting the draws which are needed. Unfortunately I think that they will lose games that they could/should get something out of far too often. A relegation battle this time.
11 Partick Thistle:-
They try hard and will do so again, will get some very good results but ultimately don't have the strength and are lucky that Motherwell are still there.
12 Motherwell:-
Good things to say? Ok! I like butcher as a manager and McFadden is good. Don't deserve to still be in the league and will be confirmed as going (provided there will be relegation) soon after Christmas.
League cup semi-finalists:-
Celtic, Rangers, Dundee and Hibernian.
Winners:-
Dundee. Yes, I know rather optimistic but given a good draw who knows?
Runners up:-
Celtic.
Scottish cup semi-finalists:-
Rangers, Dundee, Hearts and Aberdeen.
Winners:-
Rangers.
Runners up:-
Hearts.
UEFA cup:-
Dundee to go out in the 2nd round proper. I would like to see us reach one more round but it will be really tough.
League's top scorer:-
Larsson, That at least was easy.
John K.