Football Season Guide

Forfar enjoyed a strong run to the playoffs last season having deservedly finished second in the league. They will hope to replicate such an effort this time around, with manager Jim Weir having retained much of the squad that brought him joy last season. In terms of important players who have departed, striker John Baird, who has retired, will be a loss, as will the dynamic Brad Spencer in the heart of the midfield, where Thomas Reilly has also gone. The latter was something of an understated player for the Loons. Dylan Easton, an erratic but capable winger who was not a favourite of the coach, has also gone. Their approach to signing players has been clear: experience is capital. Only two of the players they have signed this summer are younger than 27. Somewhat surprisingly, they have added four players from local rivals Brechin, who were relegated haplessly last season. It is a particular gamble that Callum Tapping spent much of the season injured, while Andy Jackson was a flop. Weir is banking on the fact that Jackson can regain his best form, though he has also suffered injury concerns throughout his career and appeared to be over the hill. Moreover, they saw Adam Eckersley depart after a loan expired, and the steady left-back has been replaced by Sean Burns, a player who is not as able. Where Forfar do look to have improved is in terms of their creativity, where the additions of Ross Forbes and Jordan Fitzpatrick appear to be particularly strong ones. Dale Hilson should thrive on this. The League Cup campaign suggests that, at their best, Forfar will be a formidable opponent. They notably achieved comfortable wins over Brechin and Montrose, while they were competitive against Ross County. Certainly, their defence has looked well organised and difficult to break down, led by captain Michael Travis, who is set to be key. Once again, they will operate a small squad but they showed last year they have the capability to bring in loan players – and ones of a good standard – when things get tough.