Football Season Guide

Brian Reid will be hoping to bring some stability to Cliftonhill after three years of struggle. Kevin Harper pulled off a great escape in 2019 but was unable to follow it up with a disappointing campaign which came to a premature end due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The cancellation of the season provided the opportunity for the club to part company with Harper on a mutual basis. The appointment of the experienced Reid appears to be a sensible move, however, it has been faced with the departures of several influential players over the long summer. Daniel Scally was a mainstay in the middle of the park but has opted for a move to first division Forfar Athletic. Euan East will be missed but the loss of Scott Roberts and leading goalscorer Declan Byrne, who have both joined Stirling Albion, are real blows. Reid has brought in a number of players with league experience at a higher level. The return of Gregor Fotheringham will soften the blow of Scally’s departure whilst there is plenty of hope for Ayr United duo Finn Ecrepont and Gabe Skeoch, who have signed on season-long loans. With the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, there are plenty of uncertainties for the season ahead but, with Reid at the helm, the Wee Rovers should be fine.