ROSS COUNTY
LAST SEASON: Winners of the first division
NOTABLE INS: Jonathan Bateson (Macclesfield), Gary Glen (Hearts) Mihael Kovacevic (Zadar), Ross Tokely (Inverness), Martin Scott (Hibernian, loan)
NOTABLE OUTS: Johnny Flynn (Falkirk), Michael Gardyne (Dundee Utd), Gary Miller (St Johnstone), David McNamee, Scott Morrison
THE SQUAD (u-21 outfield players in italics)
Goalkeepers: Michael Fraser, Joe Malin
Defenders: Jonathan Bateson, Scott Boyd, Marc Fitzpatrick, Mihael Kovacevic, Grant Munro, Ross Tokely
Midfielders: Richard Brittain, Alex Cooper, Mark Corcoran, Russell Duncan, Stuart Kettlewell, Paul Lawson, Rocco Quinn, Martin Scott, Iain Vigurs
Forwards: Kurtis Byrne, Steven Craig, Gary Glen, Colin McMenamin, Sam Morrow
STAR MAN: Those who remember his efforts for Inverness may not be convinced that he is of SPL quality, but Grant Munro absolutely waltzed through last season as the first division's outstanding centre-half.
YOUNG GUN: In a squad with very few young players, former Liverpool youth player Alex Cooper (the son of former County manager Neale) will hope to emerge.
THE SEASON AHEAD: Ross County look in far better shape than last year's promoted side, Dunfermline - for a start, they have the financial backing of Roy McGregor. It's a squad full of solid first division players, but in the current climate that might be enough to stay up, even though underrated right back Gary Miller and the outstanding Michael Gardyne have left. The new signings provide depth in defence, while Martin Scott returns after 18 months at Hibs and Gary Glen has the chance to prove he is an SPL striker. They won't be relegated; if they are in trouble at Christmas they will strengthen in January.
THE MANAGER: He seems destined to pick up a touchline ban every season, but Derek Adams is a shrewd young manager who knows how to set up a team. The first division title and that Scottish Cup final appearance two years ago have earned him iconic status, even though he spent nine months as assistant boss at Hibs inbetween.
PREDICTION: 9TH
ST JOHNSTONE
LAST SEASON: 5TH
NOTABLE INS: Patrick Cregg (Bury), Nigel Hasselbaink (St. Mirren), Gary Miller (Ross County), Tam Scobbie (Falkirk), Gregory Tade (Inverness), Jonny Tuffey (Inverness), Rowan Vine (QPR)
NOTABLE OUTS: Carl Finnigan (Dundee), Marcus Haber (Stevenage), Michael Hart (Airdrie), Jody Morris (Bristol City), Jack Compton (Falkirk, end of loan), Lee Croft (Derby, end of loan), James Keatings (Celtic, end of loan), Kudus Oyenuga (Spurs, end of loan), Cillian Sheridan (CSKA Sofia, end of loan), Peter Enckelman, Alan Maybury, Derek Riordan, Francisco Sandaza
THE SQUAD (u-21 outfield players in italics)
Goalkeepers: Alan Mannus, Jonny Tuffey
Defenders: Steven Anderson, Callum Davidson, Dave Mackay, David McCracken, Gary Miller, Tam Scobbie, Frazer Wright
Midfielders: Jamie Adams, Liam Caddis, Liam Craig, Patrick Cregg, Murray Davidson, Chris Millar, Kevin Moon, David Robertson
Forwards: Nigel Hasselbaink, Sean Higgins, Stevie May, Gregory Tade, Rowan Vine
STAR MAN: Murray Davidson was courted by Rangers last season, and the impressive midfielder, who has made a few Scotland squads, will continue to attract interest this time around.
YOUNG GUN: Stevie May went down to division 3 last year on loan at Alloa, and went on a goalscoring spree. He has scored in the SPL for Saintees before - can he make it a regular occurrence?
THE SEASON AHEAD: The loss of big players like Jody Morris and Fran Sandaza will hurt, but if Rowan Vine turns out to be an adequate replacement for the latter, and he gets the best out of the erratic duo of Hasselbaink and Tade, St Johnstone could be a very decent side. I really don't know how good they will be - they might be decent enough to challenge for second place, with a bit of luck, or if there are injuries and some underachievers they might miss out on top six.
THE MANAGER: Derek McInnes was a hard act to follow, but Steve Lomas kept the Saintees in the top six, though his January signings were hit and miss. He's lost some important players this summer, but I'm impressed he was able to attract the likes of Vine north. We'll see this season just how capable the Northern Irishman is.
PREDICTION: 7TH
ST MIRREN
LAST SEASON: 8TH
NOTABLE INS: Grant Adam (Rangers), Lewis Guy (MK Dons), Sam Parkin (Queen of the South), Jon Robertson (Cowdenbeath)
NOTABLE OUTS: Nigel Hasselbaink (St Johnstone), Jon McShane (Hamilton), Aaron Mooy (Western Sydney), Hugh Murray (Partick), Jeroen Tesselaar (Kilmarnock), Steven Thomson (Dover), Graeme Smith
THE SQUAD (u-21 outfield players in italics)
Goalkeepers: Grant Adam, Craig Samson
Defenders: David Barron, Lee Mair, Marc McAusland, Darren McGregor, David Van Zanten
Midfielders: Graham Carey, Jim Goodwin, Dougie Imrie, Jamie McKernon, Kenny McLean, Jon Robertson, Gary Teale
Forwards: Lewis Guy, Paul McGowan, Sam Parkin, Thomas Reilly, Steven Thompson
STAR MAN: Paul McGowan was a real stand-out last season, either playing wide or up front - the Buddies will look for more from the same.
YOUNG GUN: Kenny McLean might have moved in January but for a poorly-timed broken collarbone. The under-21 international midfielder is a fine prospect though.
THE SEASON AHEAD: The Paisley side looked like they were heading in the right direction last year, but budget restrictions meant they failed to keep Tesselaar and Hasselbaink, and have made few additions to the squad. Darren McGregor's return to full fitness after missing most of last year is a boost. Whilst the starting XI looks very solid, there is an obvious lack of depth and even a few injuries could see them plummet towards the lower end of the league.
THE MANAGER: The board were rewarded for their faith in Danny Lennon last season as the side came close to a top six place, while playing some good football as well. He's done very well on a tight budget, but may find it difficult to emulate previous results with the purse-strings even tighter.
PREDICTION: 10TH
L.
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