Although we have had our spells of flirtation with the bottom end of the table, for the most part we have kept a respectable average in the top flight. In fact the SPL all time table shows us to be in seventh place. (P 390 W 159 D 115 L 216)
Our county cousins have not fared so well but they had contrasting fortunes last season. It was hardly a surprise to see Hamilton relegated and they eventually finished the league seven points adrift. No doubt they’ll enjoy their run in the Ramsdens Challenge Cup and at least they will get a visit to Hampden as they were drawn against Queen’s Park in the opening round.
Airdrie United spent the entire season stuck in the middle of Division Two. It seems that their glory days are well behind them and they look like a youth team. The locals have disowned them and their core support is now measured in hundreds. At least they will have the amusement of a derby to add some interest this season.
Albion Rovers gave their loyal bunch of fans a rare treat last season – they were promoted! After finishing in second place they fought through the play-offs and eventually overcame Annan Athletic. They move out of the bottom division for the first time in 22 years. As a result next season’s Lanarkshire derby will see the first league meetings between the teams.