THE STATE OF PLAY

Well the football season is now in full flow, and transferring football journalism to political prediction, lets look at the coming season now that the Parliament has reconvened!

SNP

A triumphant return for manager, Alex Salmond, similar to the managerial record of the Great Lambino (John Lambie), transforming a struggling team only a few seasons ago to champions this year, pipping their greatest rivals thanks to a last minute interception and strike from veteran Dave Thompson, on a memorable Friday afternoon.

And how they celebrated!

Salmond though is determined that they are not resting on their laurels, and has led from the front with sterling performances in Europe and against English Premiership opponents.

With Swinney and Sturgeon key players in the Public Sector engine room, fans can expect to see open and exciting play, also look for MacAskill to operating on both flanks outmanoeuvring the opposition from time to time.

Given the fact they now have the biggest squad in SNP history, look out for some new names to shine in this free flowing team.

SNP fans are also looking forward to upcoming Anglo Scottish Cup ties (or the Westminster election if you prefer!).

Prediction - To remain champions for another season.

BLP SCOTLAND REGION

A last minute managerial change, with W.Alexander expected to finally take the reins next month, having taken over from previous Manager McConnell, who resigned shortly before facing the dreaded vote of confidence after ending 50 years of glorious history. McConnell is compensated by being offered a coaching role in Africa. BLP fans are not expecting much from Temporary Coach Jamieson.
Still look to have never really recovered from their foreign operations policy, and must surely regret the takeover 6 years ago from eccentric American owner Dubya Bush.
With a failed takeover bid from a small co-operative called Campaign for Socialism, it looks like this team will be hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The appointment of Alexander is of course a huge risk. A hectoring style of player management, plus the inevitable language problems, may upset the dressing room, and may face criticism of failing to inspire the fans.
A lot depends on how Alexander utilises the transfer window, will there be big changes or will Alexander go for the tried and tested.
BLP need changes and it is doubtful if continuing with old attacker Zebeddee Foulkes will have the fans flocking back, amid harsh criticism of a boring and predictable offensive style of play. There must also be worries about defender Kerr, who keeps getting exposed and caught out of position, particularly in Live TV performances.
There could be a very difficult season in John Smith Stadium, but may hold their own in the Anglo Scottish.

Prediction - Looks like their bad run will continue, but should secure runners up spot holding off the Tories.


TORIES

Another uninspiring season, and they look a pale shadow of the team that reached the heights of the 1980's, when they encountered many European nights, plus a memorable adventure in South America. Now relegated to feeder club status from their English owners. Also this club is frustrated at having their coaching manual stolen by BLP in the mid nineties.
Manager Goldie is once again looking for another season of consolidation, and will look to ensure that their defensive style of play will pick up vital points during the course of the upcoming season.
Look out for celebrity fans like Gerald Warner to call for a return of the glory days when Thatcher and Forsyth were in charge, to make the headlines.
This team need a long term strategy, and must look to replace their old, dwindling fan base, and must make a better effort of attracting a younger fan to their newly called Cameron Modern Arena.
Some of course believe that a merger with BLP Scotland Region is inevitable given the close proximity of the clubs.

Prediction - Another season of mid table showing, but look out for those merger talks to take place in mid season.

LIB DEM

After last seasons disastrous end, the 4 year extension to beleaguered manager Nicol Stephen, surprised many. With a very unpopular and uncharismatic chairman in Minging Campbell, one wonders how team morale is affected. The expectation level for the Anglo Scottish cup ties is at rock bottom and may suffer more heavy defeats. Season ticket sales have hit their lowest level in many years, having been caught out proclaiming title contender status, only to be found wanting on match days.
An uninspiring manager, and an uninspiring team, could be extinct in the next few years if they are not careful.

Prediction - will be one of the candidates in the relegation dog fight.


GREENS

A disappointing end to a promising season and lost too many games that were there for the taking.
Although they have a smaller squad expect their big players Harper and Harvie to catch out the opposition on home turf, Environmental Issues Park.

Prediction - A respectable season for a team who know their level.

TROTS FC AND TROTARITY FC

Both clubs relegated to Junior status after a very public falling out between their Co-Manager coaching staff, and the splitting of TROT UNITED, which ended in a very bitter court battle. With more court battles expected, it looks clear that both sides are light years away from regaining senior status.

Prediction - OH DEAR!

Lets hope for another entertaining season!