I've been putting together a preview for the start of the SPL season, I'll freely admit that its not all definitive, but I gave it a pop.
Rangers
Continuity is the key word at Ibrox this season. Rangers have seen plenty of players leaving this summer, including former captain Barry Ferguson and none coming in, Walter Smith is clearly confident in the squad he has assembled. The return to full fitness of Kevin Thomson and Steven Naismith should add strength to the midfield and creativity up top.
Key Player: Kevin Thomson
Up and coming: John Fleck
Celtic
All change in the East end of Glasgow as Tony Mowbray takes over from Gordon Strachan. A shaky start against Russians Dinamo Moscow was quickly rectified seven days later as Mowbray finally broke Celtic's European hoodoo away from Parkhead. A bold attacking style paid dividends as wave after wave of green and white finally broke down a strong backline.
Key Player: Scott Brown
Up and coming: Josh Thompson
Hearts
An uncharacteristically undramatic close season at Hearts with no sackings or outbursts from their chairman. There appears to be quiet optimism from one of last year's great successes, Csaba Laszlo. Some sensible signings, including the vital striker they missed so badly last year, and some consistency in the corridors of the club seem to indicate the club will once again challenge for third place.
Key Player: Michael Stewart
Up and coming: Gary Glen
Aberdeen
A disastrous start for the Dandies in Europe shows that Mark McGhee has a lot of work ahead of him. With several players leaving the club at the end of last season and an early start against a well organised Czech team in the Europa league, the result was almost inevitable. McGhee's defensive worries seem to be exacerbated by the reluctance of chairman Stewart Milne to invest in the club.
Key Player: Sone Aluko
Up and coming: Michael Paton
Dundee Utd
Another season passed for United and another European spot missed. The departure of Willo Flood and the injury to Scott Robertson left the midfield stretched and ultimately led to the forfeit of the hallowed European position. Levein has once again strengthened with the signing of wingers Jennison Myrie-Williams and Danny Cadamarteri. Coupled with the continued progression of regulars from last season, United clearly hope to push towards their European goal.
Key Player: Scott Robertson
Up and coming: David Goodwillie
Hibernian
Hibs dragged themselves over the finish line last year with the fans demanding a change from former player Mixu Paatelainen. The change came with the return of former player, John 'Yogi' Hughes, who brought several players along with him from former club Falkirk. Yogi will have to call on all his defensive experience to get the best out of a shaky back four following the departure of captain Rob Jones.
Key Player: Derek Riordan
Up and coming: David Wotherspoon
Motherwell
A summer of upheaval at Fir Park with several prominent first team players leaving along with Mark McGhee's will-he-won't-he saga left many of the Fir Park faithful fearing the worst. However, former Stockport manager Jim Gannon has come in and galvanised the squad. Focusing on attacking energetic football saw a youthful 'Well team put eight past Albanians Flamurtari in the Europa league.
Key man: Ross Forbes
Up and coming: Paul Slane
Kilmarnock
Dragged into a relegation fight at the end of last season after a reasonable start, Kilmarnock found salvation through their new talisman and captain, Kevin Kyle. After seven goals in eleven games last season, Kyle almost single handedly kept Killie safe. With the addition of Mark Burchill and the continually improving Craig Bryson, Jeffries will be hoping for a less stressful end to the season.
Key Player: Kevin Kyle
Up and coming: Ryan O'Leary
Hamilton
Hamilton's achievement last year should not be underestimated, staying in the Scottish Premier League was fantastic. The cream of Billy Reid's crop of youngsters, James McCarthy and Brian Easton have moved south and have left a large hole in the team. However, the signing of the experienced centre half Marvin Andrews will allow Reid to build from a solid base.
Key player: Tomas Cerny
Up and coming: John Paul Kissock
Falkirk
The third of Scotland's entrants in the Europa league found themselves outfought by Liechtenstein cup winners FC Vaduz. Following on the Scottish football managerial merry go-round, former player Eddie May takes over from John Hughes. May will be hoping to hold onto prize asset Scott Arfield and fend off interest from the nouveau riche Hamilton and various suitors south of the border.
Key Player: Scott Arfield
Up and coming: Ryan Flynn
St Mirren
Gus McPherson seems to be getting quite experienced at doing just enough to stay in the SPL. Andy Dorman and Billy Mehmet scored more than half of St Mirren's goals last season so the fans will be expecting more of the same this season. The departure of the Scott Cuthbert leaves a hole at the centre of the defence but Michael Higdon will add more goals up front.
Key player: Billy Mehmet
Up and coming: Stephen McGinn
St Johnstone
A return to the top flight seven years after their last visit, St. Johnstone seem determined to stay. Holding onto manager Derek McInnes in the face of interest from West Brom and some competent investment on the playing field should bring results. A solid and no-nonsense defensive style isn't pretty, but will be effective.
Key player: Kevin Rutkiewicz
Up and coming: Murray Davidson
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