View from the terraces – season preview

Many thanks to our new website contributor and match reporter Peter Thomson for penning this preview to the season ahead

The 2019/20 Scottish Junior football season is upon us and the ?Lok are raring to go.

This season the West Region Premiership welcomes Benburb, Rossvale and Rutherglen Glencairn to replace Petershill, Renfrew and Cambuslang from last season.

The new additions to the league mean the travelling Pollok faithful have two trips to Govan (Benburb and Rossvale are going to ground share) and a trip to The Celsius Stadium in Rutherglen (a rare example of stadium sponsorship in the Junior ranks) on the itinerary. These away games join established trips to Cumbernauld (to watch Rob Roy), Clydebank and the ten adventures into Ayrshire on the hunt for points, good football and good times.  

Some familiar faces from recent seasons have departed Newlandsfield with Bryan Young retiring, Stefan McCluskey returning to the seniors with Dumbarton and Ross Brash and Colin Williamson seeking pastures new. Also vacating the first team squad were more recent signings Josh Watt (thanks for that goal at Cumnock Josh!) and Scott Anson which has made room for a handful of new signings ? Chris Duff, David Barron, Iain Russell, Del Esplin, Chris Dallas, Dom Larkin and Gerry McLauchlan.

Once the rapid fire 3 fixtures in the Sectional League Cup are out of the way Pollok start their League campaign with a home game against Beith. A very decent recent record against the Ayrshire side gives optimism and Pollok will be hoping three points can be secured and used as a springboard to a fast start. 

Best of luck to Pollok this season and best wishes to all in Scottish Junior football for what will hopefully be another cracking season of entertainment.