ABERDEENSeason highlight?
Bayern at home was simply magical and almost made up for the mediocrity surrounding it.
Season lowlight?
While the Queens game was embarrassing, the United semi was truly humiliating. Thanks to
our tactical genius of a manager and his tombola, we made an ordinary United side look like Brazil '82. Calderwood lost a large section of the support for good that night.
Manager's report card
As Ebbe said, 'statistics are like miniskirts, they give you great ideas but hide the best bits'. Or in Calderwood's case the worst bits. Over 20 defensive partnerships, two semi fiascos, and conceding three goals or more on 16 occasions. Only the Uefa run saved him from being lynched and scraping pass marks. 6/10
Player of the season?
Honourable mentions for Zander Diamond and Lee Miller, but Barry Nicholson was a genuine class act throughout the entire season
Expectations for next season?
Oh, anything less than the treble will be unacceptable, but seeing as I'm a Dons fan and not a west-coast hack… a Uefa Cup place and/or a cup final appearance will suffice.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
A guy with a sledgehammer to smash up Tango's tactical tombola, and a left winger would be nice.
Which players should the club be offloading?
They've gone already.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
Stop blaming the fans for everything that goes wrong. We don't expect to win anything these days so to hear Willie spouting the 'unrealistic expectations/living in the 80's' garbage was exceptionally offensive.
Especially to the 20-something fans who make up the bulk of our support and who've never seen us do anything but avoid relegation. It's the management who made a pigs ear of this season not the fans, so start showing us some respect and more will turn out week in week out. Oh, and a gag for our manager wouldnae go amiss either.
Mark Alexander www.aberdeen-mad.co.ukCELTICSeason highlight?
Clinching three in a row against all the odds.
Season lowlight?
Emotions threatened to overcome the Celtic family at times over the past week and the loss of Tommy Burns, a favourite son, was the lowest point of the campaign.
Manager's report card
Gordon Strachan has been criticised at times for team selection and tactics. He is entitled to flash two fingers at those critics and remind them that he ranks along side Maley and Stein, seeing off three consecutive Rangers managers in the process. 9/10
Player of the season?
There are a few contenders, like McGeady, Caldwell and Boruc. But the award must go to Scott McDonald, right, who provided the statistics that matter most, 31 scored.
Expectations for next season?
It's going to be four in a row.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
The guaranteed income from the Champions League should mean more money available to strengthen the team. Areas needing looked at are left back, where Lee Naylor has struggled with no obvious replacement, a pacey front man to exploit Naka's passing and, despite the best defensive record in the league, a dominant centre back who can pass a ball.
Which players should the club be offloading?
A few will leave in the summer. Pressley, Bobo, Riordan? If so, we wish them well.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
We have players like Ben Hutchinson, Koki Mizuno, Cillian Sheridan and Scott Cuthbert waiting in the wings, and things are going well financially. It's all good at Celtic.
Tommy Dornanwww.celticsupporter-assoc.co.ukDUNDEE UNITEDSeason highlight?
The CIS final appearance and the gutsy performance, but tempered by ignoble penalty kicks at the end. We wuz robbed etc etc.
Season lowlight?
Not giving Eddie Thompson some silverware was a downer but, personally, I think Mike McCurry's 'performance' at Ibrox only served to illustrate the futility of hoping for a level playing field against the Old Firm.
Manager's report card
Sir Craig turned United back into a team that's hard to beat and gives 110 per cent right up to the final whistle. Also extremely proud of his stance post-Ibroxgate. 8/10
Player of the season?
Barry who?? Undoubtedly has to be Willo Flood. Most Arabs are crossing fingers, toes and other extremities in the hope some deal can be done to keep Willo at United.
Expectations for next season?
Well, seeing as how the league is permanently stitched-up by the gruesome-twosome, it would be nice to see United consolidate this season with third place next term. Also, a shiny trophy would be nice.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
…other than Lionel Messi?? A consistent goalscorer has to be top of the list. Retaining the aforementioned Willo Flood and his tireless lungs would also be fantastic, as would someone pushing Scotland over the sea until it's land mass joined Norway so we could have Christian Kalvanes back too!
Which players should the club be offloading?
I think it's maybe time Mark Kerr moved on. Jim O'Brien was a major disappointment and, one suspects, was Celtic's way of sugaring the pill when they took Robson off us. That said, he has redefined the term 'mince'.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
I have a cunning plan that involves United playing in blue strips one week then green-and-white hoops the next, thus causing some kind of short-circuit in the temporal lobes of 'totally impartial' men of integrity such as Kenny Clark and Mike McCurry that leads to a plethora of correct decisions involving United players and penalty boxes.
Hamish Mackintoshwww.dundeeunited-mad.co.ukFALKIRKSeason highlight?
The emergence of so many players who have come through our academy ranks and established themselves in the first-team squad.
Season lowlight?
Missing out on the top six by a point was a blow. But Falkirk were on the wrong end of some pretty eccentric and downright inept refereeing decisions and that's what disappoints most.
Manager's report card
Another mid-table finish maybe implies some sort of stagnation, but it represents the sort of consolidation John Hughes demands of his players. Yogi still makes errors of judgment at times but continues to wear his heart on his sleeve. 8/10
Player of the season?
Darren Barr has been a revelation and surely full Scottish caps will follow his appearances at B, Under-21 and Under-19 level. Having signed a long-term deal, it would be nice to see him achieve the next step up while still a Falkirk player.
Expectations for next season?
We have to guard against expectations that are too high. It's important that the club consolidates and build for the future. If we get into the top six, then great.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
Hughes has already signed three exciting veterans to bolster our youthful squad, however we still lack real depth up front. Finding another Stokes or Duffy would be ideal.
Which players should the club be offloading?
The loss of Ross, Moutinho and Craig is disappointing and a couple more under achievers may be heading for the exit door, but generally its all about building right now, both on and off the park.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
With a third stand due to be under construction within the next couple of months we have entered a crucial month in the development of the entire stadium complex. Once complete, Falkirk will have an iconic home which, in partnership with the council, will create community facilities and commercial income streams – something to make us the envy of most provincial clubs.
Brian Guthrie www.bairnstrust.comGRETNASeason highlight?
Winning both of our first two encounters with Dundee United, especially the second fixture at Tannadice which gave everyone a real lift at the time and kept the survival dream alive.
Season lowlight?
The various drubbings to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the Scottish Cup exit to Morton in a replay, the day Davie Irons resigned as manager to take charge at Morton and then there was the day it was announced that Brooks Mileson would no longer be funding Gretna.
Manager's report card
After Davie Irons resigned, Mick Wadsworth deserves praise for doing a creditable job as manager, when he too could have left for a more lucrative and stable job elsewhere.
Irons 6/10, Wadsworth 8/10
Player of the season?
Gavin Skelton, right. He has seen it all with Gretna and scored our last SPL goal in the last minute against Hearts for only our fourth win of the season.
Expectations for next season?
Just to have a stable club next season would eclipse the past glories of a Scottish Cup final, successive promotions and a Uefa Cup appearance.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
The dream turned to a nightmare and now Gretna fans are simply praying they still have a club next season.
Which players should the club be offloading?
There aren't any left.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
The future looks bleak, but don't write the club off just yet.
Scott Lesliewww.gretna-mad.co.ukHEARTSSeason highlight?
The League Cup win over Celtic and the 4-2 league win over Rangers come easily to mind, but very little else.
Season lowlight?
There are a succession of games that could easily fit into this category but overall 'home form', where we lost eight games, would be the most disappointing area.
Manager's report card
Which manager? Have we had a manager at any time? Nobody who has been involved with the management and coaching of the first-team squad could be given pass marks. The best we can give is 2/10 for turning up.
Player of the season?
We were reasonably impressed by the consistency of Christos Karipidis when he eventually got a game. Tended to produce nothing flashy but was consistent when he played in the middle of the defence (which is not something you could say about too many of our players this past season).
Expectations for next season?
Got to be better than this one, but then again, you never know. If we have a manager in place that can motivate those left at the club and add two or three new faces, then things should turn around.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
Assuming we will not be going for wholesale changes, a decent striker should be top priority after a manager is in place. We desperately need someone who can score goals. Other players coming in will probably depend on who leaves over the summer
Which players should the club be offloading?
Overall the first-team pool is too large so some players have to go, the problem is deciding who. There are several players at the same level, and it has to be up to the new manager to decide who can 'up their game'.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
A new manager with full control of all first-team affairs. This includes who we should sign and who we should offload as well as day-to-day team selection and tactics. If a manager is to get sacked it might as well be for something that he's done wrong.
Derek Watson & Jane Lewis www.homst.comHIBERNIANSeason highlight?
Watching the Jambos realising their dream to win the Champions League! But back on planet earth it would have to be the first nine games of the season, when we were unbeaten and playing some lovely football.
Season lowlight?
The next dozen or so games as our league position sank almost as quickly as the would be Champions League winners. Around this time, it became clear players such as Alan O'Brien and Brian Kerr in the main, were not good enough for our midfield.
Manager's report card
John Collins: He had to go and it was a relief when he did. The dressing room was in meltdown, his signings were showing their true colours and the club was sinking without trace. 5/10.
Mixu: A solid start, but he has not been consistent enough with his starting XI, hence some good as well as some ropey performances. Better to judge next season. 6/10
Player of the season?
Without a shadow of a doubt it's Chris Hogg. With 34 starts this season he's been consistent, confident and a damn good defender.
Expectations for next season?
It's not just about finishing better than we have this season. We must play for at least third place! I want to see more goals.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
Top of the list must be a striker in the mould of Derek Riordan or Garry O'Connor. We need a 20+ goals-per-season front man. Goals win games.
Which players should the club be offloading?
Alan O'Brien and Brian Kerr. Simply not good enough for a club of Hibs' stature. It's also time to wave cheerio to Benji – his goals in pre-season fooled us into believing he would be "the man" during 07/08 but for reasons only known to himself he has simply failed to turn up on more occasions than I care to count.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
Investment in the squad. We can afford it and Rod Petrie cannot flannel the fans any more, or we will start voting with our feet.
Eddie Hendersonwww.hibs.netINVERNESS CTSeason highlight?
Coming from two goals down to beat Celtic at home in front of TV viewers… with ten men!
Season lowlight?
Our poor form at the start of the season and the wretched run of ten games without a win contributed to our lowest ever SPL points tally. We were also disappointed with our cup exploits as our involvement in them seemed to be over by half time, especially the Scottish Cup.
Manager's report card
Brewster hasn't really given the fans anything to cheer about as his continued apparent tactical ineptness has frustrated us for many a game. He did, however, take us on a good run but this soon petered out. 4/10.
Player of the season?
Don Cowie, right. He has had a excellent first season and has scored some great goals from the midfield.
Expectations for next season?
We always expect to find that elusive top-six slot and have good runs in the cup but the best we can hope for will be a bottom-six battle.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
At least two pacey strikers, two centre-backs, and a left and right winger for cover. We hope Brewster has a large cheque book in his pocket.
Which players should the club be offloading?
Dean MacDonald hasn't made it and should be released along with, perhaps, McGuire and Paatelainen.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
A more experienced director of football to oversee the football side of things and get a firm grip of the reins to prevent the issues we've had the past 12 months.
Dave Wilson www.caleythistleonline.com KILMARNOCKSeason highlight?
Getting £2m for Naismith when Rangers conspired all summer to pay 50p and two brass buttons was sweet. But my highlight was seeing the emergence of Iain Flannigan from the youth system.
Season lowlight?
Being 4-0 down to Gretna at half-time really sucked; my lowest point however was when we drew 3-3 with them in December. We went into that game on the back of a five-game losing streak and everyone fully expected us to pick up the points easily. To watch us have to battle back into the game after being behind three times was a bit much to take.
Manager's report card
Jim Jefferies lacked serious support from his chairman. Still, second bottom is not good. Must do better 5/10.
Player of the season?
Definitely Alan Combe. He's proved one of the best goalkeepers in the country. Honourable mentions for Taouil, Bryson and Hammill.
Expectations for next season?
We seem to follow a rough cycle of being really mince every third or fourth year so by rights we should improve next season. If we manage to keep Tupac and get Bryson back fit then we have a decent midfield… but without some inspired signings we are going to struggle again.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
The cash (or lack of it) situation will dictate the comings and goings in the summer but I don't think that the gaffer is under any illusions that the squad needs major surgery. We've brought in Russell but need at least one more striker, someone to cover for Hooky at left back and a solid centre-half.
Which players should the club be offloading?
The gaffer won't be short of candidates for the chop!
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
Our troubles stem from the top. Until such times as the chairman elects to run the club with a real board instead of this "one man and his management committee" nonsense then things will never improve. A new owner or decent board members is what we really need.
Barry Richmondwww.killiefc.comMOTHERWELLSeason highlight?
Returning to Europe has to be the high point overall, but there were many peaks along the way. Motherwell wins at Easter Road are rare things indeed and to do so twice in a year was incredible.
Season lowlight?
Sadly there can only be one low point and that is the death of Phil O'Donnell in December. Football is put into perspective by tragedy like that and the memory of O'Donnell will live on in the hearts of Motherwell fans for a long time to come.
Manager's report card
Mark McGhee has obviously done an outstanding job. The fitness and organisation of the side improved dramatically while the change in players like Quinn, McGarry and Clarkson has been remarkable. He has hardly made a mistake in the transfer market and we are delighted he has committed to stay for another year. We will send him on his way with our best wishes once he wins the Uefa Cup. 9/10.
Player of the season?
Clarkson produced a good scoring return along with his work-rate but Hughes and Porter were simply on a higher level. It's goals that win games, though, and Porter finding the net 18 times contributed a huge amount to our success.
Expectations for next season?
The chances of repeating a third-placed finish are slim but it would be good if we could repeat a top-half finish. Doing better in the domestic cups is a goal, while keeping our pride intact in the Uefa is probably all we can hope for.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
A new goalkeeper is to pof the list, and then we need to see which of the current batch leaves and needs replaced.
Which players should the club be offloading?
No-one will be chased out of the door.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
We need to maintain the speculate to accumulate policy. The likes of Porter, Malcolm and Hughes didn't come cheap and if we continue to spend money on better players we should hopefully get the reward through league finishes and cup runs.
Derek Wilsonwww.firparkcorner.comRANGERSSeason highlight?
Manchester. An unbelievable experience, and the vast majority of Rangers fans shouldn't let the actions of a few idiots hijack their day. I will never forget being in a City which was simply a sea of red, white and blue.
Season lowlight?
The draw at Motherwell which effectively handed Celtic the title. The best team always wins the league, so no complaints, but yes, we have regrets. If we had an SPL who didn't cower in fear at a certain club, we may have had a fair run-in rather than playing every 20 minutes.
Manager's report card
Walter has given each and every Rangers fan their pride back. It was a momentous season and an incredible journey. We fell a bit short, but we'll be back stronger next season. 9/10
Player of the season?
Carlos Cuellar, right. Simply the best player in Scotland by a country mile. He reminds me of Richard Gough. Enough said.
Expectations for next season?
League Title. With the passion the players showed and a fair crack at fixtures, it's pretty apparent we are the best team in the country. We need to show it next season. I'm sure we will.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
A right-back – God bless Big Kirk, but he'll never be a full-back – and some creative midfielders and strikers. We have the work-rate – we just need to add some guile.
Which players should the club be offloading?
Cousin. So much ability, so little application. Amdy Faye and Andy Webster haven't justified a wage.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
The club should model their PR on Celtic's and stop the 'dignified silence' rubbish. It simply doesn't work.
David Edgarwww.theRST.co.ukST MIRRENSeason highlight?
Owning the capital after superb wins away to both Hibs and Hearts. The Hibs win was completely unexpected as they had been in fine form up until then. We only beat Hearts 1-0 but it could have been three or four.
Season lowlight?
Embarrassing cup defeats to lower-league opposition. Losing to East Fife at Love Street was quite simply unacceptable, but losing to St Johnstone was arguably worse. A place in the semi-finals at Hampden was up for grabs and pretty much our entire team failed to turn up.
Manager's report card
We were far too negative, didn't score enough goals and various problems with personnel were not rectified during the January transfer window, resulting in Andy Millen once again being trotted out. On the other hand, we finished higher up than last season with more points and wins. 7/10
Player of the season?
Will Haining gets my vote as he has been superb in defence when fit and not suspended. Gary Mason has been a good signing, while Andy Dorman would have walked this award if he'd been with us all season.
Expectations for next season?
With the new stadium coming, we have to improve and make some big strides on the pitch. Finishing near the top of the bottom six – with a lot more goals – would be a good achievement.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
A couple of wingers and centre halves, along with a left back. A few players with a bit of pace and also the ability to take decent set pieces would be good.
Which players should the club be offloading?
Most of the dead wood has been cleared out, however the decision to offer Ryan McCay a new deal has baffled most people. Garry Brady being kept on is also strange, while, from a playing perspective, Andy Millen should be nowhere near the team next season.
What single thing should be done to improve the club's fortunes?
Signing an attacking coach. All our coaches played in defensive positions; we could really do with a former striker to help out the likes of Billy Mehmet and Craig Dargo.
Stuart Gillespiewww.saintmirren-mad.co.uk
The full article contains 3983 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
