Arbroath

After an almost-fairytale season, Dick Campbell’s forever-humble prediction for the season will no doubt be to avoid the drop once more. There is some great talent in the Lichties’ squad and it is clear to see how coordinated they are as a team, but I cannot see them challenging anywhere near the heights they amassed last season. Conversely, they are too good to be anywhere near relegation. 

Prediction – 6th

Ayr United

Since promotion back into the Championship in 2019, Ayr have had a mixed back of league finishes. Back-to-back fourth places were followed by last season’s eighth, where they were neck-in-neck for the drop with Dunfermline and Queen of the South. A successful push towards the season’s end saved them from League 1, but I don’t believe the same will be said for 2022/23. The clubs promoted from the third tier look well equipped to survive with other usual rivals amassing better squads. I believe the superb Somerset Park will see League 1 football come 2023. 

Prediction – 10th

Cove Rangers

After three promotions in four years, Aberdeen’s second team are in the second tier for the first time. An impressive bundle of players have taken them to this level with a few stand out individuals willing to play for the badge. Cove have been destined to rise for a while now, but this is where I think they’ll meet their level for a while. They’ll be successful, but bigger and more established professional clubs around them will make it difficult for them to achieve promotion. 

Prediction – 4th

Dundee

The freshly relegated Dees are back in the Championship after a poor first season back in the Premiership. However, it does not seem all is lost. With Gary Bowyer replacing the outgoing Mark McGhee, they now have a manager with a decent pedigree who doesn’t threaten the squad with nudity. He looks the part and I believe he will take Dundee straight back up at the first time of asking.

Prediction – 1st

Greenock Morton

Since former player Dougie Imrie took charge, results have been a relatively mixed bag. It was, however, good enough to survive the drop to League 1 with plenty of previously unseen optimism surrounding the club. They’ve made a few decent signings; namely Brian Schwake on loan and Lewis Strapp on a new contract. Other than that, I just cannot see Morton escaping further danger this season, with their grittiness finally coming to an end. 

Prediction – 9th

Hamilton Academical

The Accies are a weird one. After surviving so long in the Premiership, their first season back in the second tier was a bit…meh; never really in danger of the drop, but never pulling any ropes for promotion either. This season is about continuing the rebuild and exercising their stability as a potential contender for the top flight. However, with the quality of teams coming up and the pedigree of their second tier rivals, I can’t see Hamilton gaining any traction towards the play-offs. 

Prediction – 8th

Inverness C.T

Last season’s play-off finalists came within a game of returning to the Premiership. Billy Dodds’ men were the ultimate sandwich club; a great start, an okay middle and a wonderful conclusion. Despite their play-off collapse, Caley fans will be looking at the new season with optimism. A steady club with a talented squad can only mean they’ll be pushing for the play-offs once more.

Prediction – 3rd

Partick Thistle

I enjoyed Partick Thistle’s story over the last few years. After returning to the Championship in 2021, there was a time in the season where they looked good odds to win the thing. A dramatic dip in form followed, with The Jags settling for a play-off spot. Things feel different this year. New signing Anton Dowds is a proven goalscorer at this level and might just be the key to see Partick return to the top flight. 

Prediction – 2nd

Queens Park

Since turning professional, The Spiders have been on an incredible upward trajectory. After winning League 2 at a canter, League 1 promotion followed after a dramatic play-off final against Airdrieonians. Queens only look to continue this climb and will be targeting at least comfortable safety in the second tier. I strongly believe they will achieve this.

Prediction – 7th

Raith Rovers

New boss Ian Murray has been fighting for his right to manage in the Championship for a while now, and although it didn’t quite happen in Airdrie, he will be desperate to assert himself and Raith as play-off contenders. It might take Murray a few seasons, but with exciting playmaker Dylan Easton following him to Kirkcaldy, anything is possible.

Prediction – 5th

Prediction	Club
1st (Automatic Promotion)	Dundee
2nd (Play Offs)	Partick Thistle
3rd (Play Offs)	Inverness C.T
4th (Play Offs)	Cove Rangers
5th	Raith Rovers
6th	Arbroath
7th	Queens Park
8th	Hamilton Academical
9th (Relegation Play Off)	Greenock Morton
10th (Automatic Relegation)	Ayr United