The Lone Rangers

Stranraer are having an absolute nightmare of a season and are looking odds on to be relegated and based on the match its not hard to see why. Leahy just cant stop finding the back of the net of late and quickly added to his tally with a goal on the second minute and despite being reduced to ten men it proved to be all we needed, as Stranraer lacked any real fight or desire to reclaim the points.


We are stuttering our way towards the finish line as another defeat against a promotion contender highlights just how weak our claim to the automatic spot is. A hat-trick for McGrath humiliated our defenders as Morton ran out comfortable winners, adding another victory to their recent streak with the club eager to not waste any more time in League One.


We hold on to the top spot but its a new face that is mounting the pressure on a nervous looking Berwick. Morton have rushed back up the table and following a shocking month for Dumbarton they become the new favourites to throw us out of the automatic spot. Having just demolished us, we are certainly looking at them with a degree of fear.

That sure is one way to ease the pressure. Having never beaten Stirling all season this seemed to be the worst possible match up for an end of season run in, however we quickly destroyed any thoughts of an immediate collapse with a seven goal demolition job, as Captain Lee Currie led the way to an exceptional victory, smashing in a well earned hat-trick as we collected three points in style.


Ayr are throwing everything they have into clinging on to a place in League One but an own goal within Thirty seconds sent them further into the mire, with our formidable wide-men coming to the forefront again picking up three goals between them to push both clubs in opposite directions. With both Morton and Dumbarton suffering surprise defeats the results now leaves us with a genuine shot of securing the top spot with two games still to play.



With the pressure on us being sky high going into the final four games of the season, Dumbarton and Morton looked like odds on favourites to eventually claim the promotion spot but it seems they were the ones who would crumble when it matters, losing both their games this month to leave us simply needing to see off new-boys Arbroath. They certainly didn't make it easy however pushing us all the way to final whistle in a nine goal thriller that saw a fitting hat-trick for Darren Lavery seal the deal.



With the title in the bag the boys took their foot off the gas and breathed a collective sigh of relief, with Brechin quick to take advantage of the relaxed mood of our Championship bound squad. Another goal for Laverys impressive tally at least made sure we bowed out of League One with a small taster of what got us to the top of the table but one in Northumbria was particularly too concerned with the lacklustre finish to the season.


We've done it. A truly unexpected but deserved promotion as the squad, with no strengthening, the same tactics and a constant presence of self belief proved the doubters wrong picking up a sensational promotion, with an eventual eight point margin. We might not have shone against our nearest rivals but we won when it mattered.

Before we get stuck into the huge challenge of turning this team into a Championship side we take one last look at League One before hopefully wishing it farewell for good.




Three end of season awards in a row for the Borderers and finally our ever present lethal finisher, Darren Lavery takes the award and my word does he deserve it. The Scottish striker has been at the forefront of all our hard work, making the most of every opportunity that is thrown his way and dragging this team sometimes single handedly ever upwards. He has quickly become a club icon and in my eyes he is more then worthy. Another player we can only wish was born south of the border.


A sensational view for the fans of Berwick Rangers. A record high for the club as they win League One for the first time in the clubs history with a debut season in the Championship eagerly anticipated. In the end we cruised to the title as both Dumbarton and Morton only picked up three points in the all important final month of football giving us some welcome rest at the top of the table.

Its been fun in League One but we are once again moving on to pastures new and another new challenge for the Lone Rangers.

The achievement of making it into the Championship this season was made even more remarkable by the fact that we signed no players this season, however this was not a masterstroke of managerial ability it was merely forced upon me by the limits of being a Semi-Professional club in the middle of no where.


With limited scouting and only players released by fellow Scottish sides willing to join our cause, adding players of any value to the team has been nearly impossible however some superb news greeted us before the transfer window opened ahead of our first season in the Championship



To put this into perspective its a bit like being a kid unleashed in Toys'R'Us. The transfer market in one fair swoop has suddenly opened up like a treasure chest for the Borderers and no end of players are now flocking from across Europe looking at potentially joining the Borderers for the forth coming season.

A-side for obviously limiting ourselves to just English players, we've now got no excuses for failing to strengthen in the transfer windows.

Superb promotion and to clinch the title after not adding anyone in the transfer window is superb work!

Good on ya, mate! Promotion and a scouting range update, time to get to work.

Well done on Title mate

Sticking to same nationalistic principles that dictate how I sign players, I am strictly only taking on staff from England. With our new championship status the list of staff members has grown rapidly of late with a new look scouting team and some familiar faces within our ranks of coaches. With the likes of Jamie Carragher and my trusted right hand man, Owen Hargreaves already adding some star power to the team we added some more former England players to our team.



With no English striker yet able to rival Darren Lavery as the clubs leading front-man, I turn to two former England finishers to help produce a proven goalscorer from our home nation. One of England's most prolific strikers, Michael Owen took a break from horse racing to take up the role of coach to the first team, with former Spurs legend Les Ferdinand joining him as the pair look set to try and pass on some of their experience and natural ability to our fortunate squad.

Great additions to your club staff! Hopefully you'll find some players to improve the squad and get promoted again!

Canny 5-a-side team in the staff there!

Before I jump into action, we managed to show some restraint clearing some space in the squad as we release three players from their contracts. Left winger, Jack Boyle and striker Adarabioyo both leave the squad following a frustrating spell within the team, both players joined as part of the first intake of the English revolution but failed to make a real impact upon the team.

The duo are joined by backup goalkeeper Billy Bald. The Scot had just one season between the sticks under my time at Berwick but the signing of young James Atkinson quickly ended his time with the club




Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

Having made a name for himself at fellow Scottish team, Cowdenbeath, Thomas Flynn opted to try and take the next step with a move to English club, Middlesbrough. Having made no appearances for the Teesiders, a loan move to Luton followed before he was eventually released. Keen to get his
career back on track, he jumped at the opportunity with Berwick and will provide Atkinson with some stiff competition for a starting spot.



Cost: Free
From: Kidderminster

A big capture for the team. Dunkley is a formidable centre back at this level and will make a fine addition to partner Alex Kitchen within the heart of our defence. Having come from the impressive youth setup at Crewe he hasn't quite lived up to their impressive standards but following a long spell at non-league side, Kidderminster he is ready to get things back on track as a key player for our coming season.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

We are yet to find a proven English goal scorer for the team but with the arrival of Allassani, we have a young player with an absolutely lethal finish. Having come up through the ranks of Crystal Palace we were quick to add him to our ranks and with a quick turn of speed and some real drive to get himself towards the goal he could develop into a real force North of the border.



Cost: Free
From: Staylbridge

With wingers being key to our entire tactic we need some really strong players out wide to keep things ticking over and the addition of Sam Gainford gives us some real talent looking towards the future. A product from Liverpools ranks he is by no means a English Premier League quality player but with some solid stats across the entire board he could by all means one day make it into the Scottish equivalent.



Cost: Free
From: Nuneaton

We have struggled through out my entire career to find a reliable right back, with South African Devon Jacobs filling the role for the last few seasons however the arrival of Alexander McQueen finally has us sign an English wing-back. I was close to being forced to take up a three at the back formation for our debut season in the second tier of Scottish football, time will tell if it was worth not taking the risk.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

The biggest signing of my career thus far has former Derby, Leeds and Blackpool player, Luke Varney join our growing ranks. With five goals picked up from a brief spell in the English Premier League the veteran striker has certainly touched the top of the professional game but in the twilight of his career has opted to try his luck in Scotland as he joins our English revolution for his swan-song. Joining us late in the window he is currently ruled out already with a dislocated jaw. Fragile.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

As Ben O'Hanlon signs just days before the deadline day he now ensures that for the first time in this career we have an English player available in each position on the pitch. The left back was courted by the club for the entire pre-season but kept us waiting as he stalled on his wage demands, fortunately for us we managed to eventually persuade the former Wolves man to join us.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

The final signing of an extremely busy window has another journeyman join the team. Lee Holmes started his career with the mighty Rams and a long career throughout English football followed with him eventually ending his time with Portsmouth. Luke Leahy has certainly made a strong impact on the left but is certainly going to be under pressure from our tricky veteran wide-man who could make a huge impact in Scotland.

Big transfer window, hopefully it pays off immediately!

Remaining hopeful that those signings will pan out for you. Good luck in the Championship!

Following the disappointment of the last window we get the English revolution back on track as we bring in a wealth of English players to the team for our first shot at life in the Championship.

With just Eight players not heralding from our home country we've now got an entire first team available from England. The arrivals of Luke Varney and Cheyenne Dunkley finally mean that our Scottish players now no longer take complete control of the spotlight and its hoped their performances on the pitch might finally show that this entire career plan might be achievable after all.

Good free signings for the club Hopefully you can stay up this season.

Our first game to get us up to speed for the forth coming season, has up against League One's Arbroath. Having recently left them behind we were keen to show that our promotion was well earned however a gritty two goal draw certainly didnt fill us with confidence for the coming season in the championship.


The traditional game against our parent club ends in a disappointing defeat as Premier League side, Hibernian ease past us with a three goal victory that did little to show off our newly acquired English talent. The defeat for the first time has also started to cast doubt over the usually reliable 4-2-2-2 formation but with the signings already made and our most challenging season to date about to start there is no time to experiment.


Another traditional game in the shape of our feeder club, Ashington has us claim a welcome boost to morale. Despite giving us a good run around in the first half we eventually battle through to victory with last seasons stand out duo, Luke Leahy and Bonnett-Johnson both striking from out wide again to help us to a well earned victory.


A good test for the team has us going up against recently relegated Ross County. Keen to avoid the exact same fate in the Championship this season, a two goal draw did little to rest any worries that we will be wrapped up into a bitter relegation dog-fight but a strong showing from Darren Lavery atleast assured us that our regular goal-scorer still has what it takes.


Final game of the pre-season has us remain in England as we make the relatively short trip to Gainsborough. With them struggling in the Vanarama Confrence North a comfortable victory was expected, with two of our fringe Scottish players securing the goals to assure us we were at least on par with the football league teams in our home nation.

Before the season starts the cup compeitions come back into focus. Having never troubled them before we are keen to see how our new found status as Scottish League big-dogs would favour us in the knock-out stages and a comfortable three goal victory over Stenhousemuir certainly suggest we might just be able to finally get into the latter stages of a competition.


Maybe not. The League Cup slaps us down to reality again as lowly Ayr United snatch a victory courtesy of extra-time to return our focus back on the league. The demoralising defeat, twinned with an exhausting one hundred and twenty minutes of football wasn't exactly the best way to gear us up for our long awaited debut in the second tier.


Championship stalwarts, Falkirk greeted us to the division and duly showed us just how cruel it can be as an encouraging display from the Wee Rangers resulted in nothing but defeat. Goals either side of the half time whistle helped to keep us within touching distance of the points but we couldn't muster a third goal as our cup exploits caught up with us in tiring fashion.


Straight out of the cup competitions within the first month..again. Kilmarnock find themselves in the Championship this season but the former Premier League side certainly looked a level above us, destroying our newly crafted defence with ease as they strolled into the next round on the back of a three goal victory. Worrying signs.


With only the league now to concentrate on for the time being we returned to the fray in convincing style. Raith are another hard-nosed Championship team but, the boys certainly showed no fear as they racked up four goals infront of the Shielfield Park faithful to pick up our first points and victory of the season. All the goals however came from our long standing Scottish contingent. The old boys sure know how to make our English revolution look pathetic but atleast we're off the mark.


Having destroyed us in the Challenge Cup, hopes weren't exactly high when Kilmarnock rolled into Northumberland but in one three minute spell we destroted accumulators across the country as we picked up a surprise victory. Fifteen year old Andy Vaughan showed why he has made the step up from the youth ranks with his debut goal, with captain Lee Currie scoring a remarkable winner. Its easy this Championship lark.


Sitting pretty at the top of the table just behind fallen giants, Aberdeen. Thus far we have made light work of the Championship, pushing away the fears and nerves with some convincing displays against some of our adoptive countries toughest teams. Perhaps we are ready for this after-all.

Livingston like us are judge to be one of the teams set to struggle this season and with a second half demolition from the leagues new boys, it certainly isn't looking good for them. Having struggled through the first half we jumped back into action with a ruthless showing after the whistle that saw us hit home four goals including another for our young sensation, Andy Vaughan.


Having already picked up three victories in four games we nearly continued our impressive form but for a last minute goal from Queen of the South that saw them snatch back a point. Darren Lavery continues to lead from the front and apart from the growing reputation of Andy Vaughan he is still our most reliable finisher in the team, proving his worth with his fourth goal of the season.


Dunfermline are another side set for trouble this season and quickly made sure we didn't take our mind off the potential threat of relegation as they secured a one goal victory in a tight and nervy game. Our unbeaten streak might be at an end but non the less four games without defeat has certainly allowed us to start this season with a degree of confidence.


Alloa like most here have lingered on the edge of the Premier League for some time now and following a mixed start to their season it looks like they are set for another season in the Championship. The game itself was quick to burst into life, with Bonnett-Johnson scoring neatly from the right wing but a quick reply was to be the last of a relatively dull game as both teams settled for a point.


Cowdenbeath are another team that on paper stand head and shoulders above us however we continued our recent run of upsets as we picked up another victory to add to the tally. An own goal helped us on our way but it was a first goal for our afro-haired striker Allassani that proved to make the difference as he neatly tucked away a crucial goal with a cool head that defied his young ago.


Two months into the season and we've made ourselves at home as we top the table joint on points with some of the biggest names in the division. Realistically we know that this is only a temporary position as king of the hill but non the less we're going to enjoy our impressive start to the season whilst it lasts.

A big wake up call. Aberdeen are not going to mess around this season and are looking for a quick return to the Premier League following their rapid fall from grace and having upset a few teams already in the league they made sure not to under estimate the little team from south of the border, helping themselves to three goals and the points to go with them.


Our honeymoon period is well and truly over as Falkirk make it six goals in two games with three of their own. Up until now Shielfield had been a relatively strong place for us but a complete collapse from our defence left us completley open to some fluid football from Falkirk. We're quickly sliding our way down the table, stopping the rot has already become paramount.


A terrible start to the game saw Raith take a two goal lead within just ten minutes and it was to prove to be the head start that would keep us locked into our recent losing streak. Despite the teams best efforts they couldn't make up for their slow start to the game eventually missing out on a point by just one solitary goal. Non the less it was a big improvement on the previous games and a sign that the fight hasn't faded from this team already.


Three defeats in a row has morale and our league standing spiralling downwards. We've slipped from the top and have even been thrown straight out of the playoff spots as our brief moment of glory comes to an abrupt end. The season is quickly taking shape, we're still holding a very encouraging mid table position but time will tell if we can hold on till the end of the season.

We just cant get things together in the cup competitions, however our final shot at a cup run this season atleast gave us some small reward as we eventually overcame Dumbarton with Darren Lavery leading us to victory in what proved to be a frantic first half. We've long awaited some silverware could our final throw of the dice this season reward us?


Back to the league and a return to the stark reality of our losing streak as we make it four in a row courtesy of Kilmarnock. In reality it was another unlucky day out for the Borderers, captain Lee Currie had given us a shot at potentially claiming a point when he tucked home a penalty with ten minutes remaining. A valiant effort but a goal for Kilmarnock with effectively the last kick of the game compiled our misery.


Once again we showed some fight and genuine desire to try and pick up some points to end our recent collapse in form but that can only get you so far, as the apparent difference in class and fitness levels again proved to be too much for us against Queen of the South. We continue to find the back of the net but with us seemingly unable to hold a clean sheet we simply cant take any of the spoils.


We finally do just about enough to claim our first point in six league games as our wingers score at the start and end of the game to hold on to a very important point. Livingston sit rooted to the bottom of the table and on the back of this display its not hard to see why. Things might not exactly be rosy for us at the minute but at least we know it could be a hell of a lot worse.


We're back to our best. Dunfermline like Livingston also sit worryingly close to the foot of the table and where comfortably pushed further into trouble when our strike force quickly got up to speed. The combination of Andy Vaughan and Darren Lavery both continue to show signs of a strong partnership, picking up a goal each with winger Leahy smashing home a goal to seal a convincing scoreline.


Having seemingly turned the corner on our poor run of form we slip just one place down the rankings, still holding a very respectable mid table position. With the midway point of the season already nearly upon us, we are keen to show that we can hold on to this relative safety come the end of the season. There's a long way to go yet.

Still holding on to some slim hopes of finally making some progress in a cup competition we go toe to toe with fellow Championship Cowdenbeath in the fourth round. Having beaten them once already this season we knew we had a good shot of making it through but neither side could muster a goal as we played out a lifeless draw resulting in an unwanted replay back at Shielfield Park.


From a bore draw to a five goal thriller, the replay was certainly quick to make up for the lack of action in the previous tie. We shot into a seemingly commanding lead as new signing Luke Varney marked his long awaited debut following a lengthy injury with a goal but we couldn't capitalise on our rapid start, watching our shot at a place in the next round slip out of our hands within just thirty minutes.


Back to the league and we're again dropping important points. Alloa are another side happy to settle for a mid table position but despite once again taking the lead we couldn't match their intensity as we dropped all the points to have us resuming our slide down the table. With results like this our place in the relegation dog fight is almost guaranteed.


We gave them a close run in the Scottish Cup but we certainly didn't come close to repeating the feat in the league. Luke Varney atleast shows that he can find the back of the net at this level but with five goals finding their way in to the back of the net it doesn't matter how many goals we can pick up at the other. This defence needs some urgent work, with the January transfer window approaching we could be set for some quick changes at the back.


A hard earned point. Aberdeen are leading the charge for the top spot at the moment but couldn't keep us at bay. Having taken a two goal lead we looked like we were going to be on the end of another convincing defeat, however a late comeback salvage some pride and a point. Luke Varney picked up another goal for his early tally and the point was secured by the ever reliable Darren Lavery.


No time to build on our impressive point as Falkirk quickly restore our place as relegation favourites. A total collapse in the first half left us with absolutely no chance on leaving the game with anything other then a run around. This defence is really struggling to match the increased levels in the Championship. Time to look at tweaking the formation.


With a quick change in tactics we no longer attempted our usual counter-attacking style in favour of a more defensive formation as we look to try and stop the rot at the back of our defence and it seemed to have at least some affect as we claimed a draw against Raith however its fair to say the referee played more of a role of it then we did awarding us a penalty and dishing out a helpful red card.


Well thats more like it. We certainly didn't stop the goals finding the back of the net but we atleast managed to pick up a victory. A gritty game looked set to end in a draw but with time ticking down, right winger Bonnett-Johnson again impressed putting us back into the lead, with defender Alex Kitchen putting a gloss on the finish with a late headed goal.


Month by month we are steadily slipping down the table now sitting in the bottom half of the table and within reach of the relegation spots. With half the season still remaining, we cannot afford to keep this slide going. With the January transfer looming we need to add to our ranks and hold what we've got.

Some good updates DJ! Shame about the month of December!

This is a great challenge. Some good progress is such a short period with limited resources. Keep up the good work.

Good luck mate for the upcomings challenges.

Before we add to the ranks we address our sizeable reserve team, selling two former first team players to the lower Leagues. Andy Russell contribute his fair share of goals to our promotion efforts and winger Ross Gray proved to be a valuable asset to the team, even if it was only from the bench. Both players reduce our number of Scots even further as the English players now have a firm hold across the team sheet.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract.

Just look at him. He screams bruiser. Not afraid to get stuck into the ball, former Halifax midfielder Matty Pearson jumps straight into the centre of the pitch. A solid midfielder who has strong defensive stats, he is here to win the ball back before it even has a chance to trouble our shaky defence. A strong addition to the team and a potential fix for some sloppy mistakes.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract.

I know him from a brief spell with the Rams, Tom Naylor is certainly a good defender for this level. Having experience throughout the levels of the football league in our native country, Naylor knows just how physical lower league football can be and should prove to be a steady head for our thus far failing defence. As a partner for Summer signing, Dunkley it is hoped the duo could make a strong partnership for the foreseeable future.

New players, same result. Kilmarnock are just so much more clinical then us. Having been a professional team only since the start of this season its hardly surprising but non the less we earned our spot in the Championship but it seems that with performances like these we are steadily about to end our rise up the league structure in cruel fashion.


Another defeat ensures the year gets off to a miserable start as fellow mid-table side, Queen of the South push us further away from their safe hold on the edge of the playoff spots and ever closer to the relegation zone with a demoralising three goal defeat. On the back of that result its hard to see how we can even hope to avoid a relegation dog-fight.


Atleast we can beat one team. Dunfermline currently occupy the relegation playoff spot and we ensured that they would hold on to it for a good deal longer with a morale boosting victory. Summer additions, Varney and Gainford started the scoring but it was the ever reliable Scot, Darren Lavery that once again sealed the points with a trademark brace.


Alloa are just on the edge of the current battle at the bottom of the table and a hard earned point meant that we would atleast spend one month of the year in the same relative safety. Once again Darren Lavery helped himself to the plaudits with a well converted penalty that salvaged the point following a frantic spell either side of the half time whistle.


Aberdeen are in their own personal battle with Kilmarnock at the head of the table and despite giving as good as we got in the early stages of the game, we eventually fell of the pace of the former Premier League side losing our grip on the points and ending our recent mini revival. A disappointing way to end the month but atleast some signs of improvement.


Well the January transfer window and the turn of the year didn't really change anything at all. We maintain our perilous place just above the fight below us but with just four points separating us from the playoff spot at the wrong end of the table, it seems that we are by no means out of this. The season is heading towards the business end and we are certain to be tested.

That is more like it. Cowdenbeath are by no means small fry in this league and have a strong claim on a playoff spot already but they where dealt a huge blow when they were quickly destroyed by The Borderers at Shielfield Park. A strong showing from our strike force saw our three contenders for a starting spot all find a way on to the score-sheet with even new left-back O'Hanlon getting in on the action in front of goal.


The hype of a five goal victory didn't carry very far as we are back to losing ways against fellow strugglers Raith. Captain Lee Currie ensured we atleast put up somewhat of a fight but a red card for defender Dunkley left us with little hope of holding on to the victory and we duly watched all three points disappear from reach in the cruellest of fashions with the last kick of the game.


We are most definitely back to our worst. Falkirk like Cowdenbeath are well into the playoff race but unlike their league rivals they actually seem intent on winning it. Dominating the game from start to finish our defence without the suspended Dunkley where taken to pieces in ruthless fashion. We need to desperately rethink our strategy in the league but with a set group of players and roles its too late to do anything now.


We held seventh position for two months but as predicted we slip yet further sitting just one place above the relegation spots. Fortunately for us the shocking form of Dunfermline and Livingston has certainly given us a fitting head start with six points between us and the playoff spot but based on current form and our lack of ability we cant rely on it too long.

Kilmarnock have pretty much dominated us since we arrived in the league but with both teams fighting for different reasons at either end of the table we finally managed to salvage a point against the form book. Despite not technically having found the net we will take a point now matter how it comes to us. Every point counts right now.


Well that was pretty much a disastrous result. Livingston sit bottom of the table and have so far this season looked pretty much down and out however they quickly injected some hope back into their season, scoring two late goals snatching all three points and making the relegation dog fight a hell of a lot more dangerous.


We're not completely lifeless. Queen of the South know that they are set for a safe midtable finish and we quickly moved to try and join them pulling off a sensational performance in the second half scoring three well worked goals and picking up some much needed points in the process. Now why cant we perform like this every game?


We are back into our safe spot. Seventh place. Things however have certainly got alot tighter at the foot of the table. Raith have now joined the fray whilst Dunfermline and Livingston have quickly closed the gap with just four games remaining. Any slight slip up is certain to give any team a much needed advantage with all four teams looking for any signs of weakness.

no, mate! Hold on to it!

Wow is it getting tight at the bottom! but come on mate you can survive this!