First Division newcomers Stranraer swooped to sign under-21 international defender Andy Dowie in a surprise move, and on the eve of the new season a number of clubs were busy in a signing spree ahead of the opening ties in the Bell's Cup.
As Stranraer prepared for their visit to Arbroath manager Neil Watt captured Dowie who had been released by Partick Thistle. Said Watt; "We have had a busy close season and have now brought in ten new players." Arbroath were also busy as they captured teenage striker Andy Reilly who was previously with Dundee.
Clyde manager Graham Roberts continued his massive build up when he fixed up striker Alex Williams who had been released by Morton. Williams will be included against Brechin City who have brought in a number of newcomers including Gary Bollan and Darren Smith.
Forfar signed former Kilmarnock and Livingston keeper Colin Meldrum as manager Brian Fairlie solved a goalkeeping crisis. Regular keeper Michael Brown is out with a dislocated shoulder.
St. Mirren will add striker Billy Mehmet, signed from Dunfermline, to their squad Raith Rovers manager Gordon Dalziel continued to be busy on the signing front as he added three players to his top squad. Dalziel first completed a swap deal with East Fife by capturing striker Brian Fairbairn while John Martin moved to New Methil. He brought in teenage skillseekers Derek Wilson and Richard Campbell to sign them on one year deals. East Fife will include John Martin in their line up against Stenhousemuir who are without five including Paul McGrillen, who is on holiday, and Paul Murphy who will miss the first six weeks with ligament damage.
East Stirling manager Dennis Newall is aiming to sign three new players ahead of their clash with Dundee who will be without Stephen McNally who is out for up to three months with a back injury.
Stirling Albion manager Allan Moore was in signing talks aiming to bring in two more ahead of facing Ayr who will be without the suspended John Maisano while Gary Conway is also out.
Partick Thistle manager Dick Campbell hopes to bring in a central defender on loan from a Premier League club. While Campbell does not expect him to be in the starting line-up he will be on the bench if the deal is concluded against Cowdenbeath. However, Derek Fleming and Steve Nicholas are struggling. Cowdenbeath manager David Baikie signed ex-Elgin John Allison and former Alloa winger Dougie Hill and both will be in the squad.
Montrose signed 19 year old central defender Jamie McKenzie on loan from Hibs before heading north to meet Ross County who will be without Don Cowie who has a broken bone in his foot and Gary McSwegan.
Morton are expecting a big crowd for their clash with Gretna. Alex Walker is doubtful due to a bruised foot while Gretna's Ryan Baldacchino could miss out due to hamstring tightness.
St Johnstone will be without the injured Kevin Fotheringham and the banned Simon Mensing but new signings Goran Stanik and Darren Sheridan are included in the squad against Alloa who are without the suspended Ross Hamilton and Andy Brown.
Peterhead have a number of new signings against Berwick including Martin Wood, keeper John McCafferty and Calum Shand. Berwick have completed the signing of former Dunfermline striker Chris McGroarty.
Queen of the South will be at full strength against a much changed Albion Rovers.
Queen's Park are without Alan Trouten, who has had an appendix operation, against Hamilton who have signed 18 year old Andy Sim from their youth set up. Boss Billy Reid will be without new signings Ian Harty, Alex Neill and John Robertson who are injured.
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