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GK – Darren Jamieson (Arbroath)
Darren Jamieson has arguably been Arbroath’s most important signing this season. Joining from Hamilton, he immediately brought assurance to the Lichties’ defence with a series of commanding performances. The goalkeeper kept 10 clean sheets, as well as conceding fewest goals in League 1.
DR – Ross Meechan (Forfar Athletic)
Jim Weir described Ross Meechan as “pound for pound, probably the best signing I’ll ever make” shortly after the player joined up at Station Park in the summer, and the Forfar Athletic manager has not been let down. Meechan featured in every single minute of the Loons’ 45 games this term and has proven to be one of the finest full-backs in the division.
DC – Thomas O’Brien (Arbroath)
A classy, ball-playing centre-back, Thomas O’Brien has probably been one of the lower leagues’ most accomplished defenders for a number of seasons but he has risen to prominence this year after his role in Arbroath’s title win. Intelligent, positionally astute and capable of building play from the back, he should thrive in the Championship next term.
DC – Ricky Little (Arbroath)
If Thomas O’Brien is the Rio Ferdinand of Arbroath’s defensive axis then Ricky Little is its Nemanja Vidic! Solid and uncompromising, Little is an old-fashioned stopper who relishes the physical side of the game and seems at his happiest when battling away with big forwards. He has experienced an excellent campaign.
DL – Cammy Ballantyne (Dumbarton)
Cammy Ballantyne has enjoyed a thoroughly good season for Dumbarton. Having operated on both flanks, the full-back is equally adept at motoring up the pitch to join in the attack as he is snuffing them out at the other end. The Sons will miss his energetic presence next term, with the player having agreed to return to Montrose.
MC – Thomas Reilly (Forfar Athletic)
With his ability to glide past opponents and a sublime range of passing, Thomas Reilly was a big factor in Forfar Athletic’s second-place finish. One of the best midfielders in the division this season, the Loons face a difficult task in replacing him after his decision to join Lowland League side Kelty Hearts.
MC – Kyle Turner (Stranraer)
An all-action midfielder, Kyle Turner turned in a series of tremendous performances for Stranraer. Capable of dominating games with his box-to-box style of play as well as decorating them with goals (he grabbed eight this season). His impressive displays have earned him a move to Dunfermline.
MC – Dom Thomas (Dumbarton)
Dom Thomas scored 14 times for Dumbarton this season, almost all of them jaw-dropping stunners. The on-loan Kilmarnock forward was one of League 1’s most exciting players and his performance in the Sons’ 4-3 victory over East Fife in February – where he netted a hat-trick and assisted the other – might just be finest individual performance in the SPFL this season. We’ve included him in midfield here due to the wealth of other attacking options.
FR – Dale Hilson (Forfar Athletic)
Dale Hilson, in his sixth spell at Forfar Athletic, enjoyed the most profitable season of his career with 14 goals. An elusive customer inside the penalty box with a knack for scoring vital goals, Hilson’s partnership with John Baird has been one of the deadliest in the division this term.
FC – Kevin Nisbet (Raith Rovers)
Kevin Nisbet has been a revelation since joining Raith Rovers last summer. The 22-year-old striker has been Rovers' best player this term, with a remarkable return of 30 League 1 goals. Opening goals, winning goals, equalisers, long-range strikes, toe-bashers from six yards - Nisbet has been in deadly form.
FL – Bobby Linn (Arbroath)
The best player in League 1 this season, without question. Bobby Linn has been a force of nature with 23 goals in all competitions, including three hat-tricks. There are times when he has single-handedly dragged Arbroath through matches and no-one has done more to ensure the league title went to Gayfield than Linn.
