A busy summer for Cowden with many players coming and going from the club. From last season squad, star player Dougie Hill left to play for former club Alloa. He was joined at Recreation Park by centre midfielder Pat Scullion. Both players gave their heart and soul for the club last year in a desperate attempt to avoid relegation and both deserve another crack at the 2nd division. Both players have featured regularly for Alloa so far this season. Also leaving the club was wingers Stephen Manson (Forfar) and Martin McBride who signed for Stranraer. Joining McBride at Stair Park is striker Stephen McConalogue who spent the last part of last season on loan at Stranraer. Young goalie Kyle Allison was also released.
Danny Lennon came in as manager to replace Brian Welsh and has been busy strengthening the squad. First through the door was Brian Fairbairn from Berwick who has regularly tormented the Cowden defence in the past. An impressive start to his Central Park career with 3 goals scored so far including a stunning free-kick v Montrose. Another signing banging in the goals is John Gemmell from Albion Rovers. John has haunted his old club with 2 goals already against his old club!
While two Cowden players left for Alloa, there were two heading in the opposite direction. Sandy Hodge has skippered the side in a couple of games so far and looks like an astute signing at centre half. Derek Fleming's experience has proved to be vital in games already since returning from a pre-season injury. Joining Sandy at centre half is Joe Mbu from Whitburn. Joe originally signed on a one year deal but has since extended his deal for another year after some man of the match performances.
Returning to Central Park for another spell is Marek Tomana. Marek had been a standout for Stirling Albion in the second division recently and has proved to be a valuable asset to Cowden with some great performances. Marek had of course been on loan at the club last season as had John Armstrong who yesterday returned to the club again on loan. John was a fans favourite before an injury cut short his number of appearances he made for the club. Darren McGregor had been at Cowden during the Paatelainen era and has returned from Arniston after a couple of years in the juniors which seem to have moulded him into a quality player.
To replace Allison as back up keeper, Cowden yesterday signed Rangers youth goalie Scott Gallacher on loan until January (just like Armstrong). Also joining in the past week is Jay Stein from Montrose.
Overall a busy summer for the Blue Brazil but it is clear that these signings have all played there part in a great start to the season for Cowden.