Montrose their most successful season in a decade despite suffering the disappointment of defeat in the play-off semi-finals to Peterhead. The Gable Endies finished the previous campaign in a lowly 8th place in the League Two table and experienced manager Paul Hegarty strengthened his squad in the summer with the signings of goalkeepers Allan Fleming and Jordan Millar and defender Michael Bolochewecky whilst retaining the services of winger Graham Webster and striker and leading goalscorer Gary Fraser, who had scored 19 goals. Despite that they made another slow start to the new season and Hegarty was sacked in mid-November having won just three of the opening dozen league matches. Broughty Athletic coach Stewart Petrie was appointed as his successor three weeks later with the side bottom of the table but he had an immediate impact with five victories from his first seven matches over Christmas and the New Year and the improvement in both results and performances was clear to see as they won five of their last eight league games to overtake Elgin City and snatch the last play-off place. A 4th-place finish in the League Two table is their highest since the 2007-08 when they finished third under current Elgin manager Jim Weir. Sadly the Gable Endies were beaten 3-0 in the second leg of their play-off semi-final to League One Peterhead to lose 4-1 on aggregate but they can take plenty of encouragement from a positive season. Defender Andrew Steeves had a superb season whilst Terry Masson was an integral part of the midfield. Allan Fleming and Jordan Millar were both impressive as they fought it out for a place between the sticks whilst striker Chris Templeman and Gary Fraser finished as joint leading goalscorers with 12 apiece. Templeman was voted as player of the season and if Petrie can strengthen his squad over the summer there is no reason why they can’t reach the play-offs again next season.
