Glasgow

Dan Parks: Glasgow's points machine

- 2008/9 season preview -

Club Details

Firhill Arena,

80 Firhill Road,

Glasgow,

G20 7AL

Stadium Capacity: 10,887

Website: www.glasgowwarriors.org

Founded: 1999

Last time around: For a long time Glasgow have lived in Edinburgh's shadow, that was until last season. They finished two points shy of their 'big brother' but turned in one of their best all-round seasons for a long time. A fine showing in the Heineken Cup gave Glasgow the confidence they needed to make a decent fist of the Magners League, and but for a few costly defeats, could have broken into the top three.

This time: Sean Lineen will be looking to build on last season's fine showing and will be hoping to go one better in both the Magners and Heineken. It will be a tough ask for Glasgow to improve on last season's fifth place, mainly due to the ever-improving strength of the league. That said, they have a healthy balance to their squad with several outstanding young prospects coming through the system. Expect more of the same from Glasgow as they look to oust Edinburgh as Scotland's number one side.

Coach: Sean Lineen has done a great job at Glasgow, and will continue to develop them this season. His work has been rewarded with his recent involvement with the Scotland squad, although all his attention will be on Glasgow again now. If he can get his players to hit the form of last season there is no reason why Glasgow can't continue to develop under his guidance.

Captain: tbc

One to watch: Ed Kalman has been mentioned in several dispatches as a player to keep eyes upon.

Final 2008/09 league position prediction: 8th

Squad: John Barclay, Tim Barker, Johnnie Beattie, Kelly Brown, James Eddie, Max Evans, Thom Evans, Lome Fa'atau, Calum Forrester, Richie Gray, Colin Gregor, Dougie Hall, Andrew Henderson, Ruaridh Jackson, Ed Kalman, Alastair Kellock, Chris Kinloch, Moray Low, Pat MacArthur, Mark McMillan, Eric Milligan, Graeme Morrison, Hefin O'Hare, Opeta Palepoi, Dan Parks, Sam Pinder, Colin Shaw, Bernardo Stortoni, Gary Strain, Stevie Swindall, Fergus Thomson, Kevin Tkachuk, Dan Turner, Justin Va'a, Richie Vernon, Jon Welsh.

Colours: Light blue (home) Dark blue (away)

Tickets:£5 - £20

Travel connections:

Car: From The West: Leave the M8 at Junction 17 and follow the A81, Maryhill Road towards Maryhill. Turn right into Firhill Road for the ground.

From The East: Leave the M8 at Junction 16 and follow the A81, Maryhill Road towards Maryhill. Turn right into Firhill Road for the ground.

Train: Maryhill Station is the closest train station to the ground, but it is still a fair walk away (20-25 minutes). It is served by trains from Glasgow Queen Street, but it may be best instead to use the Underground.