Here are my hot tips for Scottish football in 2014.
It is important to remember that this is a flawed form of clairvoyance - I am neither practised nor insightful in the art - and therefore a 50% hit rate of "tips proving true" would actually be good going.
But I can't help myself. I think the next 12 months are going to be defined by the following 10 scenarios…
1. Terry Butcher to be a rollicking success at Hibs.
I see Big Tel making his significant mark at Easter Road. The 54-year-old Englishman is in the prime of his managerial life, having had many "absolute disasters" as he puts it himself down the line. A stronger, more robust Hibs will emerge in 2014 and start to push for a top-four place in the Scottish Premiership. Put your money on it.
2. John 'Yogi' Hughes to bite the dust in Inverness.
It goes without saying, I hope I'm wrong…I like Big Yogi. But I just can't see this being the right fit between manager and club. Hughes talks a good game - that is, in his own unique way - and forever lauds anyone who is "humble" or shows "humbleness". This is all well and good, but can he maintain Terry Butcher's high trajectory at Caley Thistle? I doubt it.
3. Ryan Gauld to leave Dundee United over the next 12 months.
This is a painful tip - we all want our best young players to stay in Scotland - but Gauld is so good I cannot see Dundee United resisting a £2.5 million-plus bid, with juicy add-ons as part of the deal. This kid is arguably the best in 30 years in the Scottish game, with scouts queueing up to see him. I think Gauld will bid farewell to Tannadice in 2014.
4. More Rangers boardroom uproar.
I know we've had our fill of this - the moaning, the wailing, the casting around for blame - but I predict yet more Ibrox boardroom upheaval in 2014. The current situation looks too delicate to prevail, with CEO Graham Wallace facing a Henry Kissinger task ahead. More rammies, more banners, more heads to roll…
5. Neil Lennon's "itchy feet" to return.
There is no argument - Lennon has been a very good Celtic manager. He has defied many who thought him too intemperate, too undisciplined for the job. Lennon has brought craft and original thinking to the task. Nonetheless, by December 2014 he'll have been four-and-a-half years in the job. I find it hard to believe he won't desire a change of scene.
6. Kenny Shiels to make Morton a force again.
Speak to some Morton fans - the older ones - and they still vividly recall the days of Hal Stewart, Erik Sorensen and decent crowds at Cappielow. These were decades ago now but Morton FC should still be capable of pushing for promotion to the Scottish Premiership. The talented Mr Shiels is that man…
7. Hearts go down, Dundee come up.
Hearts have next to no chance of preserving their Premiership status - the club is an utter mess. As for Dundee FC under John 'Bomber' Brown, I take them to come up to the top flight and to stay there in season 2014-15. Will be good to have the Dundee derby back.
8. Stuart McCall to head back south.
I fear Motherwell will be looking for a new manager, given the remarkable excellence Stuart McCall brings to the table at Fir Park. This guy, forever below the radar, just keeps the Steelman riding high, for a modest pay and with next to no improvement in attendances. He'll be off.
9. Scotland to make an erratic start to Euro 16 qualifiers.
There is no doubting Gordon Strachan's quality as Scotland manager - he has significantly improved our lot. But this Scotland squad, for some, still has plenty spaces for journeymen, as the opening salvos of the Euro 16 campaign might reveal. Hope we get there.
10. Davie Moyes to survive as Manchester United manager.
This is a long shot, obviously, and the doom-mongers are gathering, but I believe Davie Moyes will still be the Manchester United manager this time next year. Actually, to that end, the next two months might prove the most critical.
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