FORMER Pollok boss Rab Sneddon today predicted his former side can lift the coveted Super Premier Division and Scottish Citylink Cup double.

FORMER Pollok boss Rab Sneddon today predicted his former side can lift the coveted Super Premier Division and Scottish Citylink Cup double.

That might appear to be a rash statement at this stage of the season but, with 19 trophies won during managerial stints at Blantyre Vics, Shotts, Bellshill, Maryhill and Pollok, there cannot be many better qualified to pass judgment.

The 56-year-old called it a day after guiding the Newlandsfield club to Super Premier title and Evening Times Cup-Winners' Cup success last season and also took Lok to the Scottish Citylink semi-final and the West of Scotland Cup Final.

Not that Sneddon would ever consider promoting himself as a major contributor to this run of success.

"Every single group of players I've worked with at various clubs have been different class," he said modestly. "That's the reason I cannot see past Pollok failing to go on and retain the title.

"To be sitting second with a number of games in hand is a very strong position and I cannot imagine them becoming complacent. Theirs is a very strong dressing room and, having so many players who have seen it and done it, will only help get them over the finishing line."

So who does he regard as Pollok's main title challengers? "I can certainly understand why Petershill are leading the way because Stevie Easton has them well organised.

"Rob Roy were also impressive when they beat Bellshill while Glenafton cannot be overlooked. Then there's Beith sitting third top and posing a real threat as you might expect from any team able to put out a midfield pairing of Brian McKeown and Martin McGarvey.

"Further off the pace are Auchinleck, whose players have been over the course before and appear capable of coming with a late run, while two other sides I believe to be in a false position are Arthurlie and Irvine Meadow.

"It's probably asking too much for either of them to win the championship from their current positions, but they will have a massive say in who does win it."

His travels to take in games through East as well as in these parts has Sneddon convinced the Citylink Cup will be coming back to the West Region and he has no hesitation in putting his former club forward as the team they all have to beat.

"Pollok hit the crossbar last season when losing out in the semis and that experience will stand them in good stead," he said. "Without being disrespectful, I would guess nobody will want to come up against them in the latter stages. They have so many guys capable of raising their game on the day which, to my mind, is the ideal recipe for a Scottish Cup-winning side and that's before you take into consideration Jim Sinnett's pedigree of having twice steered Linlithgow Rose to trophy wins."

Of the clubs he previously mentioned as title challengers, Sneddon maintains Arthurlie, Meadow and Auchinleck stand out as the ones to watch.

He added: "On the pitch, Arthurlie have a good pool of players with a decent mix of experience and flair while, off it, Mark Cameron has won the cup as a player and what he lacks in managerial experience is more than compensated for by having Sammy Johnston and Jimmy McQuade at his side.

"Their clash at Whitburn has all the makings of a classic as Derek Strickland is getting the best out of his young side - arguably the East Region's big hopes.

"And only a fool would discount Auchinleck's chances, particularly if Tommy Sloan can put out his best starting XI while Meadow have a dressing room overflowing with quality players."

Outwith the top-flight clubs, Sneddon has a sneaking fancy for a trio of dark horses.

He went on: "Lanark and Clydebank have reached the last eight in recent years and could both prove to be difficult opponents for the big guns.

"Another good outside bet in my book are Ballingry Rovers, who Pollok beat last season. If they have strengthened then don't rule against them going all the way this time out."

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 1.45pm unless stated)Scottish Citylink Junior Cup. Third round: St Roch's v Montrose Rose.

Stagecoach Super Premier: Cumnock v Auchinleck, Petershill v Bellshill, Arthurlie v Neilston, Pollok v Irvine Meadow, Vale of Clyde v Rob Roy, Beith v Glenafton.

Stagecoach First Division: Maybole v Renfrew, Port Glasgow v Kilsyth, Hurlford v Kilwinning, Clydebank v Largs, Lanark v Kilbirnie, Annbank v Shotts, Girvan v East Kilbride.

Stagecoach Central First: Ashfield v Johnstone Burgh, Lesmahagow v Cumbernauld, Cambuslang v Yoker, Glencairn v St Anthony's, Maryhill v Thorniewood, Larkhall v Benburb.

Stagecoach Central Second Division: Blantyre Vics v Royal Albert, Wishaw v Greenock, Forth v Dunipace, Newmains v Carluke, Glasgow Perthshire v Shettleston.

Stagecoach Ayrshire Division: Craigmark v Darvel, Muirkirk v Winton Rov, Whitletts v Dalry, Troon v Ardeer, Saltcoats v Lugar, Irvine Vics v Kello Rov.