Amongst a myriad of problems facing ‘Bomber’ Brown Ferguson in his role as Stenhousemuir manager, scoring goals is not the most pertinent.
Despite calling the scoreboard operator into action on more occasions than five fellow Ladbrokes Scottish League One franchises, only the bottom two in the division have a goal difference inferior to their -9.
Languishing just three points above the relegation play-off place, a porous backline is to blame for Stenny’s current plight, which, on the surface, makes the signing of veteran striker Jason Scotland all the more puzzling.
Without a victory in five across league and cup, the former Trinidad and Tobago international was choppered into Ochilview Park in time to face Ayr United this weekend, a game Stenhousemuir can be backed to win at 2/1.
Should Scotland, for whom League One will represent the lowest footballing depth he has plumbed since departing his homeland in 1998, prove to be the same menace to defences he has throughout his career north of the border, the aforementioned price may well prove a very generous one.
He returned to the land with which he shares a name ahead of the 2014/15 campaign with Hamilton Academicals. A return of 13 goals in 36 appearances for the top-flight side must be considered a respectable return, but it is belittled by the hauls reeled in earlier in his career.
St Johnstone and Swansea were the biggest beneficiaries of Scotland’s sharpshooting prowess.
Between 2005 and 2009 he appeared 156 times in the colours of either side, registering for both at a rate of one goal every other game.
These totals were posted at a time when the Morvant-born marksman was at the peak of his physical powers, but despite his advancing years, Scotland’s evident quality can ensure he has a few more halcyon days to celebrate before the curtain falls on his career.
Ferguson’s plan for keeping Stenhousemuir afloat, it would appear, involves nullifying the detrimental effects of a leaky defence by unfurling the heavy artillery up front and, of the options available to help him realise the scheme, the motives behind ‘Bomber’s’ move for this aging free agent become clear.