BY MARK GODFREY

These are interesting and turbulent times at all levels of the Scottish game, so to learn more I turned to the new issue of FITBA! magazine. Produced by Scotzine.com editor, Andy Muirhead, Issue 2 has undergone a design makeover since the first release earlier this year, with excellent results. In their own words FITBA will be “Covering all aspects of the game in Scotland. From the international stage to the SPL down to the SFL and Junior Football, not to mention Women’s Football, FITBA marries them all together to produce the ONLY Scottish football magazine that does all that.”

For anyone not clear, fitba means football in Scottish vernacular and the magazine promises to cover all aspects of the game north of the border.

Andy himself reflects on the recent England-Scotland clash at Wembley and his feelings towards the rekindling of football’s oldest international rivalry, and in the year when football’s greatest Scot hung up his hairdryer, two articles reflect on Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible achievements on both sides of Hadrian’s Wall with Manchester United and Aberdeen.

It wouldn’t be a Scottish football magazine without a debate on the recent restructuring upheaval and creation of the new SPFL, while Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, and new Aberdeen boss, Derek McInnes, come under scrutiny in excellent pieces outlining their prospects for their respective campaigns ahead.

We are treated to in-depth previews of all four SPFL divisions and the Highland League, giving us pointers on who to follow and what to expect in the coming months.

Other highlights in FITBA’s 42 pages include an interview with Steve Paterson, the boss at Highland League side, Fortmartine United. Also featuring heavily is the story of Glasgow City Ladies defender, Danni Pagliarulo, who opens up in a personal piece about her battle with anorexia and her fight to return to playing in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, and also to Andy Muirhead in a fascinating interview.

Also look out for dispatches from the MLS as Kenny Miller’s time in Vancouver comes into focus and the future of Scotland’s national game at grassroots level is discussed as solutions to breathe life into youth development are highlighted.

At just £1 FITBA! Issue 2 is great value and an excellent bulletin for those looking for something totally devoted to the Scottish game with well-written, informative, occasionally humourous and often thought provoking articles.

You can download and purchase FITBA! issue 2 here http://www.scotzine.com/2013/08/issue-two-of-fitba-scottish-football-magazine-out-now/

For more details please visit http://www.scotzine.com

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