Friday, 29 February 2008
Berwick Rangers vs Ayr United
My prediction: Berwick 1-2 Ayr.
Weather: Sunny, 8 degrees
Bluesq: Berwick 9/4, Draw 5/2, Ayr 10/11
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
BBC Storyline
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Berwick Rangers on BBC Scotland
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Friday, 22 February 2008
More on Gary O'Connor
Gary has chosen to keep playing senior football and has joined East Stirling on an emergency loan deal.
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Renwick was quoted in the week's Berwick Advertiser: "In my opinion Gary's performances for us were simply not good enough. I know what he has cost us in terms of points this season, so I was looking to make a change. Gary was aware of that, but his attitude made my decision all the easier.
"Gary instigated a move to Stenhousemuir himself, but then the deal fell through at the last minute. He will now spend the rest of the season either playing with the reserves or go out on loan as an emergency signing to another club. I know it is his testimonial season, and that will still go ahead, but I couldn't let that influence my decision."
Now this is the bit I don't understand, Renwick says that Gary's performances 'were simply not good enough'. Yet when you look at the facts and compare his record this season with that of Flockhart and Logan, it is obvious that Gary has been a much better 'keeper this season. He kept the score respectable in a lot of games, including Michael Renwick's first game in charge at Airdrie.
Gary O'Connor: Games - 19, Conceeded - 44 (av. 2.3 per game)
Chris Flockhart: Games - 4, Conceeded - 17 (av. 4.25 per game)
Peter Logan: Games - 3, Conceeded - 10 (av. 3.33 per game)
Okay, Peter Logan has only played three games since he joined, but I'll revisit this particular maths lesson at the end of the season to see if his average improves. If it does and it drops below 2.3 goals per game, Renwick made the correct decision. If it doesn't, it was a bad judgement. You simply can not argue with facts and figures.
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Gary Joins Shire
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Gary O'Connor Tributes
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Tuesday, 19 February 2008
League of Wales
The following day we took in Bangor City vs Llanelli AFC (pronounced Lan-effly!). This was a much better match and much like watching a good Scottish Third Division game. Bangor's stadium was a lot bigger and obviously set up to cope with small European games. The match ended 1-1 and it was quite and entertaining, both sides would certainly give Berwick a tough game. Again, both sides had a heavy Scouse/Manc influence with very few locals.
A good weekend away, certainly beats a 4-0 thrashing at Shielfield.
Monday, 18 February 2008
Talk-in
The subjects covered seem to have included:
- Gary O'Connor saga - Michael's side of the story
- Robbie Henderson not signing
- Steven Noble not being good enough for this division
- The injury crisis
- The Peterhead game
- Grant McNicoll
- Swearing at Reserve games!
- Plans for next season
- Trust/Board relations
Pop over to Pie & Bovril to see what folk are saying. A few have said that their opinion has shifted slightly and are willing to give Renwick more of a break - whilst others have taken the 'a good speaker doesn't make a good manager' stance.
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Berwick Rangers vs Ross County
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Countless times I have walked out of Shielfield Park uttering the words "I'll not be back". I always said it but never really meant it. Until now. I left the Brechin game in January early and missed Iain Diack's double right at the end, but even before that I had had enough of this season. I was actually quite glad when the Cowden game was called off, leaving my Saturday free to do other things.
I'm not saying I won't be back - I'll be at the remainder of the home games and most of the away games. But it wasn't that long ago I wouldn't consider missing any games (it was only in December I missed my first away game in ten years) - now if I miss a game it isn't the end of the world, such is the poor season we have had.
I'm not too fussed about winning league titles, even winning games. But even in the darker days of Paul Smith and Jimmy Thompson we did have guys playing for the jersey, not win bonuses. That is all the fans want to see from a Berwick team - 11 honest guys panning their heid in for the cause.
The bullshit flying around the club and on P&B has also left me feeling like I can't be bothered with it all anymore.
As I keep saying, I just wish this season would end. I really hope there is a plan for next season...
Talk-in with Michael Renwick
The long awaited talk-in with Michael Renwick takes place at the Black and Gold this Friday at 7.30pm. Quite a few fans have said they are going along to this, it should be quite entertaining. If you can't make the talk-in and would like to table a question, please email it to mail@ducketblog.com and I'll do my best to make sure it is asked!
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Monday, 11 February 2008
Queens Park 3-1 Berwick Rangers
He said: "Since January I've been preparing for next season. Like any team who make a step up without strengthening we've struggled. I can't expect a side who have only won twice all season to win nine of the remaining games.
"Now I just want the boys to play for themselves and get some bonus cash into their pockets."
What about winning some games for the fans? Or for a little bit of pride?
Friday, 8 February 2008
Queens Park vs Berwick Rangers
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Renwick will probably stick with his new boys. He has taken a lot of flack for replacing established Berwick players with loan signings - now is the time for these new lads to prove themselves.
We are due the rub, hopefully we can get a point here.
My prediction: Queens Park 1-1 Berwick Rangers
Weather: Mild, chance of rain. 10 degrees.
Referee: Queens 8/11, Draw 11/4, Berwick 11/4
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Club Statement
"The Board of Directors at Berwick Rangers Football Club fully support our manager Michael Renwick despite some poor results in recent weeks.
We have the utmost confidence in Michael and are prepared to give him time to build his own team. The Transfer Window has seen many changes to the current squad and we hope to see an improvement in both performances and results between now and the end of the season.
The Board are prepared to give Michael a healthy budget in order to attract better quality players to the club, so we can be competitive in whatever Division the Club is playing in next year. If, despite his efforts, we are in the 3rd Division then promotion straight back to the 2nd Division will be the aim.
As fans as well as directors, we too are very disappointed by our overall performance this season. We would ask all our fans to get behind the players and the manager as condemning them does not help Berwick Rangers Football Club.
It is hoped that supporters will take the opportunity to attend the forthcoming “Fans Talk in” on Friday 15th Feb, to pose their questions to Michael."
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Shielfield Park 1980 Video
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Saturday, 2 February 2008
MATCH OFF
Pitch Inspection at 10am
Friday, 1 February 2008
Cowdenbeath vs Berwick Rangers
That said, the morning forecast is good with temperatures rising to 5 degrees and a good chance of some sunshine. If you are travelling for this one, it might be worthwhile checking with the club (01289 307424). I will try my best to update this blog with news in the morning.
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Cowden are fighting to stay in this division and will not want to be dragged into a relegation dog fight. They'll be looking for the three points and I'm sure we will be in a position to hand them over. As I said last week, I wish this season would just end.
My prediction: Berwick 0-2 Cowden. They'll do the job in second gear.
Weather: 5 degrees, sunny.
Download the latest LEAGUE INSIDER
Gary O'Connor Situation
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We are becoming more like Harchester United every week.