It is now a case of players playing for a contract next season as Michael Renwick prepares his squad for the Third Division. He has already said that there will be players he doesn't rate leaving us in the Summer, so now is the time the players to start impressing their gaffer.
My prediction: Berwick 1-2 Ayr.
Weather: Sunny, 8 degrees
Bluesq: Berwick 9/4, Draw 5/2, Ayr 10/11
Friday 29 February 2008
Wednesday 27 February 2008
BBC Storyline
Filming at Shielfield on Sunday seems to have went well. The film crew took footage of Berwick fans having a kick about on the park before being asked their views on the current England-Scotland debate. The show goes out at the end of March on BBC 1 Scotland.
Saturday 23 February 2008
Berwick Rangers on BBC Scotland
The BBC will be at Shielfield Park tomorrow (Sunday) to do some filming. They are inviting all Berwick fans for a chat about the big England - Scotland debate. If you want to come along and give you views and maybe get on the telly, make your way to the ground for about 9.30am - everyone is welcome.
The show goes out on BBC 1 Scotland in the next few weeks.
Friday 22 February 2008
More on Gary O'Connor
As Gary prepares for his first game for East Stirling at Forfar, we are left to wonder what actually happened between him and Michael Renwick. It was a month ago that Gary was told to either find a new club or join up with the Reserve team for training and on matchdays.
Gary has chosen to keep playing senior football and has joined East Stirling on an emergency loan deal.
Michael Renwick says that Gary just isn't good enough and he needs younger and more hungry players in his team. He also questioned Gary's attitude in training (which I find hard to believe).
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.
Gary has chosen to keep playing senior football and has joined East Stirling on an emergency loan deal.
Michael Renwick says that Gary just isn't good enough and he needs younger and more hungry players in his team. He also questioned Gary's attitude in training (which I find hard to believe).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
Gary O'Connor has joined East Stirling on an emergency loan deal until the end of the season. As you will all know, Gary has been left out in the cold by new manager Michael Renwick and was told to find a new cliub or train with the reserves.
Wednesday 20 February 2008
Gary O'Connor Tributes
As most of you will know, season 2008/9 will see Gary O'Connor's Testimonial year get in to full swing. There are a number of events organised, including a match at Shielfield, a quiz night, dinner, golf day and other events. The Supporters Trust are helping put together a 64-page souvenir brouchure to celebrate Gary's time at Berwick and his long career.
Editor of the brochure, George Mathison, is looking for fans to send in any tributes, memories or storys about Gary. So if you would like to have your quote included, please send it to mail@ducketblog.com
Editor of the brochure, George Mathison, is looking for fans to send in any tributes, memories or storys about Gary. So if you would like to have your quote included, please send it to mail@ducketblog.com
Tuesday 19 February 2008
League of Wales
Last weekend a few of us took a trip down to North Wales to take in three games in the Welsh Premier League. A break away from watching Berwick and a change of scenery were the main reasons for our trip and it was also good to compare the standard in Wales to that of Scotland. We definately were not doing the 'ground-hopping' thing!
On Friday night we went along to Caernarfon Town vs Newtown AFC, a mid-table clash on a freezing cold night. The ground was a bit like an East of Scotland park, with a small stand and the rest terracing. It had all the usual stuff - club shop, pie stall etc. And the locals were friendly enough. The match was pish though - a nil nil draw. Both sides were made up of Scousers and the standard was way below Scottish Third Division.
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.
We took in the 'sights' on Saturday night in Bangor, with its mainly student population. A few good bars and the inevitable visit to the local dodgy nightclub 'octogon' which was basically a bigger version of Bedrocks with all the locals speaking this weird language called 'Welsh'. A good night out though.
We faced a 300 mile drive on the Sunday, but had planned to take in Rhyl vs The New Saints (or TNS to you and me) on the way home. When we arrived at the ground the sun was beating down and we didn't even consider the game might be off, however news in the pub an hour prior to kick off was that the game had been postponed.
We partook in some free pies and made the long journey home, briefly stopping off at Gretna to see how their ground development was coming on. As you can see from the pictures, they haven't done a thing and it looks like they will be ground sharing with Livingston next season.
A good weekend away, certainly beats a 4-0 thrashing at Shielfield.
On Friday night we went along to Caernarfon Town vs Newtown AFC, a mid-table clash on a freezing cold night. The ground was a bit like an East of Scotland park, with a small stand and the rest terracing. It had all the usual stuff - club shop, pie stall etc. And the locals were friendly enough. The match was pish though - a nil nil draw. Both sides were made up of Scousers and the standard was way below Scottish Third Division.
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.
We took in the 'sights' on Saturday night in Bangor, with its mainly student population. A few good bars and the inevitable visit to the local dodgy nightclub 'octogon' which was basically a bigger version of Bedrocks with all the locals speaking this weird language called 'Welsh'. A good night out though.
We faced a 300 mile drive on the Sunday, but had planned to take in Rhyl vs The New Saints (or TNS to you and me) on the way home. When we arrived at the ground the sun was beating down and we didn't even consider the game might be off, however news in the pub an hour prior to kick off was that the game had been postponed.
We partook in some free pies and made the long journey home, briefly stopping off at Gretna to see how their ground development was coming on. As you can see from the pictures, they haven't done a thing and it looks like they will be ground sharing with Livingston next season.A good weekend away, certainly beats a 4-0 thrashing at Shielfield.
Monday 18 February 2008
Talk-in
It looks like the manager' talk-in went off with out too much incident. The people I have spoke to have all said the same thing really - Michael answered all the questions put to him quite well.
The subjects covered seem to have included:
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.
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
I'll not be attending this match, I have a trip to Wales organised for this weekend instead. The last time I missed a competitive match at Shielfield Park involving Berwick Rangers was back in March 1995. We beat Meadowbank Thistle 1-0, I attended the next match against Clyde where we drew 1-1, from there at the age of 13, I was pretty much hooked.
In those thirteen years I have stood in the Ducket or sat in the stand and watched some complete shite. The Jimmy Thompson days, Sandy Clark's failed attempt to keep us up and the first season of Paul Smith's reign were probably the worst.
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...
In those thirteen years I have stood in the Ducket or sat in the stand and watched some complete shite. The Jimmy Thompson days, Sandy Clark's failed attempt to keep us up and the first season of Paul Smith's reign were probably the worst.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
...this Friday
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!
The past three managers have all held talk-ins with fans, John Coughlin was always an excellent speaker but Sandy Clark struggled to win the fans over. Paul Smith gained a bit of respect from his time in front of the fans, this is Michael Renwick's chance to do the same.
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!
The past three managers have all held talk-ins with fans, John Coughlin was always an excellent speaker but Sandy Clark struggled to win the fans over. Paul Smith gained a bit of respect from his time in front of the fans, this is Michael Renwick's chance to do the same.Monday 11 February 2008
Queens Park 3-1 Berwick Rangers
Michael Renwick had some really strange quotes in this morning's Daily Record. He said that the players should now be looking to win some games, to bump up their pay packets!
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.
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
A trip to Hampden always used be quite an occassion, great stadium, great pitch and usually a pretty even match. A Mark Ferry goal for Queens was the only difference when we visited the National Stadium back in September for what turned out to be John Coughlin's last game in charge.
Queens came up from the Third Division with us last year, qualifying for a Second Division place through the play-offs. They have gone on to perform better than us and the step up hasn't proved too much for them.
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
Queens came up from the Third Division with us last year, qualifying for a Second Division place through the play-offs. They have gone on to perform better than us and the step up hasn't proved too much for them.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 club have issued a statement on their Official Website, which fully backs under-fire manager Michael Renwick.
"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
A rare look at how the ground looked in the early 80s has recently appeared on Google Videos. Click here to view it!
Saturday 2 February 2008
MATCH OFF
Today's fixture against Cowdenbeath has been postponed. The Shielfield Park pitch failed an 10am inspection. No new date has been set yet, although I would think it will be sometime in March.
Pitch Inspection at 10am
There is a pitch inspection at 10am this morning. The pitch is frozen in parts and although the sun is beaming down, the temperature might not rise enough to thaw the pitch. Check back here after 10am to find out if the game goes ahead.
Friday 1 February 2008
Cowdenbeath vs Berwick Rangers
The weather forecast has this game in some doubt. The weather in Berwick has been okay today, but the forecast is for -4 temperatures during the night which could see the Shielfield Park pitch freeze up.
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.
If the game does go ahead, home fans will see a much changed Berwick side since the last game at Shielfield with up to 7 new faces likely to feature.
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
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.
If the game does go ahead, home fans will see a much changed Berwick side since the last game at Shielfield with up to 7 new faces likely to feature.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
Quite a bizarre episode in the Berwick Rangers soap opera this morning. The official website last night reported that Iain Diack joined Brechin just before the close of the transfer window (I heard we got a couple of grand for him joining early, he has already agreed a pre-contract for the summer).
The bizarre story was further down the page where the club report that out of favour goalkeeping legend Gary O'Connor has joined Stenny on loan until the end of the season. It turns out that he has not joined Stenhousemuir after declining the offer of a loan period. It is a bit of a mystery why the club published the story last night when it hadn't been confirmed.
We are becoming more like Harchester United every week.
The bizarre story was further down the page where the club report that out of favour goalkeeping legend Gary O'Connor has joined Stenny on loan until the end of the season. It turns out that he has not joined Stenhousemuir after declining the offer of a loan period. It is a bit of a mystery why the club published the story last night when it hadn't been confirmed.We are becoming more like Harchester United every week.
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