All done
Well, that's the last games done and we're officially into the "closed" season. Summer sports and summer holidays, who loves them! I think all at the Black and Gold await with baited breath to see what Jimmy Crease can pull out the hat in the way of players to form next seasons title challenging team. We're due to start pre seasons friendlies mid July so not long really, am I convincing you, no, thought not.
Aren't there World Cup qualifiers in July or August, good timing lads then we'll be back before we know it, hurry up will you!
Sunday 31 May 2009
Thursday 28 May 2009
Rotten start
The draw for next seasons Challenge Cup took place today, and we pulled the cracker right out the hat. Stranraer away, I ask you, what a crap draw. Apparently we were down to the last three balls and almost got a bye, but no such luck, instead its the first "Border derby" of the season, remember they are back in our league next season. Joy of joys. Hope that's not an omen!
The draw for next seasons Challenge Cup took place today, and we pulled the cracker right out the hat. Stranraer away, I ask you, what a crap draw. Apparently we were down to the last three balls and almost got a bye, but no such luck, instead its the first "Border derby" of the season, remember they are back in our league next season. Joy of joys. Hope that's not an omen!
Wednesday 27 May 2009
The Stanks and Rome
Made my second visit of the summer to the Stanks last night to watch, think it was, FC Popplehof who were playing a team from Eyemooth. The predictions were not favourable given some of the teams history in the competition, however it was fully 30 minutes before they fell behind and when I left with about 20 to go they were only 4-0 down. It's fair to say they were a full sized team in every sense of the word with the two full backs in particular catching the eye, both eyes actually, but well done never the less, there's always next year.
Won't we all be watching the European Cup final tonight? Interesting to compare the two teams in a couple of things. Man Utd who are foreign owned and Barca who are run by their members. Man Utd with a 56.4 million shirt sponsor who has had to change their name in the states because of the way they are perceived to do business and Barca who never having had a shirt sponsor gave their shirt over to a children's charity. Who do you want to win then?
Oh, and by the way, United are putting up prices again next season, in the already most expensive league in Europe.
Made my second visit of the summer to the Stanks last night to watch, think it was, FC Popplehof who were playing a team from Eyemooth. The predictions were not favourable given some of the teams history in the competition, however it was fully 30 minutes before they fell behind and when I left with about 20 to go they were only 4-0 down. It's fair to say they were a full sized team in every sense of the word with the two full backs in particular catching the eye, both eyes actually, but well done never the less, there's always next year.
Won't we all be watching the European Cup final tonight? Interesting to compare the two teams in a couple of things. Man Utd who are foreign owned and Barca who are run by their members. Man Utd with a 56.4 million shirt sponsor who has had to change their name in the states because of the way they are perceived to do business and Barca who never having had a shirt sponsor gave their shirt over to a children's charity. Who do you want to win then?
Oh, and by the way, United are putting up prices again next season, in the already most expensive league in Europe.
Monday 25 May 2009
Leagues sorted
Well, that's the last of the league issues sorted. The old firm finished their usual mini league, how about this for next season to save all these pointless games. They can play each other four time the winner takes the league. That's what will happen anyway won't it? As for the others fighting for the europe places I really hope they can improve sufficiently to avoid their "campaign" comprising of two games with exit achieved by the end of July.
The English leagues no better. For the fourth year in a row the same four clubs finish in the top four. Some might argue that the others need to up their game and push them a bit harder, maybe, but either way change is needed. And Newcastle are down. That can surprise no one. They have been badly run from day one. Change is needed from the top down. As an example one of the lads in my office entered into their season ticket deal which apparently gave him some sort of discount if he signed up for three years. Due to what happened last season he enquired about getting out of it. They replied by saying if he tried they would pursue legal action. Good stuff eh.
Well, that's the last of the league issues sorted. The old firm finished their usual mini league, how about this for next season to save all these pointless games. They can play each other four time the winner takes the league. That's what will happen anyway won't it? As for the others fighting for the europe places I really hope they can improve sufficiently to avoid their "campaign" comprising of two games with exit achieved by the end of July.
The English leagues no better. For the fourth year in a row the same four clubs finish in the top four. Some might argue that the others need to up their game and push them a bit harder, maybe, but either way change is needed. And Newcastle are down. That can surprise no one. They have been badly run from day one. Change is needed from the top down. As an example one of the lads in my office entered into their season ticket deal which apparently gave him some sort of discount if he signed up for three years. Due to what happened last season he enquired about getting out of it. They replied by saying if he tried they would pursue legal action. Good stuff eh.
Saturday 23 May 2009
Footy fest
I'm enjoying the last big weekend of televised football. Watched the FA Youth Cup Final 1st leg last night, good performance by Arsenal and unlike their first team they appear to have some young Englishmen in their side. It said that of the 22 on show 15 were eligible to play for England. If that's true it must be good news for the FA. English Premier League sides as a whole take note. The 4th division play off was on this afternoon plus the bottom of the Scottish Premier League, Inverness are down. Tomorrow there's more on with the big drop from the English Premier League to be decided. Our north east neighbours are all involved, who do you want to survive or go down? I know who I do......
As I write Steny and Cowden are still at it, come on the Warriers, plus Spartans won the East of Scotland League, well done to them even although they still haven't sent me a programme.
I'm enjoying the last big weekend of televised football. Watched the FA Youth Cup Final 1st leg last night, good performance by Arsenal and unlike their first team they appear to have some young Englishmen in their side. It said that of the 22 on show 15 were eligible to play for England. If that's true it must be good news for the FA. English Premier League sides as a whole take note. The 4th division play off was on this afternoon plus the bottom of the Scottish Premier League, Inverness are down. Tomorrow there's more on with the big drop from the English Premier League to be decided. Our north east neighbours are all involved, who do you want to survive or go down? I know who I do......
As I write Steny and Cowden are still at it, come on the Warriers, plus Spartans won the East of Scotland League, well done to them even although they still haven't sent me a programme.
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Still playing
The first leg of our leagues Play Off Final is on tonight. Funny to think from our point of view that games are still going on. Had a wee think today who I wanted to win and thought that I'd rather go to Stenny next season than Cowden, infact I'd rather go anywhere than Cowden!, but I'd actually rather see Stenny go up. So it's up the Warriers, no don't say it.......
Isn't it the UEFA Cup Final as well, although of the finalists I've not much interest. Is it in the telly?
The first leg of our leagues Play Off Final is on tonight. Funny to think from our point of view that games are still going on. Had a wee think today who I wanted to win and thought that I'd rather go to Stenny next season than Cowden, infact I'd rather go anywhere than Cowden!, but I'd actually rather see Stenny go up. So it's up the Warriers, no don't say it.......
Isn't it the UEFA Cup Final as well, although of the finalists I've not much interest. Is it in the telly?
Monday 18 May 2009
You couldn't write it
The final game in the East of Scotland Premier Division between Dalbeattie and Spartans this Saturday. Spartans are three points and six goals better of so its probably all sorted but close non the less up to this stage of the season.
The first division is equally the same with one of three looking for the second promotion place. Who gives a toss I can hear you say, but I take an interest in both the leagues and enjoy watching their progress. I've been a long time watcher of the East of Scotland scene going back five decades and still take an active interest in their goings on.
In our own league the play off finalists are now known, who do you want to go up then? The other final between Ayr and Airdrie is live on ALBA. I'll probably watch, with the commentary making about as much sense as the stuff all these other tossers serve up.
The final game in the East of Scotland Premier Division between Dalbeattie and Spartans this Saturday. Spartans are three points and six goals better of so its probably all sorted but close non the less up to this stage of the season.
The first division is equally the same with one of three looking for the second promotion place. Who gives a toss I can hear you say, but I take an interest in both the leagues and enjoy watching their progress. I've been a long time watcher of the East of Scotland scene going back five decades and still take an active interest in their goings on.
In our own league the play off finalists are now known, who do you want to go up then? The other final between Ayr and Airdrie is live on ALBA. I'll probably watch, with the commentary making about as much sense as the stuff all these other tossers serve up.
Sunday 17 May 2009
Wee bit of history
Was made at City Park Edinburgh yesterday when Spartans played their last game at the grand old ground. They start their next season at the brand new facility across the road at East Pilton. They infact, strictly speaking were my local club when I stay quite close to their ground for a while in the 80's. I was a fairly regular visitor then when they shard the ground with Craigroyston. Glad to see them progressing, infact the way some clubs are placed right now they shouldn't give up hope. Had an enjoyable day, apart from the score, a few seasons ago when we played them in the Scottish Cup up there.
Some who know me are aware I have an ongoing project on Duns FC and I was lucky enough yesterday to be loaned some invaluable documents and photo's from the son of the long time secretary. This will help put some meat on various bones I have unearthed already.
Saturday 16 May 2009
Trouble for sure
Following on from what I was saying the other day, trouble has certainly come to the door of our friends from Kingston Park, Newcastle Blue Star. Blue Star, who I think I'm right in saying have graced the surface at Shielfield have had their financial backing withdrawn by the guy who was supplying it and now, if not already, face administration, that word, again, and at best demotion down several divisions after all their hard work this season to secure promotion.
Football at all levels must come to accept that this benefactor culture has to stop. If that means bringing the game back to a real life level, and a huge part of that is off course players wages then that has to be the way. More clubs are heading into trouble, the worry is that most don't know it yet.
Following on from what I was saying the other day, trouble has certainly come to the door of our friends from Kingston Park, Newcastle Blue Star. Blue Star, who I think I'm right in saying have graced the surface at Shielfield have had their financial backing withdrawn by the guy who was supplying it and now, if not already, face administration, that word, again, and at best demotion down several divisions after all their hard work this season to secure promotion.
Football at all levels must come to accept that this benefactor culture has to stop. If that means bringing the game back to a real life level, and a huge part of that is off course players wages then that has to be the way. More clubs are heading into trouble, the worry is that most don't know it yet.
Friday 15 May 2009
More bother
In the news today Livi and Stirling Albion in bother. THAT word is being mentioned again (administration) and one day soon somebody ain't gonna come out of it, much as it pains me to say. There certainly is no easy answer, and people far above me in the pecking order haven't come up with a solution yet.
On a brighter note I see we now have 6 signed players for next season, progress. Apparently offers have been made to others, we await they're response. What will interest me is potential new names in the frames. Improvements need to be made but I'm sure those in the position don't need me to tell them.
In the news today Livi and Stirling Albion in bother. THAT word is being mentioned again (administration) and one day soon somebody ain't gonna come out of it, much as it pains me to say. There certainly is no easy answer, and people far above me in the pecking order haven't come up with a solution yet.
On a brighter note I see we now have 6 signed players for next season, progress. Apparently offers have been made to others, we await they're response. What will interest me is potential new names in the frames. Improvements need to be made but I'm sure those in the position don't need me to tell them.
Thursday 14 May 2009
Stirling Uni
We, at the Trust, have been honoured with an invite from Supporters Direct in Scotland (the organisation who oversee the Trust movement)to present one of the workshops at the forthcoming Conference at Stirling University. Myself and John Bell will present a 15 minute presentation on supporters representation at football clubs, which is to be followed by a question and answer session then a general discussion. Our colleagues at Clydebank FC are doing a presentation on the same subject so it should be interesting how ourselves and they compare.
The key note speaker is UEFA's director of communications and public affairs William Gaillard, who I am looking forward to hearing,he's actually asked if John Bell has a few minutes to give him advice on public speaking!
We, at the Trust, have been honoured with an invite from Supporters Direct in Scotland (the organisation who oversee the Trust movement)to present one of the workshops at the forthcoming Conference at Stirling University. Myself and John Bell will present a 15 minute presentation on supporters representation at football clubs, which is to be followed by a question and answer session then a general discussion. Our colleagues at Clydebank FC are doing a presentation on the same subject so it should be interesting how ourselves and they compare.
The key note speaker is UEFA's director of communications and public affairs William Gaillard, who I am looking forward to hearing,he's actually asked if John Bell has a few minutes to give him advice on public speaking!
Wednesday 13 May 2009
The Stanks
Attended my first Charities game of the summer tonight to watch the Madrid derby! In actual fact it was Real Ale Madrid from the Pilot against, I think Real Prior, but don't quote me on the second one. I left at half time with the score 1-1. What a magnificent form the Real Ale number 16 was as he marshalled his defence like a fine tuned machine. Indeed a sight to behold. Pleasant 45 minutes never the less, with the sun making it a warmish evening. If this standard can be maintained by those still to come then I'm sure this won't be my last visit.
Attended my first Charities game of the summer tonight to watch the Madrid derby! In actual fact it was Real Ale Madrid from the Pilot against, I think Real Prior, but don't quote me on the second one. I left at half time with the score 1-1. What a magnificent form the Real Ale number 16 was as he marshalled his defence like a fine tuned machine. Indeed a sight to behold. Pleasant 45 minutes never the less, with the sun making it a warmish evening. If this standard can be maintained by those still to come then I'm sure this won't be my last visit.
Tuesday 12 May 2009
First gone
Our first player of the summer has gone, although not one of the expected many to get released. Ryan McGurk has had to go for other reasons, best of luck lad. I expect to see a fairly long list of names appear as the summer progresses. It's expected, for various reasons, that the number of players available this closed season will be more than normal. Here's hoping that the manager can use his not inconsiderable experience and what must be fairly large "contact book" to rebuild for next season. I certainly hope for a season with more enjoyment and a reason to actually go to games. I have every faith that we'll get as good as is practically possible.
Our first player of the summer has gone, although not one of the expected many to get released. Ryan McGurk has had to go for other reasons, best of luck lad. I expect to see a fairly long list of names appear as the summer progresses. It's expected, for various reasons, that the number of players available this closed season will be more than normal. Here's hoping that the manager can use his not inconsiderable experience and what must be fairly large "contact book" to rebuild for next season. I certainly hope for a season with more enjoyment and a reason to actually go to games. I have every faith that we'll get as good as is practically possible.
Monday 11 May 2009
Bloody machine
Apologising again I'm afraid, but not my fault this time. This blog and me have a relationship, I'm sure it's female, and sometimes it (she) falls out with me and won't speak, like this time again. No matter, other things happening.
Our season finished in ignominious fashion at Elgin on Saturday, I think that means we've finished with something like 7 games without a win. The manager can now start the not inconsiderable job of putting a team together for next season. We all have faith in you Jimmy, go for it.
Was pleased to see Gateshead win their play off final and get back to the top non league league, if you take my meaning, effectively the 5th division, and with almost half of it ex league clubs it should be an interesting league next season. Apparently their first time back for a dozen seasons and their crowd of over 4200 is the largest for a competitive Gateshead game for about 40 years!
Apologising again I'm afraid, but not my fault this time. This blog and me have a relationship, I'm sure it's female, and sometimes it (she) falls out with me and won't speak, like this time again. No matter, other things happening.
Our season finished in ignominious fashion at Elgin on Saturday, I think that means we've finished with something like 7 games without a win. The manager can now start the not inconsiderable job of putting a team together for next season. We all have faith in you Jimmy, go for it.
Was pleased to see Gateshead win their play off final and get back to the top non league league, if you take my meaning, effectively the 5th division, and with almost half of it ex league clubs it should be an interesting league next season. Apparently their first time back for a dozen seasons and their crowd of over 4200 is the largest for a competitive Gateshead game for about 40 years!
Wednesday 6 May 2009
Play off's
It's that time again, with all the participants being decided. Who do you want from our league then? I'm leaning towards Shire, I think, but it's close. There's a big play off final on Friday night in Newcastle, well Gateshead to be precise. I certainly wish the local team all the best and would like to see them back into the top league, in the non leagues that is. You may know as well that Newcastle Blue Star have already been promoted through the play off's also. So you see there is some successful football in Newcastle, if you look.
I hear as well that we may have a couple of pre season games against Blyth Spartans, something to do with celebrating the formation of the new county council, is that worth celebrating I hear you ask, no, probably not, but any excuse for a game against one of our county neighbours I say, we'll see no doubt.
It's that time again, with all the participants being decided. Who do you want from our league then? I'm leaning towards Shire, I think, but it's close. There's a big play off final on Friday night in Newcastle, well Gateshead to be precise. I certainly wish the local team all the best and would like to see them back into the top league, in the non leagues that is. You may know as well that Newcastle Blue Star have already been promoted through the play off's also. So you see there is some successful football in Newcastle, if you look.
I hear as well that we may have a couple of pre season games against Blyth Spartans, something to do with celebrating the formation of the new county council, is that worth celebrating I hear you ask, no, probably not, but any excuse for a game against one of our county neighbours I say, we'll see no doubt.
Monday 4 May 2009
All things TRUST
We had our latest Trust meeting before last Saturdays game when as usual we got through a lot of business. We have agreed to fund the first team transport next season, something I'd hope our members will feel is worthwhile. We also made some progress with our summer quiz arrangements, when you'll all be welcome to take part in something we hope will be a wee bit different. Watch out in this weeks local paper.
To complete all things Trust it was good to see that the Gretna Trust have got some reward for all their hard work when their game last Saturday was their first back at Raydale. Well done to all concerned, I noticed as well that their crowd was bigger than the one at Shielfield, enough on that though!
We had our latest Trust meeting before last Saturdays game when as usual we got through a lot of business. We have agreed to fund the first team transport next season, something I'd hope our members will feel is worthwhile. We also made some progress with our summer quiz arrangements, when you'll all be welcome to take part in something we hope will be a wee bit different. Watch out in this weeks local paper.
To complete all things Trust it was good to see that the Gretna Trust have got some reward for all their hard work when their game last Saturday was their first back at Raydale. Well done to all concerned, I noticed as well that their crowd was bigger than the one at Shielfield, enough on that though!
Sunday 3 May 2009
Yesterday
We finished our season at home yesterday in all too familiar fashion with a defeat unfortunately. The referee who had a stinker, gave a first half penalty that only he saw and justice was done with a great save however he continued in the same vain giving some other incredible decisions. Infact Mr Charlston had an absolutely rotten game and should take a long hard look at his performance and if he comes anywhere near being satisfied worry the next time you see that he's in charge of your game.
I went to the club dinner last night where the presentations were again made to the players concerned. Most were there and appeared to have a good time, as we all did I'd say, I presume those that weren't had notes from their mums! Was pleased to hear that local lad Dougie Brydon will be joining the squad for pre season. Dougie, you may know, left Shielfield for Coldstream after the break up of the reserves after some less than ethical treatment under the old regime. Hope he shows his true worth this time when under the present set-up he'll get a fair crack of the whip. Will be great to see a local lad in the side something I've been a long standing advocate of.
We finished our season at home yesterday in all too familiar fashion with a defeat unfortunately. The referee who had a stinker, gave a first half penalty that only he saw and justice was done with a great save however he continued in the same vain giving some other incredible decisions. Infact Mr Charlston had an absolutely rotten game and should take a long hard look at his performance and if he comes anywhere near being satisfied worry the next time you see that he's in charge of your game.
I went to the club dinner last night where the presentations were again made to the players concerned. Most were there and appeared to have a good time, as we all did I'd say, I presume those that weren't had notes from their mums! Was pleased to hear that local lad Dougie Brydon will be joining the squad for pre season. Dougie, you may know, left Shielfield for Coldstream after the break up of the reserves after some less than ethical treatment under the old regime. Hope he shows his true worth this time when under the present set-up he'll get a fair crack of the whip. Will be great to see a local lad in the side something I've been a long standing advocate of.
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