Livi
are the latest club to be on the brink today as we wait to hear their fate. This is becoming an all too regular occurrence, the reason, how long do you have. At a time when there has never been as much money in the game more clubs than ever are on the edge of extinction. One thing is obvious is that that money is not getting much below the top level or leaving these shores all together. Healthy, I don't think so, how about you?
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Monday 29 June 2009
Silly money
It struck me, again, today, as clubs at our level work hard to balance the books and save the occasional quid here and there, that clubs at the top continue to throw around obscene sums of money. Man City are top of the list today as they apparently offer Samuel Eto'o somewhere in the region of £2000000 a week, mad or what? But it's not just them all the top clubs are chucking crazy money around. The concern is with the fashion of signing anything foreign to these shores non of them are looking down the domestic divisions and re-cycling any of that money amongst the lower league clubs.
I wish somebody would tell that that everything that glitters ain't always foreign.
It struck me, again, today, as clubs at our level work hard to balance the books and save the occasional quid here and there, that clubs at the top continue to throw around obscene sums of money. Man City are top of the list today as they apparently offer Samuel Eto'o somewhere in the region of £2000000 a week, mad or what? But it's not just them all the top clubs are chucking crazy money around. The concern is with the fashion of signing anything foreign to these shores non of them are looking down the domestic divisions and re-cycling any of that money amongst the lower league clubs.
I wish somebody would tell that that everything that glitters ain't always foreign.
Sunday 28 June 2009
At last
games are in sight, not black & gold games quite yet admittedly, but games non the less. The first euro qualifiers in mid week then the friendlies start next weekend. Desperate as I am for footie I've still to pick one to go to, I'll decide as the week goes on. There's a great list of what's going on on the fitba daft site which includes a number of games around Berwick, which is useful.
games are in sight, not black & gold games quite yet admittedly, but games non the less. The first euro qualifiers in mid week then the friendlies start next weekend. Desperate as I am for footie I've still to pick one to go to, I'll decide as the week goes on. There's a great list of what's going on on the fitba daft site which includes a number of games around Berwick, which is useful.
Saturday 27 June 2009
Opinions
there certainly appears to be a few, and so there should be, on our new strips. Remember, in any democratic organisation there is room for healthy debate.However, it must be remembered that after being let down by Diadora, the club done well to secure a deal with another major company, whilst not changing the financial or time-scale details. They have stuck, as far as possible, to what was originally agreed. I for one are looking forward to getting mine. Wear it with pride, I know you will.
there certainly appears to be a few, and so there should be, on our new strips. Remember, in any democratic organisation there is room for healthy debate.However, it must be remembered that after being let down by Diadora, the club done well to secure a deal with another major company, whilst not changing the financial or time-scale details. They have stuck, as far as possible, to what was originally agreed. I for one are looking forward to getting mine. Wear it with pride, I know you will.
Friday 26 June 2009
Great news
is the signing of Chris McMenamin on a permanent basis. I know he kind of tailed off a wee bit towards the end of his loan spell but he has obvious potential and must be viewed as a good addition for a third division campaign. Don't know exactly where that leaves our squad now but it's certainly building and making the new season a lot more attractive for this writer.
On a sad note I see that Newcastle Blue Star have folded. It's always bad news when any clubs goes, we all know how we'd feel, especially when it's one of our North East neighbours. Keep in mind lads if your looking for a viable alternative, think about Shielfield!
is the signing of Chris McMenamin on a permanent basis. I know he kind of tailed off a wee bit towards the end of his loan spell but he has obvious potential and must be viewed as a good addition for a third division campaign. Don't know exactly where that leaves our squad now but it's certainly building and making the new season a lot more attractive for this writer.
On a sad note I see that Newcastle Blue Star have folded. It's always bad news when any clubs goes, we all know how we'd feel, especially when it's one of our North East neighbours. Keep in mind lads if your looking for a viable alternative, think about Shielfield!
Thursday 25 June 2009
Absent with leave
and it's been great given the Mediterranean weather blessing our shores at present, so unfortunately I've been temporarily absent from this blog, but I'm back, so that'll teach you! Heartened to see the Shielfield ranks swelled by another two new recruits. I know the manager is watching a number of players but as they all seem to be doing at this time of year they are hedging their bets in the hope they can always get that illusive better offer, which I suppose you really can't blame them for, just hope it doesn't backfire on you lads, cause as far as I'm concerned I only want the best for our club so make no apologies for being biased.
If you've looked at the official site you'll be up to date with the situation regarding the new strips. Suffice to say it certainly appears those at the club have managed to secure another supplier and deal with some alacrity, well done to those concerned. That could have been the type of situation, which in days gone by, would have upset the cart, and I don't mean that long ago, but these days stronger stuff prevails.
and it's been great given the Mediterranean weather blessing our shores at present, so unfortunately I've been temporarily absent from this blog, but I'm back, so that'll teach you! Heartened to see the Shielfield ranks swelled by another two new recruits. I know the manager is watching a number of players but as they all seem to be doing at this time of year they are hedging their bets in the hope they can always get that illusive better offer, which I suppose you really can't blame them for, just hope it doesn't backfire on you lads, cause as far as I'm concerned I only want the best for our club so make no apologies for being biased.
If you've looked at the official site you'll be up to date with the situation regarding the new strips. Suffice to say it certainly appears those at the club have managed to secure another supplier and deal with some alacrity, well done to those concerned. That could have been the type of situation, which in days gone by, would have upset the cart, and I don't mean that long ago, but these days stronger stuff prevails.
Friday 19 June 2009
Nothing
from Shielfield I'm afraid at the moment but what did catch my eye was the release of the East of Scotland fixtures. That's been unheard of in previous times, but new fixture secretary Kenny McLean has done a great job bring order to that hither to unorganised situation, great stuff. Those of us, and I do appreciate we are small in number, that take an interest in things East of Scotland I'm sure are glad to see the new organisation. Course he's a Duns lad, enough said! We now certainly seem to be heading towards next season as the friendlies are listed, they appear on the fitba daft site by the way. And off course we are very soon being served early european fixtures, bring them on.....
Finally I had a look at the newly available online MP's expenses. For our own MP that is anyway, interesting reading. They are on www.parliament.uk if you want a nose at them. Hey, I'd like my employer to pay £45 a month for my laundry, and £145 for cleaning, cleaning what I'd ask. Remember that's you money as well as mine. Bloody MP's. Democracy certainly comes at a high price, democracy, democracy I hear you ask, ye your right......
from Shielfield I'm afraid at the moment but what did catch my eye was the release of the East of Scotland fixtures. That's been unheard of in previous times, but new fixture secretary Kenny McLean has done a great job bring order to that hither to unorganised situation, great stuff. Those of us, and I do appreciate we are small in number, that take an interest in things East of Scotland I'm sure are glad to see the new organisation. Course he's a Duns lad, enough said! We now certainly seem to be heading towards next season as the friendlies are listed, they appear on the fitba daft site by the way. And off course we are very soon being served early european fixtures, bring them on.....
Finally I had a look at the newly available online MP's expenses. For our own MP that is anyway, interesting reading. They are on www.parliament.uk if you want a nose at them. Hey, I'd like my employer to pay £45 a month for my laundry, and £145 for cleaning, cleaning what I'd ask. Remember that's you money as well as mine. Bloody MP's. Democracy certainly comes at a high price, democracy, democracy I hear you ask, ye your right......
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Fixtures
Well, they're out and it all becomes a wee bit clearer for next season. Unlike our first two cup ties the SFL computer has given us 3 home fixtures out of the first four. Should be good, but it strikes me given the number of new faces we're bound to have how much of an advantage will it be? Never the less we start against Annan who if I'm right were one of the few teams in the league that didn't beat us last season, is that right?
Well, they're out and it all becomes a wee bit clearer for next season. Unlike our first two cup ties the SFL computer has given us 3 home fixtures out of the first four. Should be good, but it strikes me given the number of new faces we're bound to have how much of an advantage will it be? Never the less we start against Annan who if I'm right were one of the few teams in the league that didn't beat us last season, is that right?
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Gribben gone
no surprise there then, it was always just a matter of time really. Shame though, we'll miss his goals, 15 last season in a shite campaign. Mind you, I still think he's going for a record on the number of clubs one man can play for before he's 23! Pre season training begins for our lads this week, although we're not really sure who "our lads" are at this stage.
Footie news is starting to drip in with the English League Cup draw made today, then tomorrow the league fixtures for Scotland at least. Do the English one's come at the same time? Some of the English non league one's are out already. Personally I'd just like at little more to get excited about!
no surprise there then, it was always just a matter of time really. Shame though, we'll miss his goals, 15 last season in a shite campaign. Mind you, I still think he's going for a record on the number of clubs one man can play for before he's 23! Pre season training begins for our lads this week, although we're not really sure who "our lads" are at this stage.
Footie news is starting to drip in with the English League Cup draw made today, then tomorrow the league fixtures for Scotland at least. Do the English one's come at the same time? Some of the English non league one's are out already. Personally I'd just like at little more to get excited about!
Monday 15 June 2009
All quiet......
on any front you care to mention unfortunately. Did notice however that Fraser Forrest has joined McGonigle at Boness, well well. How will they both do there? really inclined to say more but...... Heard the one about who is the worst manager your club has had. you add the rest!
Fixtures out on Wednesday, that at least will tell us all, well those that go anyway, generally, where we can expect to be at any given Saturday for the next nine months or so. It'll be great to start with a clean slate and fair chance of doing something after what we had to endure for the last two seasons. Might like to hear just a wee bit from Jimmy as to how his teams coming along, soon enough no doubt.
on any front you care to mention unfortunately. Did notice however that Fraser Forrest has joined McGonigle at Boness, well well. How will they both do there? really inclined to say more but...... Heard the one about who is the worst manager your club has had. you add the rest!
Fixtures out on Wednesday, that at least will tell us all, well those that go anyway, generally, where we can expect to be at any given Saturday for the next nine months or so. It'll be great to start with a clean slate and fair chance of doing something after what we had to endure for the last two seasons. Might like to hear just a wee bit from Jimmy as to how his teams coming along, soon enough no doubt.
Sunday 14 June 2009
Nowt in sight
No footie on the horizon at all at the moment, it pains me to say. The friendlies and the bizarrely early euro qualifiers are staring to loom but at present we have a mixture of summers sports. I've just watched history in my lifetime being made as our own Andy Murray has become the first brit since 1938 to win Queens championship. My next, as yet, unanswered question is has any other Scot ever won that particular championship? Next up Wimbledon, go for it Andy lad!
No footie on the horizon at all at the moment, it pains me to say. The friendlies and the bizarrely early euro qualifiers are staring to loom but at present we have a mixture of summers sports. I've just watched history in my lifetime being made as our own Andy Murray has become the first brit since 1938 to win Queens championship. My next, as yet, unanswered question is has any other Scot ever won that particular championship? Next up Wimbledon, go for it Andy lad!
Thursday 11 June 2009
It HAS all gone mad
£80 million, for one player, one torn faced player at that. If Real had stumped up 20 million more they could have bought Newcastle! The global credit crunch has certainly by passed top class football. That sum equates to some small African countries national turnover. Of all the top European cities I've been to Madrid has some of the worst examples of poverty, and I mean real living under a plastic sheet poverty. But that won't bother Christiano and Kaka.
Glad to see, on a slightly smaller scale, that we've got our first signing on the board, now that its confirmed and no longer rumour, whose next then?
£80 million, for one player, one torn faced player at that. If Real had stumped up 20 million more they could have bought Newcastle! The global credit crunch has certainly by passed top class football. That sum equates to some small African countries national turnover. Of all the top European cities I've been to Madrid has some of the worst examples of poverty, and I mean real living under a plastic sheet poverty. But that won't bother Christiano and Kaka.
Glad to see, on a slightly smaller scale, that we've got our first signing on the board, now that its confirmed and no longer rumour, whose next then?
Monday 8 June 2009
Away day
John Bell and myself had the privilege to represent our Trust after being asked to be guest speakers at the Supporters Direct Conference at Stirling University on Saturday past. We presented a workshop in the morning and again in the afternoon. It went well and we presented the name of the Berwick Trust on a national forum. We met many Trust Board members and discussed various things but one thing shone through, that being the type of person who has managed to get themselves in positions of controlling our football clubs. I'm sorry to say that the future of the majority of our clubs is not in safe hands. The worst at present being Livingston. Apparently something will become apparent in about three weeks, one way or the other, good luck to them.
John Bell and myself had the privilege to represent our Trust after being asked to be guest speakers at the Supporters Direct Conference at Stirling University on Saturday past. We presented a workshop in the morning and again in the afternoon. It went well and we presented the name of the Berwick Trust on a national forum. We met many Trust Board members and discussed various things but one thing shone through, that being the type of person who has managed to get themselves in positions of controlling our football clubs. I'm sorry to say that the future of the majority of our clubs is not in safe hands. The worst at present being Livingston. Apparently something will become apparent in about three weeks, one way or the other, good luck to them.
Friday 5 June 2009
Second friendly and rumours
We have a friendly against Blyth Spartans lined up apparently, which I first spotted on the Spartans site, pity it wasn't our one mind. Lesson there maybe, maybe not probably. Should be interesting though, good to get a game against one of the other Northumberland teams.
Also heard some rumours today about possible signing targets, various names being banded about, although I'll choose not to comment on rumour (a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts)
Hopefully we'll all get some substantive information before long
We have a friendly against Blyth Spartans lined up apparently, which I first spotted on the Spartans site, pity it wasn't our one mind. Lesson there maybe, maybe not probably. Should be interesting though, good to get a game against one of the other Northumberland teams.
Also heard some rumours today about possible signing targets, various names being banded about, although I'll choose not to comment on rumour (a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts)
Hopefully we'll all get some substantive information before long
Thursday 4 June 2009
Another Cup Draw
The League Cup draw for next season was made today and sends us to Partick Thistle in Glasgow. Its our second away draw on the trot for next season and certainly much better than the other one. I always like to get someone who is not in our league, given that we already play them 4 times, and enjoy going to different grounds. Mind you, its been less than two years since we were last there, on the 4th of September 07 to be precise. I've got to admit it's one of these grounds I like going to, a real football ground if you like. It's also the only ground I've been to with Berwick who had a real life commissionaire at their rather grand main door! When I was a "laddie" Partick were always one of THE teams so to speak and really cemented that in 1971 when they"humped" Celtic in the League Cup final.
Anybody remember the Magyars of Maryhill?
The League Cup draw for next season was made today and sends us to Partick Thistle in Glasgow. Its our second away draw on the trot for next season and certainly much better than the other one. I always like to get someone who is not in our league, given that we already play them 4 times, and enjoy going to different grounds. Mind you, its been less than two years since we were last there, on the 4th of September 07 to be precise. I've got to admit it's one of these grounds I like going to, a real football ground if you like. It's also the only ground I've been to with Berwick who had a real life commissionaire at their rather grand main door! When I was a "laddie" Partick were always one of THE teams so to speak and really cemented that in 1971 when they"humped" Celtic in the League Cup final.
Anybody remember the Magyars of Maryhill?
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