Annan Athletic: End of season review 2012/13
EX-ANNAN Athletic player Danny Collins looks back at the 2012/13.
How would you rate your season?
It’s been quite a disappointing season in all honestly. An entirely new squad at the start of the season led the fans to believe that big things could happen this campaign; however it’s not exactly worked out that way. An embarrassing Scottish Cup exit at home to Buckie Thistle was a sign that this season was one to forget. The introduction of the new manager Jim Chapman was a good idea but his slow start with one win in eleven games, questions were left to be asked from the fans. However a change of manager half way through a season is always a risk and hopefully next season will be different.
Still happy with the manager?
I was glad to see the back of Harry Cairney, although he’s done well for the club over the years I think he had just overstayed his welcome. Euan Brydon came in after Cairney and done well so I was surprised and gutted for him when he was let go. He had a strong bond with the players and could get the best out of them. With Jim Chapman at the helm now I can see him growing into the position next season. Obviously a disappointing start to his time but next season he can build his squad and start fresh.
It’s been quite a disappointing season in all honestly. An entirely new squad at the start of the season led the fans to believe that big things could happen this campaign; however it’s not exactly worked out that way. An embarrassing Scottish Cup exit at home to Buckie Thistle was a sign that this season was one to forget. The introduction of the new manager Jim Chapman was a good idea but his slow start with one win in eleven games, questions were left to be asked from the fans. However a change of manager half way through a season is always a risk and hopefully next season will be different.
Still happy with the manager?
I was glad to see the back of Harry Cairney, although he’s done well for the club over the years I think he had just overstayed his welcome. Euan Brydon came in after Cairney and done well so I was surprised and gutted for him when he was let go. He had a strong bond with the players and could get the best out of them. With Jim Chapman at the helm now I can see him growing into the position next season. Obviously a disappointing start to his time but next season he can build his squad and start fresh.
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Alloa: End of season review 2012/13
UNDER Paul Hartley, Alloa have now made it from the third division to the first division in successive seasons.
Fan Brian Roach looks back on the 2012/13 season.
How would you rate your season?
Absolutely brilliant, and way beyond any expectations. One if the finest Alloa teams in memory. Queen of the South put together a crazy run of consecutive wins and amassed a record points total - it would be tough for any team to compete with that. But Alloa comfortably managed second place, and the excellent performances in the play-offs ensured we got the promotion that the club deserved.
Still happy with the manager?
100%. Paul Hartley should be given the freedom of the town. The first manager to achieve back to back promotions in the clubs history, he has built an excellent Alloa team from scratch over the past two years. His professionalism and dedication to the job are absolutely second to none. He runs Alloa like a full time club. He appears to have everything it takes to go really far in football management. We know he won't be with us too much longer, so everyone's enjoying it while they can.
Absolutely brilliant, and way beyond any expectations. One if the finest Alloa teams in memory. Queen of the South put together a crazy run of consecutive wins and amassed a record points total - it would be tough for any team to compete with that. But Alloa comfortably managed second place, and the excellent performances in the play-offs ensured we got the promotion that the club deserved.
Still happy with the manager?
100%. Paul Hartley should be given the freedom of the town. The first manager to achieve back to back promotions in the clubs history, he has built an excellent Alloa team from scratch over the past two years. His professionalism and dedication to the job are absolutely second to none. He runs Alloa like a full time club. He appears to have everything it takes to go really far in football management. We know he won't be with us too much longer, so everyone's enjoying it while they can.
Glenbuck hoping to honour the late Bill Shankly
A NEW project is underway to revive the forgotten football heartland of Glenbuck.
The tiny village located in East Ayrshire has produced more than 50 professional footballers (seven of which earned Scotland caps) and of course is birthplace of the legendary Bill Shankly. Robert Gillan has tasked himself with the job of providing Glenbuck the lasting recognition it deserves.
He said: “This has been a project very close to my heart as I live three miles away from Glenbuck. Many a time I have picked up the project and for various reasons never had the time or self belief to carry it forward. This year Bill Shankly would have been 100 years old, he and all the other footballers are my inspiration.”
Robert’s project would certainly be an apt anniversary for Glenbuck’s most famous son. The Banner of Glenbuck is a project that is aiming to create a football academy and museum in Glenbuck. The aim is to teach youngsters who come into the academy the great footballing history of Glenbuck and follow on the legacy of the Glenbuck Cherrypickers and Glenbuck Athletic in producing players of a top level.
Despite only having a population of 1,000, Glenbuck was home to two fine junior footballing outfits that produced international quality players. No other place its size can match Glenbuck’s achievements in the history of football, and although the industrial community has gone the footballing legacy must be preserved.
Rangers: End of season review 2012/13
IT was the year Rangers fans had to get used to life in the third division. Something we thought we'd never see, and after the 'Gers promotion, will probably never see again.
Before the campaign started some talked about the Ibrox club winning every game, some by cricket scorelines.
Instead it turned out to be much tougher than anyone could have imagined. Mark McDougall looks back on what was always going to be a unique campaign.
Dean Shiels was one of the players to switch from the SPL to Rangers
How would you rate your season?
Not great. Although the league was won by quite a distance, overall performances were really poor. Watching the games have been like a chore at times.
Without being disrespectful to the other third Division clubs, Rangers should have been steam rolling every single one of those teams. The other nine teams in the league performed admirably against us and I knew this would be the case from the off despite many people saying Rangers would go the season unbeaten in the league. It's been an eye-opener of a season and it was good at the beginning, but as the season has went on it's got boring and Rangers need to start playing better football and working harder.
Without being disrespectful to the other third Division clubs, Rangers should have been steam rolling every single one of those teams. The other nine teams in the league performed admirably against us and I knew this would be the case from the off despite many people saying Rangers would go the season unbeaten in the league. It's been an eye-opener of a season and it was good at the beginning, but as the season has went on it's got boring and Rangers need to start playing better football and working harder.
Ayr United: End of season review 2012/13
Ayr United fans Calum McClurkin and Tom Simpson review the 2012/13 season.
How would you rate your season?
Calum: It has been a very disappointing season. I think everyone expected that it would be a tough year but how much we struggled after being relegated last season has surprised everyone. For having the second largest budget and fanbase in the division but end up finishing seventh and being dumped out all cup competitions is hard to take after a good effort last season in a tougher league and two impressive cup runs.
Tom: Disappointing and frustrating - there was little indication in pee-season that we would perform so poorly.
Still happy with the manager?
Calum: Unfortunately not. He’s a great guy but he will be the first to admit that this season has not been good enough. Had considerable financial backing to improve the team in January and failed to deliver. Many are wondering if Mark Roberts is managerial material after a first season full of mistakes. If there is no improvement early on next season then he will probably have to go.
Tom: No - but prepared to give him another chance to see if he can learn from his mistakes.
Kris Commons retires - what do the fans think?
KRIS Commons announced on Tuesday night he has ended his Scotland career to concentrate on his family and on club football. The Celtic midfielder won 12 caps and scored two goals for Scotland, but it appears he was frustrated at the lack of games, specifically under Craig Levein.
Despite Gordon Strachan now being in charge, Commons was left out of the squad announced earlier on Tuesday, however he told the Celtic website he had decided before now to retire.
"I have thought about this decision for some time. At this stage of my career I just want to give Celtic my 100 per cent commitment and ensure I can prolong my club career as long as possible.
"I also want to give my young family more attention, something I have not been able to do for some time.
"Neil Lennon had spoken to Gordon in person a while back and I was really pleased to speak to Gordon today. I am on very good terms with him and I wish him and the Scotland team all the very best for the future. I am sure Gordon will do a great job."
Debate: James McFadden v Paddy McCourt
IN THE first of what we hope will be a weekly feature, The Away End launches a debate on regular topics in Scottish football.First up, we asked fans on our twitter page who they thought was the better player - James McFadden or Paddy McCourt.
Faddy has the advantage of being Scottish and being fans favourite in this country, while Paddy is a cult hero at best with the Celtic fans.
McFadden, virtue of scoring that goal against France, will always be a hero in Caledonia.
Who is the better player though?
Cowdenbeath: End of season review 2012/13
Cowdenbeath fan Stephen Harley looks back on the 2012/13 season.
How would you rate your season?
It was a strange season. I am sure that over the whole season if games went by the first half we would have been top six. I personally feel we could have achieved more.
However, I have watched Cowdenbeath in the third division. We are punching above our weight massively in both fanbase and budgetary levels.
Taking it all into account the season can only be described as a success.
It was a strange season. I am sure that over the whole season if games went by the first half we would have been top six. I personally feel we could have achieved more.
However, I have watched Cowdenbeath in the third division. We are punching above our weight massively in both fanbase and budgetary levels.
Taking it all into account the season can only be described as a success.
Still happy with the manager?
Yes has to be the answer. "Mickey" has taken us to a championship and kept us in the league. He isn't without his faults however, he needs to trust in the attacking ability of the squad more. When we attacked teams we looked very capable but I got the impression Mickey was at times too happy for a point before a ball was kicked.
If he has learned from his mistakes we will improve next season.
Yes has to be the answer. "Mickey" has taken us to a championship and kept us in the league. He isn't without his faults however, he needs to trust in the attacking ability of the squad more. When we attacked teams we looked very capable but I got the impression Mickey was at times too happy for a point before a ball was kicked.
If he has learned from his mistakes we will improve next season.