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Since Nov 2009
Gary McDaniel
A Rangers fan, he also holds a soft spot for Roma, believing they can return to greatness under Ranieri. His first passion is football, but his other interest is horse racing. His all time footballing heroes are Marco Van Basten, Valery Lobanovsky, Vincenzo Montella, Mark Hateley and Cammy Fraser.
Gary McDaniel is a freelance journalist. He has written for the likes of the Daily Record, News of the Word and the Herald. He has also been a contributer for the Daily Express, and writes regularly for The Away End.
Gary McDaniel's SPL Season Preview
By Gary McDaniel
It's nearly here folks. Yes the dawn of a new season is upon us and I for one am desperate for it to get underway. I'm like John Terry at the sight of a bunch of WAGS hanging around the players lounge.
I have to say I hate pre-season. It is similar to a mock driving test when you are preparing for the real thing. You either fly through it or make an absolute pig's ear of it but keep telling yourself that on the day all will be fine.
So here are my thoughts on how I see the season unfold for each SPL side.
England take note; Scotland has taught you the lesson
England: It's the players who are to blame
By Gary McDaniel
As the post-mortem begins into England's sorry exit from the World Cup, the finger of blame has started to point in the direction of Fabio Capello.
The Italian is regarded as one of the finest football managers in the game today, maybe not now by a certain few million across the border. Capello though doesn't lose much credit in my eyes. Yes you can question some of his decisions but the brutal truth for England is that they are just not good enough.
The first England manager I remember was Bobby Robson. During the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico, Robson was heavily criticised by the media for being in charge of the worst start to a World Cup finals made by an England side. Pictures of Robson, deep in thought at the team hotel, prior to their must win final group match against Poland were beamed back to the UK. Was it too much for the former Ipswich Town boss?
Read more: England take note; Scotland has taught you the lesson
Gary McDaniel's World Cup memories
Ah the memories.......sadly they are only memories
By Gary McDaniel
Twelve years, twelve bl**dy years. That's how long it's been since we appeared at a World Cup finals. Seems longer I have to be honest.
As the fans of 32 nations, well probably 31 as the North Korean public will only get to see it if they win it which is unlikely, Maybe Kim Jong-Ill will film his own version of events. Anyway, those other supporters will be getting all excited like a child at Christmas. We Scots though will have to settle once again for either cheering A.B.E ('Anyone But Endland', which I have to say is quite sad) or jealously enjoying the event and going to bed each night wishing we (Scots) were there.
There is nearly a whole generation of the Tartan Army who have not had the experience of a World Cup Finals, or any major tournament for that matter. Lucky devils, they have been saved from the initial optimism which always ends in disappointment.
My first World Cup memory is of Mexico '86. Games kicking off at weird times and a guy called Maradona, whatever happened to him???
Love the Scottish Cup, because no-one else will
The joy of a cup final
By Gary McDaniel
It was great to sit back and enjoy the Scottish Cup final as a neutral on Saturday. What was even better was to see the national stadium packed to the rafters and full of noise and colour.
Dundee United deserved their victory and by heck didn't they enjoy it. I felt for Ross County but you could say they had their day when they knocked out the mighty Celtic.
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