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Sorted the two coding mistakes for you, but as Bob said, you really should request such fixes in the mod requests thread, otherwise they can often go overlooked

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Thank you BobBev and Terk - I didn't realise there was a post for such requests. Cheers :thup:

Well, I managed to fit a bit more in last night. Some more updates...

***

January 2008

The first game of the new year would arguably be one of our most important - win, and we are still alive. Lose, and we will possibly spend the remainder of the season treading water, neither seeking promotion nor avoiding relegation.

The first half was controversal, with the referee diplomatically awarding both sides a penalty, which were duly converted. The second half was a mad scramble between two teams eager to seek the three points and ownership of the top spot in the First Division. Daniel Ferry looked to have scored the match winner after Connor Gethins blocked a goal kick, but the touch judge already had his flag in the air. Finally, with the game heading into injury time, Ferry atoned for his earlier miss and slotted home the winner. Thistle were top of the league once more!

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">5/1 - Morton 1 Thistle 2Scorers - Paatelainen 22 pen, Ferry 90 (Keith 44 pen)League Position - 1st</pre>
There were absolutely no pressure in our next game, as defending champions Kilmarnock came to town for our Scottish Cup clash. The sellout crowd would have been absolutely delighted with the halftime score, with the Killies trailing by two goals. The scene descended into chaos when Connor Gethins slotted home the sealer with an hour elapsed on the clock. The atmosphere at the ground was sensational, with all manner of trumpets and cowbells adding to an utter cacophony whenever we pressed on the goal. With Ross O'Donoghue and Gavin Skelton rested for the game, stand-in captain Mark Dempsie performed brilliantly and fully deserved the Man of the Match award.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">12/1 - Thistle 3 Kilmarnock 0Scorers - Walker 10, Dempsie 44, Gethins 60Scottish Cup 3rd Round</pre>
After the game, we found that our next opponents in the cup would be Stirling Albion, who were at the time seventh in the First Division. With a win in that game, we would progress through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup for the first time ever.

Following an injury to reserve goalkeeper Cameron Bell, 16-year old Alan Ramsay became the first ever Thistle junior to be named in the top team. Hopefully, I wouldn't have to use him against Inverness CT. However, the intensity levels of the rest of the team were not as high as they were for the Killies game, and we deservedly lost to a more committed side. Back to square one with promotion.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">19/1 - Thistle 1 Inverness CT 2Scorers - Gethins 86 (Keogh 65, Prunty 75)League Position - 2nd</pre>
After such a performance, what Thistle really needed was a dogfight to earn the three points. Happily, the kind people of Hamilton Academical were only too happy to oblige in a game where the points were only secured in the final moments. A most entertaining game, and pleasing to observe the mettle of players such as Ryan Conroy when the blowtorch was being applied. Ryan has been attracting the eye of several clubs in our division, with a concrete offer from Tannadice Park for his services. Whilst he is a prodigal talent, Marco Pelosi is entrenched in his position, leaving Ryan largely on the bench for now. Still, having such depth at the club can only be a good thing...for now.

Ross County's draw against Partick means we head the table again, albeit on goal difference only.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">26/1 - Hamilton 1 Thistle 3Scorers - Dempsey 8, Walker 63 pen, Gethins 90 (Hodge 21 pen)League Position - 1st</pre>

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February 2008

The month began with two vital games against Stirling, both at Bowmans Road Stadium.

The first encounter was an absolute thrashing in the league, with all of our major attacking weapons playing well. The midfield in particular seemed to gel really well, with the combinations on the wings giving us a big edge over the opposition.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">2/2 - Thistle 4 Stirling 1Scorers - Walker 13, Gethins 21, Paatelainen 62, Dempsey 67 (Brazil 15)After 24 games1. Thistle 46 +182. Ross County 46 +153. Dundee Utd 40 +154. Partick 42 +11 5. Morton 39 +4 </pre>
After the game, last-placed Hamilton Academical sacked Allan Maitland as their manager, with Billy Stark, formerly of Queens Park, St Johnstone and Raith being touted as the likely replacement. This would be confirmed in a matter of weeks.

The second game was of no less importance, as it was the fourth round clash in the Scottish Cup. As before, the gold and blue army were out in force, complete with cowbells, inflatable hammers and - perhaps as a nod to the club's owners - with cardboard boxes for hats! Our discipline was starting to creep up on us, however, with seven players facing the prospect of suspension in future cup games if they received one card in this game.

In the end, it was an easy victory, although I fear I haven't done Allan Moore's job security any favours.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">9/2 - Thistle 3 Stirling 0Scorers - Dempsey 40, Pelosi 67, Paatelainen 68Scottish Cup 4th Round</pre>
In a dream encounter, we will face our 'other' Edinburgh rivals Hibs in the quarterfinal, which will be played at Easter Road Park. Confidence in our camp is sky high at the moment, but I'm wary that our confidence will be the undoing of us in our very next league game, as we often seem to lose immediately after an important victory.

My fears were to be realised, although we remained on top thanks to Ross County's first loss in fourteen games.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">13/2 - Airdrie Utd 1 Thistle 0Scorers - Conway 321. Thistle 46 +172. Ross County 46 +143. Dundee Utd 43 +164. Partick 42 +105. Morton 42 +5</pre>
It may sound like a tired cliche, but the next game would potentially be the most decisive of the whole season. Ross County at Bowmans Road. The game went to script until the 50th minute, when Ederson earned his second yellow card and an early shower. The team tired considerably as a result and could not sustain the relentless wave of attack from the County, who eventually won the game.

The result sees us tumble two places down the ladder in what is a very tight division.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">16/2 - Thistle 1 Ross County 2Scorers - Walker 45 (McStay 72, 77)1. Ross County 49 +152. Dundee Utd 46 +183. Thistle 46 +164. Morton 45 +65. Partick43 +10</pre>
Clyde sacked manager Dave Mosson and replaced him with Sandy Stewart with unimpeachable haste. However, despite the off-field instability, we had to work very hard for our one point, with the equaliser only coming in the final minutes.

We seem to have dropped the ball somewhat, with just one competition point from our last nine games, leaving the door open for the rest of the competition.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">23/2 - Clyde 1 Thistle 1Scorers - Gethins 86 (Hislop 66)1. Ross County 49 +142. Morton 48 +73. Thistle 47 +164. Dundee Utd 46 +165. Partick 46 +12</pre>

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March 2007

The month started on a horrible, horrible note. Five months of effort and toil, possibly all down the toilet in the space of 20 minutes. To be honest though, I'm not sure if the final score was a reflection of the way we played, or the way Dundee United played. Either way, it wasn't a pleasant bus trip back to Edinburgh. With six seperate scorers, everything the Arabs did turned to gold.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1/3 - Dundee Utd 6 Thistle 1Scorers - Gethins 49 (Templeman 33, Robson 37, Scotland 68, Reid 69, Wilson 78, Crawford 90)1. Dundee Utd 49 +112. Ross County 49 +133. Morton 49 +74. Thistle 47 +115. Partick 46 +11</pre>
After congratulating Tony Sturrock on his fine victory, I told the lads there was no point in dwelling over the loss. We simply had to look ahead to the next mountain - a quarter-final at Easter Road Park.

And for a while, it seemed as though we were back in form. With three minutes left in the game, we were ahead by 3-0. What happened next defied explaination, and left our supporters in stunned silence as the Hibees erupted in celebration.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">8/3 - Hibernian 3 Thistle 3Scorers - Gethins 16, 29, Paatelainen 61 pen (Dobbie 87, 89, Thomson 90)Scottish Cup Quarter-Final</pre>
I tried to put a brave spin on proceedings, but to no avail. It was virtually a Hibs win - "Thistle clinch defeat from the jaws of victory" was one headline in the Scotsman. The mood of the dressing shed was shattering, with Graeme Smith in particular a dejected mess. We had let a golden ticket to the semis slip right past us - and we had to face a replay in a matter of days, with all the momentum resting with the Hibees.

The replay came and went by in a blur, and although the score on the board was close, Hibs dominated proceedings from start to finish, and the hero from the first game fittingly saw them into a semi-final against Motherwell.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">12/3 - Thistle 2 Hibernian 3Scorers - Ederson 21, McManus 65 (Riordan 26, Thomson 42, Dobbie 87)Scottish Cup Quarter-Final Replay</pre>
It was quite possibly the worst fortnight in the history of the club.

Naturally, we were devestated at not making the Scottish Cup semi-finals, but we had to quickly put the result in the rear-vision mirror, as we were facing off against third-placed Morton in a matter of days. We almost capitulated in this game as well, although Mark Dempsie was able to steer us home. God knows what the win will do for team morale. Nonetheless, the team is starting to get very tired and fatigued by the stress of the season.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">15/3 - Thistle 4 Morton 2Scorers - Paatelainen 33, 48, Ederson 68, Dempsie 86 (Keith 9, Gillett 81)1. Dundee Utd 55 +24 (30)2. Ross County 55 +17 (30)3. Thistle 50 +13 (29)4. Morton 49 +7 (30)5. Partick 47 +11 (29)</pre>
Just as our season seemed to be back on track - sort of - the season of another side was well and truly over, with Hamilton Academical relegated after their sixteenth straight game without a win, which ironically was against us in late November.

Sensation in Edinburgh today as well, with John Robertson getting the axe from Hearts despite the side sitting fifth in the Premier League. Were expectations too high at Tynecastle?

Dundee blew an early lead to eventually lose 2-1 to Rangers in the League Cup final. It is Rangers' 25th success in the competition, and their fifth in the past decade.

In the meanwhile, we placed ourselves firmly back in the title chase with a smashing victory against Partick Thistle. Markus Paatelainen became just the second player to score a hatrick of goals for Thistle, with Connor Gethins already achieving the feat on four occasions. Unfortunately for Gerry Britton, the bad loss sealed his fate as manager, being asked to clear his desk a matter of hours after the result.

However, the result was good for us - probably the footballing equilivent of primal scream therapy, after the Hibernian fiasco.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">19/3 - Thistle 4 Partick 0Scorers - Walker 23, Paatelainen 47, 55, 85 penAfter 30 games1. Dundee Utd 55 +242. Ross County 55 +173. Thistle 53 +174. Morton 49 +75. Partick 47 +7</pre>
Caley Thistle denied us full points with their fine performance in our game at Caledonian Stadium.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">22/3 - Inverness CT 1 Thistle 1Scorers - Walker 33 (Chesnauskis 53)After 31 games1. Dundee Utd 58 +262. Ross County 55 +163. Thistle 54 +174. Partick 50 +85. Morton 49 +3</pre>
Hearts secured something of a coup when they announced that Roberto Carlos would be their new manager. Obviously they hope that some of the Brazilian's spark can rub off on the side and take them to the next level.

Despite the strength of the opposition, it was still pleasing to boost our goal difference with a big victory against Hamilton.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">29/3 - Thistle 3 Hamilton 0Scorers - Ederson 25, Walker 49, 88After 32 games1. Dundee Utd 61 +292. Thistle 57 +203. Ross County 56 +164. Partick 51 +8</pre>
Time is running out.

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April 2008

Markus Paatelainen was a deserved winner of the Player of the Month award, and is emerging as a viable option as starting forward, although Connor Gethins and Dean Walker continue to pile up the goals.

Although we have just four games left in the season, the schedule dictates that they are played over a period of six weeks, with international fixtures and cup games leaving us with plenty of vacant weekends. With a tired squad, it's probably not a bad thing for us to have the breaks, although should we slip up early, it will be a long end to the season for us.

Third-placed Ross County were our first opponents of the month, and we were unable to walk away with the required three points. It seems that promotion is almost a certantity for Dundee United now, and to top things off, today they upset Celtic to advance to the Scottish Cup final for the first time since 1994. Hibs accounted for Motherwell in the other semi, prompting thoughts of what could have been from our supporters.

Dundee United won their midweek game against Stirling to skip two games clear with three to play.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">12/4 - Ross County 1 Thistle 1Scorers - Gethins 82 (Campbell 61 pen)After 33 games1. Dundee Utd 64 +302. Thistle 58 +203. Ross County 56 +134. Partick 53 +10</pre>

I couldn't believe how well we played in the next game against Stirling. We were on fire! The last fifteen minutes in particular were good to see, with the lads never giving up even when the result was in the bag. The five-goal glut was also great for our differential, and things just get better after Dundee United's 2-0 loss to Airdrie United.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">19/4 - Stirling 0 Thistle 5Scorers - Gethins 12, Walker 77, Paatelainen 79, 87, Conroy 86After 34 games1. Dundee Utd 64 +282. Thistle 61 +253. Ross County 59 +15</pre>

The charge to promotion continued with an excellent win against Airdrie United in our next-to-last game of the season. Dundee United hammered Ross County 3-0 in their game to keep the momentum well and truly with themselves, and assuring us of at least second spot in our first season in the First Division.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">3/5 - Thistle 2 Airdrie Utd 0Scorers - O'Donoghue 34, Paatelainen 64After 35 games1. Dundee Utd 67 +312. Thistle 64 +27</pre>

To be promoted, we must beat Clyde, and Dundee Utd must lose to Partick, and the combined margins must be at least four goals.

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Super Saturday

Whenever there's life, there's hope.

That was the message I drummed into the lads during training this week. Promotion wasn't a given for Dundee United, we were still alive, all we needed was a bit of application, skill - and most importantly, luck.

Michael McGovern's Clyde would be our opponents on the fateful day. How ironic that the only thing (besides the Terrors) standing between us and the Premier League was the one individual that said we'd never make it. That I'd never make it.

As is the custom, all the league games were played at the same time. I dispatched a scout up to Tannadice Park to provide up-to-the-moment score updates, should things go pear-shaped up there. However, I wasn't losing too much sleep over the whole game. Second place in our first stab at First Division was a darn sight higher than most pundits thought we'll finish, and on the whole it was an outstanding season, Hibs capitulation or not.

After 17 minutes, Alan Archibald scored the first goal of the day at Tannadice Park for the locals.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Live table1. Dundee Utd 70 +322. Thistle 65 +27</pre>

After half an hour, Partick had hit the equaliser, restoring the status quo.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1. Dundee Utd 68 +312. Thistle 65 +27</pre>

After 38 minutes, Ederson set up the first goal of the day at Bowmans Road with a decisive break down the left side, and a cross inside to Dean Walker, who scored a brilliant diving header past McGovern

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1. Dundee Utd 68 +312. Thistle 67 +28</pre>

The signal for halftime duly came, with promotion to the Premier League still very much an open question. The 9,357 supporters at the stadium were on their feet, clapping and stapping, although mindful of the huge task still facing Thistle.

Six minutes into the second half, we received our first update from scout Paul Aitkens up at Tannadice Park. The score was quickly relayed over the loudspeaker system at Bowmans Road. The supporters gasped for a moment, and then erupted into a wall of sound.

"Ladies and gentlemen, after 51 minutes at Tannadice Park, the score is Dundee United 1, Partick Thistle.........3."

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1. Dundee United 67 +292. Thistle 67 +28</pre>
Just one more goal, I kept thinking. One more goal. Our superior goalscoring record would hold us in good stead should our goal difference end up tied.

The game at Bowmans Road went from end to end, with both sets of forwards seeking opportunities to score. As the hour mark elapsed, another score drifted in from up north.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Partick have scored again. Edinburgh Thistle currently occupy the promotion slot into the 2008/09 Scottish Premier League."

Another ten minutes passed, with Dean Walker having two excellent chances on goal. Then the crowd started chanting. I couldn't make out what it was at first, and had to ask John Dennis what it was.

"They're chanting 'Adam Strachan', Skip. Partick have scored another two goals. It's six bloody goals to one!"

My heart skipped a beat. We were twenty minutes from promotion, if only we could keep Clyde scoreless.

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"Tell the boys to close the bloody thing down," I impored Ryan Conroy as I prepared to send him on the field. Marco Pelosi came off the field to a cascade of cheers.

17 minutes to go. Keeping to instructions, the boys started to play in Clyde's half of the field and wind the clock down. Each goal kick of McGovern's was being fielded by our own players and promptly recycled down the other end of the field.

Connor Gethins had a very good chance in the 76th minute but McGovern parried it to safety.

Twelve minutes to go, and Gethins had another shot which whistled over the goalposts.

"This bloody tension is killing me," I cursed.

Eleven minutes to go, and Martin Smith is in the clear for the visitors. The crowd rises to their feet, Graeme Smith rushes out of his box....and the whistle goes. Offside!

Ten minutes....Ross O'Donoghue gives away a free kick around thirty yards out. Gavin Skelton kicks the ball high into the stands, far away from the Clyde attackers.

Nine minutes to go....Martin Smith has the ball again, and fires a shot into Graeme Smith. The ball deflects away, and is picked up by Gavin Skelton, who is promptly swamped by the two Bully Wee forwards. Ryan Conroy is free! A deft pass down the left touchline, and Conroy is away. A short pass to Dean Walker, and a tap to Gethins, and the Irish Magician is free in the penalty box. He rounds Potter, and has Michael McGovern in his sights.

Gethins shoots........

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GOAL

"Holy snapping ducks eggs," I muttered to myself. The stadium erupted in a scene of mass orgasmic excitement. The Irish Magician pulls another rabbit out of his hat, and is running in front of the Thistle team bench.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhoooooooooooooooo" is all Connor had to say to me as he was chased by nine of his teammates.

The crowd were clapping and stomping, and eventually fell into synchopation....CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP. The only thing that could sink us now were two late Clyde goals.

Kevin McMullan was given the nod for the final moments of the game, with David Cowan picking up a slight niggle.

Stephen Donnelly looked at his watch, looked for the nearest exit, and blew his whistle. Fulltime.

"Edinburgh Thistle have won promotion to the Scottish Premier League" bellowed the loudspeaker, just as the first strains of 'A Sort of Homecoming' were being belted out.

I raised my arms in jubilant celebration. Four years had passed, and already we were in the Scottish Premier League, replacing Motherwell. The players pogo-jumped as a huddle, and eventually were joined by around a thousand supporters who jumped the fence and got past the security guards. The scene was one of utter, joyful chaos.

After five minutes of shaking hands with virtually every Thistle supporter, we were able to get a ring of policemen to surround the players and have a stage erected in front of the main grandstand. Virtually every player spoke for a few minutes, with a few adjectives finding their way into the speeches, and then it was my turn to speak.

"I'd like to start by paying tribute to the Edinburgh Thistle squad this season. A fantastic team!" (loud cheers) "What a great side. Graeme Smith, a wonderful keeper. I hope you'll stay with us Graeme, and I know at least ten thousand people who want you to." (loud cheers) "The defenders, led by our captain, Gavin Skelton and vice captain Mark Dempsie." (loud cheers) "The midfielders deserve a lot of praise. Ross O'Donoghue has been here since day one, and has been outstanding. Marco Pelosi..." (loud cheers) "Gary Dempsey, Ederson..." (huge cheers) "You've all be fantastic. Now for the forwards" (loud cheers) "Dean Walker, our leading goalscorer for this fantastic season." (loud cheers) "And the Irish Magician!" (loud, sustained cheers)

"I've left out plenty of players, but you all deserve a huge pat on the back. I'd like to thank all of the support staff, including assistant manager John Dennis." (loud cheers) "Bowmans Packages built this team from the ground up and we owe them our thanks as well." (loud cheers) "And I can't finish today without thanking my lovely wife of seven years, Sheena," (huge cheers) "And my two mascots, Sam and Callan." (loud cheers)

"Last but not least, thanks to all of you, the supporters. We play for you" (huge cheers) "I believe the First Division trophy is still up at Tannadice Park, where they're trying to cut the black and orange streamers off it in time." (cheers, laughter) "Thanks a lot, and we'll see you next year".

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"Daaaaaaaaaaad. Callan hit me."

"Did not." "Did so!"

"Go and tell your mother, Sam, Daddy's got a headache."

I rolled over, and immediately regretted it. My head felt as though it had a football boot wedged between the ears. So this is what it's like to die, I thought. I am dead. We really didn't win. Dundee United didn't drop five goals at home. I'll wake up, and half the team will be requesting transfers, Sheena will be homesick, and there'll be five hundred angry supporters camped outside my house asking for my scalp.

The sizzle of bacon and eggs cooking drifted into the room. The twins - now nearly three - were still arguing. I picked up the mobile phone next to my bed and turned it on.

84 new messages.

Nearly every significant figure in my past four years at Thistle had rung me up to leave their best wishes. David Sturridge phoned shortly after his head gave up the top promotion slot. Rowan Alexander rang to ask if I remembered the days when Gretna and Thistle were slugging it out in the Third Division. Allan Maitland and Allan Moore also left messages of support, as did Tony Mowbray, who was preparing his Hibs side for a Scottish Cup final.

I stumbled into the living room. A stack of newspapers were assembled in a neat pile on the kitchen table. Thistle Magic! screamed one headline. A Sort Of Miracle was another. Football Gods Smile On Thistle, Sensational Saturday, etcetera, etcetera.

"Good afternoon, love," smiled Sheena as she piled an obsence amount of bacon and eggs on my plate. "The phone's off the hook. Thought you'd like some peace and quite."

"Ohhhhh, you're not wrong," I groaned as I devoured the offerings. "Any messages?

"You need to ring Bowmans Packages, as soon as you can. It's not that urgent, but I think your grandad wants to congratulate you on the promotion."

Later speaking with the Chairman of the Board, otherwise known as Grandad, I found out that I was getting a $10 million transfer budget for the following season.

"David, you've done an extraordinary job. You now deserve some extraordinary funding. You'll get your new stadium, and another upgrade to the training facilities, and now you'll have the money to upgrade the team in any way you wish."

I was stunned, to say the least. This time yesterday, we were clinging on to mathematical hopes of promotion. Now we were actually there, and discussing transfer budgets in the millions of dollars.

I had hoped for a proper holiday, a break away from the grind of Scottish football, but it was not to be, as I had to start virtually straight away on filling out the Thistle squad for our inaugural Premier League campaign.

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Off Season News

Craig Levein has been appointed as the new manager of Scotland. With two Premier League titles and two League Cups, he really was the only choice for the position.

France defeated Portugal 2-0 in the final of the Euro 2008 tournament.

We made only a few signings during the off-season, with Dutch defender Wouter Artz signing from Feyenoord, David Dunn rejoining the team from Dunfermline, and Craig Wilson, captain of the championship-winning Scottish U21 team joining us from Partick.

Gavin Skelton was understandably a little upset at the signing of Artz but I have promised him, as captain of the side, first crack at the left defender position. Gavin's versatility in playing in the midfield is also an advantage for us.

We've said goodbye to Robbie Horn, Lee Hardy, Paul McManus and Gocha, who have all been released on free transfers after spending precious little time between them on the field in 2007/08.

Our stadium expansion plans have also been approved, with the new 15,000 seater stadium to be finished in mid-November. The capacity will be reduced to 8,461 in the meanwhile. The first game at the 'new' Bowmans Road Stadium will be against Rangers on November 22.

Our first season (hopefully there will be many more) in the Premier League starts on August 2 with a match up the road at Hearts, followed by two games against the Old Firm.

A realistic target for us this season would be to just avoid relegation. I'm certainly not anticipating a big tilt at the title.