retired_embartl

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Shock as Sensini signs in for Davies at Arbroath


Arbroath, the little town north east of Edinburgh, famed for the historical relevance of the Scone in it’s delightful Abbey sent shockwaves across some parts of the footballing world by bringing in Roberto Nestor Sensini on a free transfer. The Argentinean star, with over 60 caps to his name who was released by Udinese in the summer has joined Arbroath Town on a free. With over 460 games of top class football at mostly Parma and also Lazio and Udinese it is with wonderment that we enquire why he decided upon Arbroath as he spoke through an interpreter.

“ Well I wanted a challenge, I’ve won honours in Italy and maybe I can no longer sustain the quality required to be a regular in that side so instead of being a bit part player I came to a side where I will play a lot. Mr. Davies was the first manager to make contact with me and I certainly admired his boldness. How many other sides of this stature would consider approaching someone of my calibre. His honesty impressed me and with no other clubs providing an interest it was only really a decision of whether I wanted to continue playing or retire – so it was an easy choice!”

Sensini at 36 is of course nearing the end of his career but what a coup all the same for John Christisons well run club. Famed for his strict financial management that has kept the club afloat whilst others have struggled, it is pleasing to note that Sensini did not come for the money! He is sure to provide some quality to a side who should be looking at Promotion this season. Also joining Rod Davies’ Arbroath side is Kilmarnocks young pacy left winger Robert Campbell on a 9 month loan agreement. The Sensini deal I think is an example of that phrase made famous by David Jason’s Only Fools And Horses character “Del Boy” – He Who Dares Wins! I’m sure the fans at Gayfield will now me looking forward to the season with more optimism.

Manager Rod Davies was clearly in buoyant mood too. “ Sensini may be at the twilight zone in terms of his career but his expertise and experience will be a valuable asset this year and I’m sure he’ll add a whole new and exciting dimension to Second Division football in Scotland. Rob Campbell has joined us to get some first team experience too and I’m sure he will get it here if our injury crisis of last year is anything to go by! I’m still looking for more additions without financially harming us in anyway, so I’m sure Gayfield will be a much happier place this time round!”

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That piece in the Herald will adorn my Office for a while to come now, although at the moment it’s simply a piece of paper strewn on the desk until I can find some drawing pins or blu-tak to put it up with. That evening Steve took the boys up to East Fife for a friendly where Sensini made his debut. He was replaced at half time in a 0-0 draw. Now we’re one of the more competitive sides in this league I need to focus on our attacking prowess rather than worry about the defence – so the trusty 4-5-1 formation will be abandoned in the next few friendlies to see what we have.#

Having noted on the database of the available for transfer section of the FIFA site that Peter Nielsen was negotiating with Aston Villa and Werder Bremen I feel any further bid might be considered insulting. That night I applied with some cheek for the vacant job as Brazil head coach. I’m not confident.

retired_brinker317

Get Nestor to give young Pirie a kick up the arse in training, that'll sort him out

A real labour of love this, I doubt many who failed to win in 5 months would continue - so congratulations for that alone. Good luck for the season, I'll be reading :thup:

retired_embartl

Thanks for the kind words Stu. I know I should probably write this in your thread but congrats on the Slovak Cup win (-I'm a bit behind and Eddie Forrest is an excellent defender ) Hopefully there'll be a much happier season coming up for Arbroath though.

On Sunday 13th Gordon Wallace came to visit Arbroath again with his Clyde team, and it was the second division side who made the most impression as, lining up in a new attacking 4-4-2 formation we won the tie 1-0 although it could have been much higher if we knew where their net was. Kevin Heenan scored the only goal with a superb 35 yard chip effort that stunned almost everyone watching. Sensini was superb at the back, but little Paul Pirie struggled to impress again. Too good for the club then Master Pirie? I think not. He should develop into a talent with hard work and a head screwed on right, however he is clearly being advised badly. I wonder if Roberto Sensini could have a word with the young rapscallian. Today I also learnt that Roddy was going to step down from the playing side and concentrate on the coaching aspect of football, an area in which if truth be told he is much more valued.

Then the voodoo struck once more and John McGlashan and Craig Feroz both suffered the same injury within minutes of each other. 4 weeks for the pair with groin injuries. On Friday 18th Steve in his wisdom arranged a friendly with Montrose – our town rivals. With it bound to pull in the punters and our slight edge in talent it’s an understandable choice.

In the early minutes young Paul Pirie was showing some fine touches and I really felt a responsibility to help this lad develop – if he allows me too. Leeds interest has dissipated so Jake and Steve will help look after him. Just before the break his cross was met by [b[Roddy Grant[/b] who was using this chance to keep himself fit. At right back Scott Reid was playing a superb game and as Jake commented, “ if we can keep these young lads together, they can grow into a serious force in this division.” Lets hope so.

The game finished 1-0 but again it is a match we dominated to the 1200 strong crowds delight. Training sessions will now be incorporating a penalty shoot out competition at the end because Gavin Swankie’s effort today was utterly dismal. Darren Spink put in another determined display and I regretted how much football he missed through injury last season.

However I’ve sent him to rehab to make sure that his ligament and muscle injuries became eradicated for good. He’ll miss 4 weeks but I’m hoping it’ll be worth it. In the mean time he’s one the of the several players whose contract is entering the final year. I have them all on my spreadsheet at the moment, as do Steve, Jake, Dave and Roddy and deciding on them will have to be managed carefully. Roddy has already admitted he won’t be signing an extension whilst several need to perform this year before I make a judgement. Paul Dirno and Spink are the only ones offered for now. Andy Dow, Innes Ritchie, Craig Feroz, Gary Gow and Greg Henslee will have to wait. John McGlashan will be 37 next year and on £200 a week he probably won’t get an extension. If he does I won’t be deciding on that until next year.

Another terrible morning and I despaired as young Scott Reid he had to contend with a nasty training ground injury which will keep him out for 3 months. As part of his recovery he’ll go to rehab, to sort it out at his young age. It was a shame because he was showing some really infectious enthusiasm on practice. Another solid first half of football saw 2 goals for Swankie, 1 of them a good penalty – which makes a change! It finished with Kevin Heenan clearly not practiced enough in the art of penalty kicks as he blazed his effort over. A good work out though all the same.

Sadly though after that game I’d completely forgotten about Jim Crosby’s retirement – the man didn’t even say when he was leaving! Without him it took me a while to realise Paul Pirie had hurt his thigh, something that I could only guess meant a 2 week or so lay off.

The following day, it proved that Paul Dirno’s new contract proved important as Leeds United bid 8k for his services! He hasn’t even impressed often enough in an Arbroath shirt but here he is, being pursued by top clubs. Well I say top clubs I actually meant Leeds United. The bid was negotiated to something a lot higher, but still well within a Premier League clubs balance, even Leeds.

Before our final warm up game away to Lossiemouth, Leeds withdrew their offer for Dirno, clearly indicating how little they want him and Dundee backed down from their attempt to sing Ross Currie. Both were a little upset with the high fees demanded for them but thankfully they are both willing to commit themselves to Arbroath. Spink returns from his physiotherapy course – something which should prevent further injuries occurring.

The Lossiemouth game proved to be a suitable way of warming up the players nicely before the kick off at home to Airdrie United next Saturday. A Kenny McMillan strike and 1 apiece from Paul Brownlie and Jim Gardner saw us comfortably win as 22 players all got a run out. The bookmakers though still don’t think that our relegation battle means we’ll be up there. We’re outsiders at 5-1 with mid table a realistic aim! With my gambling credentials I staked a 500 pound bet on us getting promoted.



Pre-Seasons Results

Sat 03/07 Forres Mechanics 1 Arbroath 0 Jim Jack 39.
Tues –8/07 East Fife 0 Arbroath 0
Sun 13/07 Arbroath 1 Clyde 0 Heenan 48
Fri 18/07 Arbroath 1 Montrose 0 Grant 41
Fri 25/07 Arbroath 2 Stranraer 0 Swankie 14, 36 pen
Mon 28/07 Lossiemouth 1 Arbroath 3 McMillan 9 [/I] Gardner 64 Adams 70, Brownlie 76

[This message was edited by Brian of Nazareth on 07 January 2004 at 22:28.]

retired_embartl

Pre-Season Analysis

With no exits in the summer we have a side that has only been strengthened since the sickening relegation last year. Sensini will play a crucial role in the heart of the defence and his experience will be invaluable to the youngsters whilst Robert Campbell will give us a youthful enthusiastic mix of pace and raw talent waiting to be unleashed on the second division. Competing with Gary Bowman and David McInally should keep us secure on that front.

As for out original squad well my ideas have changed slightly to this time last year. Craig Hinchcliffe has fought hard to become the clubs number one again, and Gary Gow will have a serious level of improvement to make if he is to challenge for the role, whilst in defence, Ross Currie, Eddie Forrest and Euan Graham have all made huge strides towards first team spots. They played solidly in the latter half of last year and will be pressing the current first team side all the way.

In midfield Darren Spink was a revelation last year once he managed to stay fit for long enough, and with the experience of John McAulay and McMillan we have a solid base. Creative flair could come from the promising, but petulant Paul Pirie, or John McGlashan as the aging pro enters what is probably his final year with us.

Either one of the forwards could drop back into midfield where required as demonstrated last season, but Gavin Swankie seems to have made it too hard to drop based on form and Kevin Heenan and Paul Brownlie should play prominent roles this year. Craig Feroz has a lot of work to do to force himself back into my thoughts.

Greg Henslee will have to play out of his skin to convince me of his worth. So far I’ve already emailed a few clubs, thanks to Steve’s suggestions over his availability. Not many positive responses in all although Elgin were willing to offer 4 sub standard players with no money for Greg Henslee. Not what I was looking for but still worthy of consideration and negotiation. Dumbarton also attempted a similar ruse but when I checked the players offered medical records I rejected the offer instantly. Fancy offering me players who were crocked for 2 months, not to mention well below the quality we already had at the club.

retired_embartl

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

The Herald’s Football Preview

…and now onto Division Two

Airdrie United The unpopular side created after Airdreonians were forced out of business will be looking to secure their place in the division this season. After Sandy Stewart took them to 4th last season in which they enjoyed an injury free and somewhat fortunate season, the fans will still be looking for the team to challenge for a promotion spot, although mid table is a more probable outcome. The form of Alan Gow and Jerome Vareille up front will be crucial. Prediction 5th

Albion Rovers Albion Rovers promoted after finishing runners up in the third division will be in for a long slog this season down at the bottom. Stuart Hamilton will have to get the most out of the experienced Jim Mercer and Mark Yardley if they are to beat the drop. There is of course the extraordinary 18 year old Kristopher Myles to come through this year. With records showing he was playing for Falkirk as long ago as 1984 the teenager must be protected from burn out after playing professional football since he was two. Then again I think someone at the office has been fiddling with our database. Prediction – 10th

Arbroath Town After an emotional season last year where they looked dead and buried in the first division only to mount an almost remarkable comeback, Rod Davies will be looking to find a way back into the First Division as soon as possible. However it will certainly not be an easy job so Sensini may prove to be the difference. Darren Spink and Paul Brownlie will be crucial in the midfield and forward roles. Prediction 2nd

Berwick Rangers Struggling to survive last year, finishing in 8th spot, Berwick will be in for the same kind of season this time round. With their influential right back David Murie out for 2 months the other players will have to show some leadership and work doubly hard in the early games. Paul Smith could face barracking from certain quarters of the Berwick faithful if they fail to get off to a respectable start. Prediction: 9th

Brechin City Brechin have in recent years spent many years to-ing and fro-ing between the third and second divisions. However last season they finished 3rd, just missing out on promotion so they will be a tough outfit for any side to contend with. Dickie Campbell will be relying on the talents of Omar Daley and Greg Miller in midfield to supply Chris Templeman with the scoring opportunites. Prediction: 1st

Dumbarton Much of how Dumbartons season unfolds will be the performance of their midfield warhorse Barry Donald. A regular last season his influence will be huge in helping Brian Fairley’s side fight off another relegation battle since they won the third division in 2002. Last year they managed 7th and it will be something similar again come may provided they work hard and have an injury free season. Prediction 8th

Queens Park After spending a couple of years bobbing up and down between the second and third division, Queens Park will be looking to secure themselves in this division. They have the quality to survive in this league with the impressive striker David Menelaws who may shock a few defences this season. James Allen’s contribution from midfield will also be key as Kenny Branaghan attempts to find some stability. Prediction 6th

Stenhousemuir Having added Gary Dinwoodie to the side from Coldstream in the summer, John McVeigh’s side will be hoping for a repeat performance of their 5th place last year. Perennial mid table specialists, they neither have the quality to sustain a promotion challenge whilst having enough to stave off relegation. They will have to fight hard though this season if they are to achieve that. Prediction 7th

Stranraer After finishing 6th last year, Campbell Money’s side will be looking to improve this year. They have the ability to challenge for a top 2 position but might fail at the last. Steven Aitken and John Fallon, will like last season be very important in deciding the fate of Stranraer this season. Prediction 4th

Ross County Relegated last season along with Arbroath Town, County will again be looking to bounce right back up after a last day agony at Falkirk. They have the quality and Steven McGarry will no doubt thrive amongst the slightly weaker defences. His relationship with David Hannah will be an exciting one to watch. Dave Mosson has the players, it is now up to him as to whether he can utilise them correctly. Prediction – 3rd

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retired_embartl

August Review

Fixtures:

Sat 02/08 H v Airdrie United, Tues 05/08 H v Cowdenbeath ( CC ), Sat 09/08 A v Stranraer, Sat 16/08 H v Queens Park, Sat 23/08 A v Albion Rovers, Sat 30/08 H v Ross County

Going into the first match of the season against Airdrie United it was imperative we got off to a good start to show the fans what we were capable of. Before the game commenced I’d agreed with Elgin City a deal to rid us of Greg Henslee. They would pay us £5,000 and 19 year old rookie striker Gregor Black into the bargain. Gregor looked a useful player, someone we should be able to improve, if the deal goes ahead.

Lining up against Airdrie, were Craig Hinchcliffe behind a back four of Cusick Sensini Connaghan Florence, with Heenan, Spink McAulay and Gardner in an attacking midfield. Paul Brownlie and Gavin Swankie were the forwards.

A tight first half saw little goal mouth action although Darren Spink came so close with a swerving effort from 30 yards which would have made an early contender for goal of the season. The second half much of the same as the crowd cheered the side on desperately hoping for a victory to kick start the campaign. Sadly no goals materialised and we had to settle for a draw. However it’s better start than last year already! Connaghan and Sensini ran a tight ship at the back while there were promising signs in our forward play.

Two days later and another arrogant up start refused to sign. Gregor Black, with only a handful of games in Division 3 found our basic wage offer of £170 to be a complete joke but then he stressed his desire to continuing negotiating, probably because Elgin wish to have no further contact with him. However if he was going to have that sort of attitude I pulled out of negotiations. He’s not that talented, he’s unproven and he can go look for football elsewhere as far as I’m concerned. That did mean Greg Henslee’s move would be cancelled. Greg though would be given a chance to earn a reprieve be being part of the squad hosting Cowdenbeath in the Challenge Cup first round on Tuesday.

For that game, Kevin Heenan swapped roles with Gavin Swankie whilst Paul Dirno replaced a slightly injured John Cusick at right back. John had stubbed a toe walking out of the canteen in training so it wasn’t worth risking. Eddie Forrest and Rob Campbell also gained first starts of the season.

Graham Brown then opened the scoring in the 7th minute as I fumed on the touchlines. We may be a division lower but that doesn’t mean we can avoid putting in 100% effort every game. Our prospects were not helped by Paul Brownlie’s injury on the half hour mark. It stayed like that until half time where I attempted to remind the players there was no room for cockiness or arrogance in this game and they would have to earn every single goal they score this season.

The second half saw a slightly improved Arbroath go close on a couple of occasions but nothing went in. Cowdenbeath adopted a defensive ploy that nullified our threat so I went back to 4-5-1 with the midfield pushing strongly up. Subs were made with McMillan and Sensini coming off to stop their yellow cards descending into a red mist. As the match went into injury time I consigned myself to another defeat until Greg Henslee, set free by Campbell charged into the area before being checked by David White – a penalty! In the final minute of added time and Gavin Swankie was there to take it – with such an erratic hit or miss record I wasn’t going to celebrate just then. Moments later I did as he thundered it hard into the top corner and we deservedly levelled. Now it was extra time.

50 seconds into extra time and Roddy Grant finally scored after a host of poor misses in normal time, following a long ball from Innes Ritchie. It was so infuriating to try and think why we hadn’t done that before. We were dominating the half against a deflated Cowdenbeath side but an injury to Gavin Swankie meant we were down to 10 men, with all subs already used. As if that wasn’t enough Kevin Heenan’s refusal to let a minor incident die down saw him march with 5 minutes of extra time remaining. I really am going to have to work on this attitude problem in our side. Hinchcliffe then kept us ahead with a fantastic reflex save, worthy of any SPL side, as we struggled to cope with Cowdenbeaths 2 man advantage. Then thankfully we sealed the tie as after a break away attack forced a corner, Robert Campbell swung it in for the head of John McAulay and it was 3-1 and game over. Gayfield let out a sigh of relief and cheered both our first win of the season and my first ever cup win with Arbroath.

retired_embartl

The following morning as I arrived at my office I learnt that David McInally had injured himself in a collision with a goal post and would be out of action for around 4 weeks, according to the hospital. I really need to get a club Physio in soon although it was easier said than done. Like usual, checking up one found little to cheer me. No-one was interested in us. Calling Jim Crosby was out of the question as he had already insisted several times he wouldn’t stay on at all.

As John Christison dropped down at the training ground to tell me we were up against Berwick Rovers in the second round at Gayfield I told him about my plans to bring in another coach, Dean Cross, to help out on a temporary basis. Thankfully he agreed and 2 phone calls later Dean was heading up the M1, from his home in Banbury to work with us part-time. Another Englishman in would also help my sanity. Scott Jack of Airdrie once again rejected me. I first contacted him when they visited on the opening day and he said he’d think about it although he was quite happy where he was.

For the trip to Stranraer, who unbelievably offered me 3 even more abject players than Dumbarton for Greg, I decided to return to 4-5-1 and let Steve bark out the orders. Heenan played the lone man, with Campbell and Swankie on the wings. Brownlie was injured quite badly and I’m not sure how long he’ll be absent from the side. In the middle McAulay and Spink were looking after Master Pirie making a start in the supporting strikers role.

The first half was a frenetic mess of tangled legs and combative fighting as we sought to impose ourselves on the game. Pirie, Campbell and McAulay all picked up cautions as a result. In the second half, the introduction of McMillan helped a little as he replaced Pirie, but chances were still rare. From a long Steve Florence throw Robbie Campbell should have done better, especially with Heenan waiting in the centre whilst Heenan himself sent a fizzing shot over the bar late on. So we’ve had two 0-0’s to start the year. Defensively I can have few complaints and at least we’ve registered a couple of points but hopefully with time our attacking force will pick up and we can get a few wins under our belt. Campbell’s pace clearly frightened the hell out of Stranraer but work needs to be done on how we can utilise this to our advantage.

After that Christison asked if I would like to consider Cowdenbeaths offer of Kevin Gordon in a straight swap for Henslee. I saw Gordon on Tuesday and frankly he is liable to be sued under the trades descriptions act if he claims to be a footballer. Rejected in an instant. Gretna’s subsequent offer was more like it. £1,000 plus a 20% sell on fee. I pushed it up to £4,000 to see if they would bite the bullet. If they didn’t I’d just offer him to them for a grand. Sunday morning though saw a promising deal. Stranraer having learnt not to offer crap, were willing to pay £6,000 and Andy Scott for Henslee. Andy Scott was a 22 year old striker who had a little skill about him. He could certainly provide a little more cover in case of injuries.

retired_embartl

Of course nothing is as straightforward as it seems and Scott like Gregor was asking for £400 per week which was never going to happen. Sensini was the highest paid player here easily and he was on £275. Scott though at least acted with decorum and he was much more willing to accept lower demands. On the pitch McGlashan and Feroz were back from their niggling injuries in time for our midweek second round game with Berwick in the Challenge Cup second round.

More changes were made for the Berwick game with Feroz a starter along with Grant, Gardner, Forrest McMillan and Andy Dow at left back. The first half was a tight affair again as we battled hard and made steady work of the Berwick front line. On half time we scored through Craig Feroz , his first goal for Arbroath, as he tucked home Swankie’s knock back from Gardner’s long throw. In the second half we were on top and Feroz almost scored again but missed the goal by 2 feet when put through by Gardner. That was Jim’s last touch though as he soon went down under a fierce challenge to be replaced by Robbie Campbell on the left. Cusick and Pirie also came on to rest Connaghan and Swankie. Those fresh legs simply ensured we were able to continue to dominate but we couldn’t fashion any further late chances and we were through to the third round after a solitary goal was enough.

It’s typical I thought, as I lay my feet on desk that evening, that our best cup run so far comes when we’re relegated. As I continued to ponder about our ability this season a ring from the fax machine awoke me. Christison was telling me Dundee United had faxed an offer of 14k for Ross Currie and would I be interested in thinking about it. It was a tough one. Currie has been a great lad when he’s played for me and I like him in my squad for that extra option but on the other hand the money will open up an opportunity for me to maybe bring someone in, in an area that we struggle more. Paul Dirno has played well in defence so far too. With that in mind I faxed a negotiated fee back to Christison. 24k and a 10% sell on would be enough. Andy Scott mind was proving more problematic. He was refusing our offers whilst Henslee had agreed his side of the bargain. I’m hoping he’ll now agree to our highest offer possible. Then when he signs and we pick up 6k for Henslee I’ll slap him straight on the transfer list. Well that’s my plan anyway. In the Challenge Cup we’ve been handed another home tie although we’ll be facing a much sterner test with St. Mirren coming to visit.

***

Finally Scott agrees to join us and the Henslee deal goes ahead at last and with that I’m offering the striker to a host of clubs agreed between me and Steve Kirk. We’re only asking for £1,000 for him anyway. I’m not having that lump wasting any of our money. Later that afternoon Christison gets back to me on the Currie bid. Dundee have acceded to my requests and Currie will discuss terms. I wish the boy well if he decides to move, although currently he is still undergoing a Physiotherapy course which is going to run for a further 6 weeks. That evening though I unhappily received a phone call from the hospital in Edinburgh. Robbie Campbell had been involved in a car accident and will miss 2 months of action for us which is a real shame for the lad and the club. I’ll have to have a chat with the boy when I have a spare moment. However, Jim Gardner and Gary Bowman are perfectly capable alternatives.

As the side took to the field on the 16th to face Queens Park Ross Currie told me in person he’d agreed his move to Dundee United. I wish the lad well. However I had to pick a side for a Queens Park side that lost 4-1 to Brechin but beat Dumbarton 4-0 so it’s tough to tell what they’ll be like. Cusick, Sensini, Connaghan and Florence are protecting Hinchcliffe whilst in our 5 man midfield we have Swankie, McAulay McMillan Feroz and Gardner. Heenan is the forward. Andy Scott has a place on the bench.

As per usual this season our defence is solid as we dominate at that end easily enough but we have to work on our finishing. Gavin Swankie had a prime chance to score early on but his shot missed narrowly. The way we play chances do not come our way often so it’s imperative we take what we can. After a goalless first half we pushed up in the second. Then after dominating the entire second half it was infuriating to see David Menelaws 88th minute break away goal win it. That’s 11 shots to their 1, and we screwed up. The attack was an absolute joke today and I’ll be looking to use what spare change I have to improve it.

Soon after that we have a midweek clash again in the Challenge Cup with another home game against St. Mirren. We’ve enjoyed the Cup so far, and aside from the shocking game just gone against Queens Park, our home record so far is stable. With the Gayfield faithful cheering us on we have every chance. The defence was unchanged whilst Gary Bowman and John McGlashan replaced McMillan and Gardner. Kevin Heenan took up his strikers role again.

Another solid first half of football saw us go into the break all square. St. Mirren had lost Paul McHale to injury but we were more than matching them, whilst Sensini was sensational at the back. Then after half time, sub John McAulay latched on to a poor goal kick from Ludovic Roy to fire us into the lead and the 4769 crowd were mostly delighted. After bringing on Pirie and Gardner for Swankie and Bowman we managed to hold the lead as it was until the 91st minute. Where we scored again. Kevin Heenan was set up a treat by Jim Gardner from the left and it was a simple finish. 2-0 winners and we were into the next round! If we can transfer our cup form to the league we’ll be doing excellently.

retired_embartl

Of course to do well in the league you need to score goals, sort of one of the whole aims of the sport. We need strengthening in this department fast. I’m currently skimming through the bulletins on the SFA website where clubs put players either up for sale or loan. A few inquiries were made on Wednesday night, the same night that Rangers confirmed their Champions League place from the qualifiers and also too that when Iceland kept up the pressure on Scotland and Germany with a 3-0 win over the Faroes. Another letter from the SFA gave notice of our latest opponents in the Challenge Cup. Inverness Caledonian Thistle are visiting Gayfield next Tuesday. Another home draw for us then! August is looking like an exceptionally busy month.

On Friday 22nd the agents for Fabrizio Ravanelli and Andrei Kanchelskis told me where I could shove it whilst St. Mirren accepted my bid for Mark Roberts. I doubt he will come in all honesty and I only bid due to St. Mirrens financial difficulties. However if Mark does decide to join he will be taking an enormous £800 cut in his pay. A few potential loanees are currently deciding whether to join. Motherwell though have sold Stephen Pearson to Spurs for a shade less than £1 million.

Saturday came and it was a trip to newly promoted Albion Rovers. Eddie Forrest came in for a tired Sensini in an otherwise unchanged defence. Gardner and Swankie flanked Heenan with Spink McAulay and McGlashan in the central spots. The first half was a tough encounter with Albion putting us under the cosh for a fair while. However we held out for a 0-0 half time score.

After the break it was nice to see us more attack minded and after Kevin Heenan missed an absolute sitter it was nice to see us score a minute later. Gardner picked up a poor goal kick and he threaded it through for Kevin Heenan to finish. From then on it was one way traffic. Hinchcliffe and Spink soon provided Kevin with two further chances to score before he finally did again. Winning the ball in his own half John McGlashan sent the ball long for Heenan to chase. He duly did, shook off a defender and fired home a brilliant effort to effectively seal the contest. Dirno, McMillan and Andy Scott all came on late to save legs, I still can’t get rid of Scott but the game was over without any further action. An excellent away win which hopefully can be the boost to go on a decent winning run.

retired_embartl

Not long after that match there was little time to prepare before a return to the Challenge Cup. Paul Brownlie gave Kevin Heenan a rest, whilst Sensini, Dirno, Cargill and Feroz all made returns to the side. A solid first half display again saw us dominate and after Wyness missed an open goal for ICT we hit on the break to score following fine work by Andy Cargill that allowed Jim Gardner the time and space to shoot into the roof of the net. The crowd were ecstatic – we seem to love this Cup! The second half continued in this vein as Sensini repelled any ICT threat and helped set up chances for Paul and Craig. Eventually we did score a decisive second after a few subs had been made, when Andy Cargill’s through ball allowed substitute Kevin Heenan, for Brownlie, a run on goal and a chance he didn’t miss. In the final minute it was dream land as another sub, Gavin Swankie, used his freshness to beat the despondent Caley’s to send a ball in for Spink. The midfielder hit the cross bar but Heenan was there again to seal a fantastic victory! Confidence is certainly high at Gayfield.

After that fine victory I soon learned that our finalists in October would be Hearts, who comfortably won 3-0 over Queens Park thanks to Mark de Vries. I am amazed that we have managed to reach the final here, and utterly delighted as well. I’d even been able to rest a few legs and win. Sensini was MoM despite being subbed for McMillan late on, as he blocked all ICT’s route to goal. I suspect the Herald may start kicking up a fuss about our form of late, especially in the cup.

In transfer news, Mark Roberts called off negotiations but we’ve placed another bid for him. Further loan bids have been faxed through to the two Dundee clubs as they have a few players who might be worth looking at. The Herald also reported Chelsea’ £400,000 purchase of Heart’s key figure Kevin McKenna. Kevin had been in inspiring form as Walter Smith seeks to take Hearts straight back up to the SPL.

As August nears it’s conclusion we have one more game to go and it’s a home tie with Ross County also relegated with us last season. The only change to the starting line up is Kevin Heenan starting in place of Craig Feroz, the slot behind Paul Brownlie. Well this season so far we have been known to keep a clean sheet by half time in every game until half time but although we conceded one in this half the fact we scored 3 made up for it! The fans had their money’s worth this afternoon for sure.

Andy Cargill was once again heavily involved in all 3 of our goals. First off though Paul Brownlie finished a superb move off after 18 minutes when he slid in to meet Cargill’s corner. 3 minutes level and it was 1-1 as David Hannah capitalised on a slip from Connaghan to fire past Hinchcliffe. 5 minutes later and our lead was restored as Kevin Heenan beat the offside trap to collect an excellent pass from Jim Gardner to shoot low beyond Tony Bullock. The crowd were cheering again and they were 5 minutes later as Jim Gardner got in on the act following superb one touch passing that involved Brownlie, Heenan and Cargill. It was a beautiful goal that I’m sure even Ross County boss Dave Mosson appreciated.

The second half was even better as we managed to surpass Gardner’s goal with an even better one on the hour. It was samba time at Gayfield. Hinchcliffe rolled the ball out to Paul Dirno at right back, who passed across to Sensini and then Connaghan whose sharp vision picked out Gardner on the left. Gardner checked inside to McAulay who played across to the impressive Cargill. Hounded down by County players, he then chipped forward a delicately weighted pass that Paul Brownlie ran on to and finished into the top corner. It was a magical stuff. With 15 minutes to go, and after I’d made my usual leg saving subs, Jim Gardner hit County on the counter attack and picked out Paul Brownlie again. The forwards first effort was blocked by the advancing Bullock but calmly he collected the rebound and slotted into an empty net. An excellent hat-trick and the fans were in full voice. Ross County were supposed to be one of the big contenders for the title and here we were utterly thrashing them. That’s how it stayed and as MoM Brownlie led the side off the pitch they were greeted by a standing ovation. It was a fantastic effort and was a great way to round the month off.