retired_embartl

YIPPEE! Congrats PM, about time 'n all

shannon2007

Scotland

There was little time for us to celebrate our famous win, as most of the squad would be playing in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, and of course the Confederations Cup. There was going to be very little time for rest for these players before the new season begun, and that certainly couldn't be a good thing in the long run.

Still, we just had to get on with it, and the Faroe Islands were up first at Hampden. Goals in the 6th minute from Kevin McMillan, and the 18th from Steven Murray were enough to allow us to coast to victory, and although the supporters had probably hoped for more, the win was what was most important.

Away to Cyprus, and it was the Scott show. I suppose being so young makes it easier for the players to keep going, and after a struggle in the first half, Scott Craig finally opened the scoring against a stuffy Cyprus team seven minutes from half time. A minute after the break, Craig made it two, and on 67 minutes Scott Adams added a third, and we had qualified for the World Cup Finals with three matches to spare.

Opinion was mixed on the usefulness of the Confederations Cup. In some ways it was an annoyance when really I just wanted my players to rest. On the other hand it was a good experience of a finals type event, and also should provide a good spectacle for the Scots and Welsh footballing public. Not that there were a lot of glamour teams on show mind you.

Wales in their group would have Senegal, World Cup holders Honduras and Colombia, whilst we were in with New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and red hot tournament favourites, Italy. The opening group match saw Italy thrash New Zealand 4-1 at Hampden, and later that day, Scotland took on Saudi Arabia at Celtic Park. The Saudi's had little chance here, and just five minutes into the game, Scott Craig had Scotland ahead. Kevin McMillan added a 2nd on 22 minutes, and ten minutes later Saad Falatah was sent off and the Saudi's were in even more trouble. Scott Craig on 41, and Alan MacDonald on the stroke of half time, took us in 4-0 up at the break. Despite another sending off for the Saudi's there was no more scoring, as our players eased up and in the end it was little more than a training match.

In Wales group, our joint host-mates got their campaign underway with a 3-1 loss at Senegal, and Honduras overcame Colombia by 2-0. Back in our group, Saudi Arabia recovered from the mauling we had given them to defeat New Zealand 2-0, and we had probably the toughest match yet of my Scotland career, as we took on the Italians. At least, that was the theory.

By half time, we found ourselves four nil up again, as goals from Barker, Craig and Adams, plus an own goal from Pirlo saw off an Italian side who looked as thought they wished they didn't have to be here. The second half, the Italians looked more like the team they probably should be, and in injury time Piazza gained them a consolation goal, but we had still pulled off an excellent win.

Down in Wales, the hosts overcame Honduras 3-2, whilst Senegal saw off Colombia 2-1. In the final round of matches, Wales beat Colombia 3-0 to book their place in the Semi Finals, joining Senegal who beat Honduras 3-2. Italy joined those three by overcoming Saudi Arabia 2-0, and of course we made up the quartet with a convincing EIGHT nil win over hapless New Zealand, although to be fair John Ferguson did score twice in injury time.

The Finals saw Italy take on Senegal, a match the Italian won 2-0, and almost without trying had reached the Final for the 3rd successive time, having lost the previous two. That of course meant we had a meeting with Wales in Cardiff, and with home advantage the Welsh had a good first half, as the match remained goalless. It looked as if it wasn't going to be our day when Scott Craig missed a penalty on 51 minutes, but seven minutes later Steven Murray finally made the break through, and five minutes later he made it two. Scott Adams added a third on 71 minutes as we clinched a rematch with the Italians. Wales went on to secure 3rd place, beating Senegal 2-1.

We would expect of course that the Italians might be more up for this game, as it was after all the Final. Yet eight minutes into the game, SCott Adams sent us ahead, and the Italians just seemed to totally lose interest. Scott Craig hit the net on 10, 13 and 18 minutes, for a sensational eight minute hatrick, and was then carried off at half time with an injury. The second half was a bit of a non event, and finally the longest season ever was over, as Scotland won the Confederations Cup, and hopefully gives us good experience for next years World Cup.

And finally, the players can have a rest, but with this final being played on the 30th June, and our preseason starting on the 14th of July, its going to be a very short close season.

How They Played

verus Faroes David Shearer 7; Scott McKeown 8, Declan Lawless 7, David Barker 8, Paul O'Neill 7; Kevin McMillan 8, Ross Kelly 7, Scott Adams 8; Scott Craig 8, Alan MacDonald 7, Steven Murray 8

versus Cyprus David Shearer 8; Scott McKeown 7, Declan Lawless 7, David Barker 8, Paul O'Neill 7; John Foley 8, Ross Kelly 8, Scott Adams 8; Scott Craig 10, Alan MacDonald 7, Steven Murray 8

versus Saudi Arabia David Shearer 7; Scott McKeown 8, Declan Lawless 7, David Barker 7, Paul O'Neill 7; Kevin McMillan 9, Ross Kelly 7, Scott Adams 8; Scott Craig 9, Alan MacDonald 8, Steven Murray 7 subs: Mark Williamson (for David Shearer, 63) 7, John Foley ( for Kevin McMillan, 63) 7

versus Italy David Shearer 8; Scott McKeown 8, Declan Lawless 7, David Barker 8, Paul O'Neill 7; Kevin McMillan 8, Ross Kelly 8, Scott Adams 9; Scott Craig 8, Alan MacDonald 7, Steven Murray 7 Subs: John Ferguson (for Scott Craig, 76) 6, John Foley (for Scott Adams, 76)7, Andy Duncan (for David Barker, 76) 6

versus New Zealand David Shearer 7; Craig Campbell 8, David Barker 8, Tony Murphy 8, Andy Duncan 9; John Foley 9, David Davidson 8, John Ross 8; Scott Craig 8, Mark Parker 8, John Ferguson 8 Subs: Alan MacDonald (for Scott Craig, 59) 7, Declan Lawless (for David Barker, 59) 7, Scott McKeown (for David Davidson, 59) 8

versus Wales, Conf. Cup SF David Shearer 8; Scott McKeown 7, Declan Lawless 8, David Barker 9, Paul O'Neill 7; Kevin McMillan 8, Ross Kelly 7, Scott Adams 9; Scott Craig 8, Alan MacDonald 8, Steven Murray 10 Sub: John Foley (for Ross Kelly, 78) 6

versus Italy, Conf. Cup Final David Shearer 8; Scott McKeown 8, Declan Lawless 8, David Barker 7, Paul O'Neill 7; Kevin McMillan 7, David Davidson 7, Scott Adams 10; Scott Craig 10, Alan MacDonald 7, Steven Murray 7 Subs: John Ferguson (for Scott Craig, 45) 7, John Foley (for Kevin McMillan, 55) 7

retired_Kemp

Excellent job, PM

Well done :thup:

retired_manpk1

Fantastic PM7, well done

It's amazing what you can do with an editor :eek:

retired_loubou

congrats PM

great stroy and effort. Third time lucky, eh

shannon2007

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by binny:
Fantastic PM7, well done

It's amazing what you can do with an editor :eek:<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You would know all about that eh binny

TBH though, you can't just attribute it all to the editor, as the only thing that was edited was the youth facilities. Of course mibbe starting with awful youth facilities would make it ten times harder, and its a thought for the future!

Assuming we won the World Cup & Euros that still means there is a minimum of three years left in this story, so the possibility to join the great teams who won the Euro Cup three years in a row. And then? Well the oldest player I have will still only be 28 by then. I have a feeling this story might not allow itself to end :o

Thanks for all the comments, much appreciated

retired_manpk1

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by binny:
Fantastic PM7, well done

It's amazing what you can do with an editor :eek:<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You would know all about that eh binny
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't know what you're talking about :p

shannon2007

There's no doubt of course that having world class facilities helps, after all, you would expect some return and I would also like to think the coaching staff help, but I'm not sure about that tbh. Also, especially in the early days, by clearing out the dross I managed to get in a decent number of youths each year (its kinda slipping now but thats because the youth squad is a bit bigger atm), and you would expect some of them to be ok. I think you just take the risk with a player who looks good, and see how he goes tbh.

shannon2007

The Billy Buchanan Diaries - 31

Only two weeks have passed since the end of the Confederations Cup, and we are off to Spain for the pre-season. With this being a World Cup season, and Scotland being there, the players will not be getting much rest this coming summer either, but lets face it, they get paid well enough so they should be able to cope.

It will be very hard, if not impossible, to repeat the perfection of last season, and the fans expectations are bound to be sky high. Our aim is simple, to win everything, and keep winning everything until we get bored with it. Of course, thats unlikely, but we'll give it a damn good try. We dont intend giving up our titles easily!

Squad 2013-2014

Goalkeepers

David Shearer (19) (13 caps) Youth Academy 09. With Mark Williamson looking shakey, Shearer grabbed his chance with both teams to play his part in our perfect season, and has also become the No1 for Scotland. (57 apps, 21 conc., 40 clean sheets, 1 MoM, 7.02) (Overall: 58 apps, 21 conc, 41 clean sheets, 1 MoM, 7.00) Game Descriptions: Resilient Goalkeeper

Mark Williamson(22) (3 caps). Youth Academy 05 Has dropped out of the team after a couple of very poor performances, and has since requested a transfer, which has been accepted. (3 apps, 2 conc, 1 clean sheet, 6.00) (Overall: 199 apps, 121 conc, 111 clean sheets, 13 MoM, 7.00) Game Descriptions: Determined Goalkeeper


Jimmy Ross(21) ( 9 U-21 caps) Youth Academy 07. Managed one first team start, but with Williamson on the way out, should become the number two keeper. (Overall: 31 apps, 19 conc, 18 clean sheets, 4 MoM, 7.00) Game Descriptions: Goalkeeper

Defence

Scott McKeown (19) (13 caps, 1 goal) Youth Academy 09. Has fought hard to make himself the number one right back, and looks set to be there for the foreseeable future. (47 apps, 3 goals, 6 assists, 1 MoM, 7.13) (Overall: 91 apps, 3 goals, 11 assists, 1 MoM, 7.13) Game Descriptions: Midfielder


Craig Campbell (25) (35 caps, 3 goals) Youth academy 04. Spent a lot of the season on the bench, and isn’t happy about that so he will be sold if anyone makes a sensible bid. (25 apps, 3 assists, 7.36) (Overall: 286 apps, 7 goals, 30 assists, 3 MoM, 7.31) Game Descriptions: Resilient Fullback

Paul O'Neill (23) (25 caps, 3 goals) Youth Academy 04. Another excellent season for Paul, who remains a key player at the club, and reached the landmark of 300 appearances in the Champions League Final. (47 apps, 16 goals, 5 assists, 2 MoM, 7.64) (overall: 300 apps, 60 goals, 46 assists, 10 MoM, 7.30) Game Descriptions: Normal Decisive Fullback

Andy Duncan (19) ( 2 caps) Youth Academy 09. Found himself drafted into the first team squad to provide cover on the left of the defence, and shows a lot of promise. Also managed to pick up his first full caps. (17 apps, 4 assists, 7.06) Game Descriptions: Normal Defender

David Barker(20) (23 Caps, 4 goals) Youth Academy 07. Another superb season for a player who surely can go on to join the ranks of Gordon McQueen and Richard Gough as a Scotland defensive legend. (57 apps, 2 goals, 7 assists, 1 MoM, 7.42) (Overall: 278 apps, 16 goals, 29 assists, 5 MoM, 7.35) Game Descriptions: Normal Centre Back

Declan Lawless (18) (12 caps) Youth Academy 09. As expected has formed a solid partnership at the back with Barker, leaving Tony Murphy as a bit player. (57 apps, 7.14) (Overall: 87 apps, 4 goals, 1 MoM, 7.16) Game Descriptions: Normal Centre Back

Tony Murphy (19) (3 caps) Youth Academy 09. Is unlucky to have Lawless as competition, but he just needs to get on with it really. (12 apps, 6.83) (Overall: 151 apps, 8 goals, 4 assists, 2 MoM, 7.06) Game Descriptions: Normal Centre Back

Pat Kenny (23) (capped at U-21 levev) Youth Academy 06. Spent the season in the reserves, making just one first team appearance. Is transfer listed, but at the moment there is no interest. (1 apps, 7.00) (Overall: 48 apps, 1 assists, 6.42) Games Descriptions: Normal Defender

Alan Kelly (25) Youth academy 04. Spent the season on the transfer list, but no-one wants him. (5 apps, 6.60) (Overall: 23 apps, 1 assist, 6.43) Game Descriptions: Normal Full Back

Alan Lynch(20) (3 U21 Caps) Youth Academy 07. Still no offers, and made no first team appearances. (Overall: 14 apps, 6.71) Game Descriptions: Normal Young Centre Back

Robert Hunter (24) (capped at u-21 level) Youth Academy. Has been transfer listed, but no interest so far. (3 apps, 6.67). (Overall: 52 apps, 3 assists, 6.73) Game Descriptions: Normal Fullback

Midfield

Kevin McMillan (21) (24 caps, 4 goals) Youth Academy 07. Another great season, culminating in a super show in the Champions League Final. Despite intense interest from allegedly bigger clubs, we have still received no sensible bids, and Kevin is happy to remain at the club. Was voted the SPFA SPL Young Player of the Year for the 2nd time. (50 apps, 9 goals, 17 assists, 4 MoM, 7.98) (Overall: 245 apps, 35 goals, 85 assists, 19 MoM, 7.64) Game Descriptions: Normal Winger

Scott Adams (26) (24 caps, 7 goals) Youth academy 04. Was devastated to miss the Champions League Final through suspension, but hopefully he’ll have plenty more chances to win that medal. (44 apps, 9 goals, 20 assists, 7 MoM, 7.98). (Overall: 228 apps, 36 goals, 78 assists, 18 MoM, 7.61) Normal Winger


Ross Kelly (23) (8 Caps) Youth Academy 05. Has become more of a figure in the starting line up this season, playing a central midfield role, swapping with Davidson when the need arises. (23 apps, 2 goals, 5 assists. 7.26) (Overall: 96 apps, 4 goals, 11 assts, 7.11) Game Descriptions: Normal Midfielder

David Davidson (23) (10 caps, 2 goals) Youth academy 04. Decent season for David who remains fully committed to the club. (38 apps, 8 goals, 3 assists, 2 MoM 7.37) (Overall: 161 apps, 44 goals, 28 assists, 9 MoM, 7.34) Game Descriptions: Driven Tenacious Midfielder

Peter Martin (24) (capped at U-21 level) Youth Academy 05. Spent the season in the reserves, although he did make five sub appearances for the first team. (5 apps, 6.80) (Overall: 87 apps*, 5 goals*, 8 assists, 2 MoM, 7.10) (*Incudes 8 games and 2 goals on loan at St Mirren in 2007/08) Game Descriptions: Driven Midfielder

Mark Parker (24) (1 cap, 1 goal) Youth Academy 06. Has signed a new contract, but still remains very much a fringe player at best. (9 apps, 1 assist, 7.44) (Overall: 91 apps, 4 goals, 8 assists, 5 MoM, 6.89) ( Dundalk record: 62 apps, 4 goals, 6 assists, 5 MoM, 6.79 2007-2009) Game Descriptions: Driven Winger

John Foley (19) (10 caps) Youth Academy 09. Played almost as many games for the national side as for the club, but that probably just shows the talent that he has. . (14 apps, 4 assists, 7.36) (overall: 51 apps, 5 goals, 14 assists, 1 MoM, 7.33) Game Descriptions: Normal Winger

John Ross (19) (1 cap, 1 goal) Youth Academy 10. Getting one or two chances to shine, and along with Foley would probably be able to walk into most other SPL sides. (15 apps, 4 goals, 1 assist, 2 MoM 7.60) (Overall: 22 apps, 6 goals, 3 assists, 3 MoM, 7.45) Game Descriptions: Normal Forward

Attackers

Alan MacDonald (24) (17 caps, 4 goals) Youth academy 04. Another good season from a player who tends to go unnoticed at times, but is very much a key player in the side now. Has reached the 300 games milestone. (50 apps, 13 goals, 8 assists, 1 MoM, 7.244) (Overall: 311 apps, 98 goals, 54 assists, 18 MoM, 7.20) Game Descriptions: Normal Forward

Steven Murray(25) (32 caps, 18 goals) Youth academy 04. Voted the fans player of the year once again, Steven is fast become a legend at the club, and this season was by far his best ever as he starts to look like a class forward in every way, and has just passed 200 senior club goals. Was, not surprisingly, voted as the Football Writers Player of the Year for the first ever time, having picked up the players award three times before. (52 apps, 36 goals, 34 assists, 8 MoM, 8.19 ) (Overall: 393 apps, 207 goals, 145 assists, 71 MoM, 7.80) Game Descriptions: Normal Striker

Scott Craig (19) (14 cap, 19 goals) Youth Academy 09. An absolutely outstanding season for the youngster, who broke the club league and overall scoring records, with 26 league goals, and 43 overall, as well as hitting an astonishing 18 goals in 13 matches for Scotland. A player who can surely go on to outshine the great strikers of the past. Was voted the SPFA SPL Player of the Year. (51 apps, 43 goals, 17 assists, 20 MoM, 8.37) (Overall: 129 apps, 90 goals, 51 assists, 40 MoM, 8.16) Game Descriptions: Normal Forward


John Ferguson(24) (9 caps, 3 goals) Youth academy 04. Remains as very useful back up player. (22 apps, 3 goals, 3 assists, 1 MoM, 7.05) (Overall: 145 apps, 48 goals, 31 assists, 10 MoM, 7.34) Game Descriptions: Normal Winger

Andy Fraser (20) Youth Academy 09. Looks like being a useful squad player. (10 apps, 5 goals, 7.10) (Overall: 16 apps, 8 goals, 7.06)

John Morrison (24) Youth Academy 05. Only managed one appearance, as he seeks to attract a new club, without much success so far. (Overall: 12 apps, 1 goal, 6.58)

Under 19 Squad

Goalkeepers


Peter Kelly (16) Youth Academy 12.


.Defence

Mark Gray (19) Youth Academy 09.

Kevin Fraser (19) Youth Academy 09.

Peter Kelly (15) Youth Academy 12.

Gary Cronin (16) Youth Academy 12.

Alex Lynch (16) Youth Academy 12.

David MacKenzie (17) Youth Academy 12.

David Davidson (15) Youth Academy 12.

Midfield

Craig Cameron (19) Youth Academy 09.


Gordon Paterson (19) Youth Academy 09.


Steven Cameron (19) Youth Academy 09.

David Rae (18) Youth Academy 10.

Craig Strain (15) Youth Academy 12.


Mark Bell (14) Youth Academy 13. The only player to come through this season, he doesn’t look much, but we are assured he is a player with a lot of potential. Time will tell.

Attackers

Stuart Murphy (17) Youth Academy 10 . (11 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 1 MoM 6.91) (Overall: 16 apps, 2 goals, 1 assist, 1 MoM, 6.94)


Paul Ferguson (19) Youth Academy 10.

John Young (16) Youth Academy 12.

Craig Cowie (16) Youth Academy 12. Tipped to be the best player the youth academy has produced so far, but has plenty of time to develop in the youths and won’t be rushed. Is already attracting the interest of English clubs.

Alan Scott (18) Youth Academy 12.

Player Who Have Gone To Other Clubs

Mark Mitchell (21) (3 caps) Youth Academy 07. Failed to sign a new contract and left at the end of the season. Still looking for a new club. (Overall: 135 apps, 31 goals, 11 assists, 11 MoM, 7.49)

Steven Hamilton(22) Youth Academy 07. No first team appearances, and left out of contract. Currently jobless. (3 apps, 7.00) (Overall: 20 apps, 6.60)

Scott Gibson (22) ( 2 caps, 1 goal) Youth Academy 06. Managed 8 goals in ten appearances for the Berlin club. (Overall Forfar Record: 118 apps, 45 goals, 38 assists, 11 MoM, 7.61)

Kevin Smart (24) (capped at U-21 level) Youth Academy 06. Only managed 1 first team appearance for Aberdeen.

John Murray(24) Youth Academy 05. With 35 appearances, has become the Aberdeen no 1 keeper.

Youths who didn't make it

John Davidson (17) Youth Academy 12. Not up to the job, and has been released.

Paul Gibson (17) Youth Academy 12. Leaves having failed to make his mark, and is looking for a new club.

Mark McDonald (16) Youth Academy 12. Quite a poor player, and is released to find himself a club more at his level, which he has so far failed to do.

Graham Wilson (16) Youth Academy 12. Simply not good enough and has been released. Remains without a club.

Scott Scott (18) Youth Academy 11. Has retired from football.

Gerry Walker (20) Youth Academy 09. Has been picked up by Shamrock Rovers.

Paul King (21) Youth Academy 09. Has moved to Glenrothes.

Mark Rooney (23) Youth Academy 05. Still without a new club.

Alan Mitchell (22) Youth Academy 06. Remains at Threave Rovers.

Gary McMillan (23) Youth Academy 06. Still at Inverurie Loco Works
.
David Martin (22) Youth academy 07. Managed 24 appearances for Airdrie United last season.

Colin Gray (21) Youth academy 07. Still a fringe player at Derry City.

Paul Thompson (24) Youth Academy 05. Still at Bathgate Thistle.

Brian Miller (23) Youth Academy 06. Still at Maryhill.

Andy Russell(21) Youth Academy 07. Still at Lossiemouth.

Kevin Scott (24) Youth academy 04. Still plugging away at Benburb.

Peter Breen (24) Youth Academy 05. Remains a useful squad player at Derry.

David Black (23) Youth Academy 06. Still at Cambuslang.

John Kavanagh (23) Youth Academy 06. Still at Fraserburgh.

Gary Dunne (25) Youth academy 04. Still hasn’t found his way back into football yet refuses to give up hope. Perhaps he should get real.

John Byrne(26) Youth academy 04. Still plugging away at Pollock.

David O'Reilly (26) Youth academy 04. Still at Buckie Thistle.

Martin Aitken (23) Youth Academy 05. Still at Benburb.

Paul Johnston (24) Youth Academy 06. Still at Wick Academy.

Coaching Staff

Manager : Billy Buchanan Career: 510 games, 322 wins, 114 draws, 74 defeats, 1075 goals scored, 382 goals lost; 1 FIFA Confederations Cup, 1 UEFA Champions League, 6 SPL titles; 4 SFA Cups; 3 League Cups; 1 SFL Division 1 title; 1 SFL Division 2 title; 1 SFL Challenge Cup (Incudes record with England & Scotland)

Assistant Manager Reserves: Craig Burley

Assistant Manager U-19’s: John Brown

Goalkeeping Coaches: Phil Harrington; Malcolm Thompson

Defensive Coaches: Fred Davis, Michael Reiziger, Mariano Flores, Boudewijn Zenden, Rudiger Vollborn

Mid/Attacking Coaches: John Philiben, Mario Stanic, David Bowman, John Ritchie, Fran, Billy Kirkwood, Augustine

Youth Team Coaches:Eamonn Bannon, Steve Walford, Billy Davies

Physios: Brian McNeill; Alistair MacFie; Hugh Allan; Paul Greene; Jim Peacock; Don Hutchison; Henning Berg; Nuno Capucho; Winston Bogarde; Jerome Morel; Ryan Giggs

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 06 April 2004 at 18:07.]

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 06 April 2004 at 18:22.]

shannon2007

The Billy Buchanan Diaries - 32

If truth be told, we expected and hoped for a much tougher challenge domestically this season. The harsh reality is, we didn't get one. Our 7th successive title was wrapped up with ease, and although we lost three games this time round, the title was never really in any doubt. 7 NRO, 3 more to go.

The domestic Cups may of course have provided more of a challenge, being as they are one off games, and being that anything can happen in such circumstances. We were of course looking to lift both domestic cups for the third time in a row each, giving us an unprecedented 'Triple Treble'. In the League Cup Final, goals from John Morrison and Scott Adams set the first part of our unique achievement in place, and in the FA Cup Final, we steamrollered the 'mighty' Rangers by 3-0, Craig Cowie, and a Scott Craig brace bring home the final piece in that particular jigsaw, and winning is becoming something we just seem to do naturally now. Its still nice though

Two other trophies of course were up for grabs that we had never competed for before. They don't really mean much in reality, but it's still nice to have these silver things lying about the place, isn't it The Super Cup of course took place early in the season in Monaco, our opponents being Parma. It was from a spectacle, ending 0-0, we had to rely on a penalty shoot out to win this cup, 3-2. The Inter Continental Cup in Japan was against Sao Paulo, a match we dominated and won with ease. John Ross and Scott Craig getting a goal each, and another little piece of history was made.

Our defence of the Champions League saw us drawn in a group with Arsenal, Monaco and Lokomotiv Moscow, which if we're being honest now, shouldn't have posed us many problems. And the truth is, it didn't as we won five of the games, and the only blemish was a 2-1 defeat in London. Lyin in wait in the last sixteen were Portuguese side Porto. Paul O'Neil blew a great chance to send us ahead from the penalty spot on 35 minutes of the first leg in Oporto, and five minutes later Musaev got the only goal of the game for the home side. It was looking grim in the home leg, as time wore on and Porto held on, but on 63 minutes, Ross Kelly eventually got the goal we needed, and the match went to extra time. Eight minutes into the extra period, Scott Craig struck to send us through on the silver goal.

The Quarter Finals saw us face Stuttgart, who stunned the Station Park support after just one minute of the first leg by taking the lead. Scott Craig equalized 12 minutes later, but somehow we just couldn't score again, and now we had it all to do in Germany. Once again, a tight and dogged match, but when Ross Kelly sent us ahead on 57 minutes, it looked to be enough. Two and half minutes into injury time though, Kemal Ahmet sensationally levelled for Stuttgart and once again we were into extra time.

Neither team could score in the extra period, and so our hold on the Champions League trophy was hanging by a penalty kick thread, and when Paul O'Neil missed our opener, it looked gloomy. After three penalties each though, both sides had missed one, and then Stuttgart scored their 4th, Scott Adams missed, and we were out of the Champions League. If that is, Basturk scored. Incredibly, he blasted the ball over the bar, and five penalties later, after a miss by Lara, Craig Cowie rammed the ball home and we had come back from the brink to claim our place in the last four. Where we would play Chelsea.

We had only played Chelsea once before, back in 2003, when they had gubbed us 5-0 in a friendly. Well that certainly wasn't going to happen this time. Yet a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Station Park wasn't what the doctor had ordered, and it seems we were intent on making it very difficult for ourselves. In the second leg though, we were immense, playing probably our best game of the season, as braces from Steven Murray and John Foley eased us into our 4th Champions League Final.

In the Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Milan stand in our way as we attempt to join the elite band of clubs who have retained the Club Championship of Europe. Who says success is boring