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There was very little transfer activity at Station Park, due to the fact we have very little money to spend. Eventually, just as the season was starting, Alex Williams was flogged off to Kilmarnock for £250,000 and I used £100k of that to bring Andrew Ferguson from Ayr United as his replacement.
The new batch of youngsters came through, but at the moment its hard to say if any of them will make the grade, and so for now we go with virtually the same squad we had last season. I fear we might not be good enough, but we are still a young side and the experience can only do us good.
Pre-season started with a home game against Galatasaray, and we played well enough to run out winners by 2-1. But any thoughts we might have had that we were ready for the SPL were soon pushed away as we travelled to Portugal for a three game tour. Opening against Belenenses, we crumbled 5-1, and it wasn't a pretty sight. We played better against Estrela Amadora, but still went down 1-0, before ending our tour with a 3-1 win over Alverca.
We wrapped up the preseason with two home games, as we held Dutch giants PSV to a 1-1 draw and then saw of Serbia & Montenegro side Zeta by a single goal. Its been a mixed preseason, but hopefully we have just about what it takes to stave of relegation. But I'm still far from convinced.
Squad 2004-2005
Goalkeepers
David Marshall (19) (3 U-21 Caps) Came into the side after the departure of Brown, and faces a huge test in the season ahead. (21 apps, 21 conceded, 10 CS, 3 MoM, 7.19)
Graeme Smith (22) Only made 1 sub appearance but should have more chances if Marshall screws up.
Cameron Bell (18) U-19 keeper last season, comes up to be 3rd choice for the season to come.
Craig Samson (21)(4 U-21 Caps) Spent the season as the reserve team keeper and remains there in the season ahead.
Defence
Steve Florence (33) Decent season, and is looking forward to his first ever season in the top flight, but whether he is good enough we'll soon see. (40 apps, 5 assists, 7.15)
David McClune (22) No appearances at all last season, and that is unlikely to change. Can expect to be sold if any offers come in.
Ross Forsyth (22) Only managed three sub appearances.
Mark Dempsie (24) Fairly average season, doesnt show much promise for the higher level. (25 apps, 2 goals, 1 assist, 1 MoM, 6.88)
Andy Jordan (25) Spectaculary unconvinving season, and is likely to be sold if a decent bid comes in. (26 apps, 3 goals, 6.31)
Richard Robb (22) Only three appearances in which he was utter garbage.
Elliot Smith (21) (2 U-21 Caps) Reasonable unimpressive in his few starts. (7 apps, 3 assists, 6.71)
David Lowing (21) (Capped at U-21 level) Another good season, and as he attracts attention from bigger clubs, it will become harder to hold on to him. (47 apps, 1 goal, 5 assists, 7.28)
Robbie Horn (28) Decent enough season at the back, but can he keep it up in the higher league. (34 apps, 2 goals, 4 assists, 1 MoM, 7.15)
Fraser Coyle (19) Managed to break into the 1st team with six starts, but was pretty woeful. (6 apps, 6.33)
Midfield
Steven Blair (19) (5 U-21 Caps) Only managed a few appearances, and clearly still has a lot to learn. (11 apps, 2 goals, 6.91)
Keith Gibson (24) Kevin Byers long term injury allowed Gibson a decent run in the side, and showed he is a player with a fair amount if talent. (31 apps, 11 goals, 2 assists, 5 MoM, 7.97)
Barry Robson (26) Good season on the left wing, and will be looking forward to SPL football again. (43 apps, 6 goals, 13 assists, 5 MoM, 7.65)
Darren Smith (25) Didnt get many chances, but filled in well when he did. (4 apps, 1 MoM, 7.75)
Martin Maher (21) (1 U-21 Cap) Good season for another player who is attracting a lot of transfer attention. (40 apps, 7 goals, 3 assists, 1 MoM, 7.28)
Charlie King (25) Surprisingly decent season on the right wing. (46 apps, 2 goals, 8 assists, 4 MoM, 7.67)
Kevin Byers (25) Finally returned from injury in March and scored the goal that secured the title. (12 apps, 6 goals, 3 assists, 2 MoM, 7.75)
Christophe Berra (19) Moves up to the reserve squad, but still not looking like making the big breakthrough.
Gary Irvine (20) Released by Celtic in the summer, but probably a reserve player at best.
Attackers
Scott Bannerman (26) Only made one start last season.
Steven Hislop (27) Failed to make any appearances at all.
Paul Shields (23) Decent season with a few vital goals. (34 apps, 16 goals, 15 assists, 2 MoM, 7.44)
Blair Sturrock (23) No appearances and is unlikely to ever make any.
Colin Hodge (20) Appearances were few and far between, but didnt dissapoint when called on. (16 apps, 11 goals, 2 assists, 3 MoM, 7.38)
Alan MacDonald (16) Youth academy 04. Made a few first team starts, but clearly still has a lot to learn, and may not be quite ready for the SPL. (19 apps, 6 goals, 4 assists, 6.84)
Steven Murray(17) Youth academy 04. A good season for the youngster who would seem to have a decent future in the game. (34 apps, 12 goals, 12 assists, 6 MoM, 7.44)
Looking interesting. I especially like the hyperlinks to the youth players to see how they are progressing year to year. Steven Murray seems to be coming on quite nicely :thup:
02-07-2004, 04:44 PM
Bringing Up Baby - A Different Approach to The Lisbon Lions Challenge. Post #14
----------------------------------------------- The Billy Buchanan Diaries - 6
If we were under any illusions about how tough the task ahead of us was going to be, the bookies certainly weren't. We were rank outsiders to win the the SPL, with odds of 200/1 and tbh, I couldn't really argue with that. Still, I was pretty certain we could at least stay up, and give ourselves something to build on.
We managed to attain a level of consistancy, that saw us move into 5th place in the table, and thats where we more or less stayed, and its where we were come the end of 2005. Our first ever SPL victory was achieved in our 4th match, as we went to Tynecastle and overcame Hearts by 4-2 in an excellent performance. We also had a brilliant 1-0 triumph over Rangers in the League Cup, just days after losing to them in the league. The Rangers match also saw a debut for young left back Paul O'Neill, who became the 3rd youth academy player to play for the club, and he didnt let himself down.
Our League Cup dream though ended in the Quarters against Dundee, as corrupt refereeing by Kevin Toner saw them awarded a penalty for no reason with less than 2 minutes left, and we were out. But overall, its been a pleasing first half of the season, and if we end 5th I'll be delighted.
The U19's have been finding it tough after a decent start, and they currently lie 5th in their table. But even so, thats a decent placing, and hopefully a few of them can knock on the first team door by the end of the season....
02-08-2004, 02:24 PM
Bringing Up Baby - A Different Approach to The Lisbon Lions Challenge. Post #15
With no realistic chance of winning the title, our league aims now being to secure a place in the elite top six, our big chance for sucess this season lay in the Scottish Cup. The 3rd round draw though was cruel to us, as we were paired with Aberdeen at Pittodrie, but a decent performace saw us hold them to a goalless draw, and in the replay we turned in one of best performances of the season as we whipped them 4-0.
The 4th round draw saw us overcome Falkirk by 3-1, setting up a quarter final meeting with Morton. Once again, we had to go got a replaty after a 1-1 draw, but once more we were triumphant, this time by 3-0, and in the last four we would meet Champions elect Rangers. Having beaten them in the League Cup, we harboured hopes of a cup double, but it wasnt to be as they abused us by 5-1 and we were out.
Our struggle for a top six place was fading as the players seemed to lose their way, but eventually a win at Dens Park saw us clinch the place we craved. The last five games were crazy as we gained a win over Celtic away, and drew at home to newly crowned Champions Rangers, but lost to Hibs and Aberdeen, and drew with Dunfermline, to end up a very respectable, and actually brilliant, 6th.
There was further good news for us, as Kevin Byers was voted as the Scottish Football Writers Player of the Year, and fantastic achievement for Kevin and the club. And there was further good news as David Marshall was voted the Scottish Players Young Player of the Year, and although its been a struggle at time this season, these awards have made it so special. Finally, along with Byers and Marshall, Keith Gibson was voted into the SPL Team of the Year.
On the youth front, injury to Florence and his decision to retire come the end of the season, opened up the way for two more youths to make their first team debuts. Right backs Robert Hunter and Craig Campbell both had run outs in that position, and will be hoping for more in the future. The U-19 side ended up 6th in their league, which at the end of the day was a decent enough position.
The first season out of the way, we await to see if 6th is good enough for a UEFA Cup spot, and there's a very good chance it will be. Playing in Europe would certainly be a great experience, but out target next season is simply to see more of the youths make the big breakthrough, and to improve on that 6th place.
[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 09 February 2004 at 13:31.]
02-08-2004, 02:25 PM
Bringing Up Baby - A Different Approach to The Lisbon Lions Challenge. Post #16
Another preseason, with its new influx of youth, the usual transfers in and out, and a pre-season tour of Spain this time, to keep us all going. And we also finally see the completion of out three new stands, which ups our capacity from 1800, to a 7500 all seater. Last season, we were given odds of 200/1 to win the SPL, and although in reality were never came close, our 6th place finish shoed those odds were a wee bit OTT. Yet this season, having done nothing of note, and with virtually the same squad for the 3rd successive season, the bookies have made us 8/1 3rd favourites behind the Old Firm. Utterly insane.
The players who left were David McClune, who never got a look in, and he goes to Montrose for £28,000. John Bradley and Steven Blair are decent enough players, but its clear they're werent going to get much action very soon, and they have both left. Bradley goes to Clyde for £130,000 and Blair heads to Portsmouth for £120,000. The final sale is Paul Shields to Partick for £425,000, and good luck to him in the First Division.
Coming in the way, we picked up Rangers reject Peter Leven, and Aberdeen reject Michele Lombardi on frees. Promising 15 year old striker Andrew Grant comes from A*rdr*e U*d at £40,000, and the capture of the summer is 20 year old Darren Campbell from Reading for £350,000 which is a club record.
The tour of Spain was a bit mixed, as we beat Cuidad de Murcia and Salamanca, but lost out to Poli Ejido and Badajoz. Not overly impressive, but the main thing is simply to get the squad together and playing again. Back in Scotland, a 1-0 home loss to Brechin was poor, but we rounded off our pre season with a 1-1 draw at home to Feyenoord, and a 2-1 win over Ipswich.
Having made it into the UEFA Cup, our target this season is to once again end up in the top half of the SPL, and mibbe get a cup on the board. The UEFA 1st round draw sess us play Romanian side Gloria Bistrita, and although we are a long way from winning a European trophy, I'm hopefull of a decent run.
Squad 2006-2007
Goalkeepers
David Marshall (20) (3 U-21 Caps) A good first full season in the SPL for David, that saw him voted as the SPFA Young Player of the Year. (47 apps, 59 conceded, 12 CS, 7 MoM, 7.49)
Graeme Smith (23) No appearances.
Cameron Bell (19) Continues to develope in a decent keeper, and managed to make his first team debut. (1 apps, 1 conc, 5.00)
Craig Samson (22)(Capped at U-21 level) Another decent young keeper, but has yet to make first team start.
Defence
Ross Forsyth (23) Has been a bit of a flop, and is transfer listed. (5 apps, 5.80)
Mark Dempsie (25) Hardly got a sniff off first team action and was total garbage when he did (5 apps, 6.20)
Andy Jordan (26) Decent enough when given the chance, but nothing special. (17 apps, 1 assist, 6.82)
Elliot Smith (22) (Capped at U-21 level) Is total garbage and is transfer listed.
David Lowing (22) (Capped at U-21 level) Continues to improve and impress, and is happy to stay despite bigger clubs sniffing around. (42 apps, 5 assists, 1 MoM, 7.21)
Fraser Coyle (20) Far from spectatcular season, but managed to hold his own, and shows signs of promise. (40 apps, 3 goals, 1 assist, 3 MoM, 6.88)
Craig Campbell (18) Youth academy 04. Finnaly made the breakthough into the first team and although not outstanding in his three starts, he will be hoping to push for the regular right back slot. (3 apps, 6.67)
Robert Hunter (17) Youth Academy 05. Some decent performances at right back, and with campbell also vying for that role, they should hopefully push each other to do better. (18 apps, 2 assists, 6.78)
Paul O'Neill (16) Youth academy 04. Filled in for Lowing at left back, and didnt let himself down, even scoring a goal. A player how looks very promising. (5 apps, 1 goal, 7.00)
Midfield
Keith Gibson (25) With Byers back, Gibson moved out to the right wing, where he played well enough to win the Forfar Supporters Player of the Year for the 2nd successive season. (44 apps, 8 goals, 6 assists, 4 MoM, 7.43)
Barry Robson (27) Another good season from the left winger. (46 apps, 5 assists, 2 MoM, 7.20)
Darren Smith (26) Continues to back Robson up well. (6 apps, 7.83)
Martin Maher (22) (Capped at U-21 level) With Man City and Villa chasing him, it might not be long before Marin leaves, but as he is just about to sign a new contract, they will have to stump up the cash if they want him. (39 apps, 3 goals, 3 assists, 7.18)
Charlie King (26) The return of Byers saw King pushed to the fringes, but he did well enough when called on. (14 apps, 2 assists, 6.86)
Kevin Byers (26) Excellent season for the clubs star player, which saw him voted the Scottish Football Writers Player of the Year, which is a superb achievement for a player playing for a such a small club that the media dont usually know we exist. (33 apps, 11 goals, 6 assists, 6 MoM, 7.61)
Christophe Berra (20) ****e who will be released soon if no-one else wants him.
Gary Irvine (21) Crap.
Darren Campbell (20) Very promising young winger who has an exciting future in the game, and bringing him from Reading for £350,000 is an excellent deal.
Peter Leven (22) Fairly promising player, released by Rangers but looks as if he can do a job for us.
Attackers
Scott Bannerman (27)Listed, garbage, and will be freed soon.
Steven Hislop (28) More garbage heading out the door.
Colin Hodge (21) Still hovering around the edges of first team action. (9 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 6.56)
Alan MacDonald (17) Youth academy 04. Managed a few appearances, and although still very raw, he didnt let himself down. (14 apps, 4 goals, 2 assists, 6.79)
Steven Murray(18) Youth academy 04. We werent sure how the youngster would go in the SPL, but he made a decent enough go at it, and ended up in the Scotland U-21 squad, although he has yet to make an appearance. (42 apps, 13 goals, 7 assists, 5 MoM, 7.40)
Andrew Ferguson (21) Arrived in late August last season, at a cost of £100,000 from Ayr, but hasnt made too much of an impact. (4 apps, 3 goals, 7.75)
Michele Lombardini (20) Arrives on a free from Aberdeen and should be a useful squad player.
The big thing we were looking forward to this season of course, was Europe. But the bread and butter of any side is the league, and we were to get off to a pretty decent start which saw us go top on week seven, and stay there till week 12. It all started to go wrong, after we squandered a 3-1 lead at Celtic Park to lose 4-3, but come the end of the year, we are still sitting pretty in 2nd place on 38 points from 20 games, way behind Celtic who are on 47. Dunfermline also have 38, with Rangers further back on 33, and the league race, which at one point seemed to be a 5 way thing, has been reduced to a one horse race again.
There was dissapointment in the League Cup as we fell at the first hurdle, a single goal defeat at home to Morton. But the good news came in the shape of three of youth academy products being called up to the Scotland U-21 squad to face Iceland away, a match to which I travelled and was delighted to see Steven Murray, Alan MacDonald and Robert Hunter all make 2nd half appearance, and all three played fairly well, despite the Icelanders winning by 2-0.
And so to Europe as Romanian side Gloria became the first team to play at Station Park in a European tie, and Steven Murray garbbed the only goal of the game on the hour mark, Forfar's first ever goal in European competition. It was a match we dominated, but the Romanian defence proves tough to break down, and we had to settle for a 1-0 win. In the return though we got much more room to play, and a Fraser Coyle penalty on 12 minutes sent us on our way to the 2ns round. Futher goals from MacDonald and Murray, and we had pulled off a fine win.
The 2nd round draw saw us face Viktoria Zizkov, with the first leg away. Alan MacDonald struck after just 2 minutes, but any thoughts we had that was going to be easy were soon disabused and by early in the 2nd half, Zizkov were ahead. Keith Gibson equalized on 69 minutes, and we came away with a very good 2-2 draw. Once again we found it tougher at home, as our visitors just shut up shop and played everyone behind the ball. Steven Murray was the hero once more though, as his strike 20 minutes from time, saw us through to a 3rd meeting with Italian side Roma. That promises to be a fantastic occassion.
02-10-2004, 05:31 PM
Bringing Up Baby - A Different Approach to The Lisbon Lions Challenge. Post #20
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