retired_embartl

\o/ Congratulations! Culmination of plenty of hard work there

retired_bbcarr

There's only one............

nope, just not enough syllables available to fit Forfar Athletic in there well done anyway, PM

shannon2007

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Pos Inf Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts 1st C Forfar 38 20 14 4 76 30 +46 74 2nd Celtic 38 22 7 9 66 40 +26 73 3rd Rangers 38 17 9 12 58 64 6 60 4th Dunfermline 38 15 13 10 68 53 +15 58 5th Aberdeen 38 13 14 11 42 40 +2 53 6th Dundee 38 14 10 14 62 57 +5 52 7th St. Johnstone 38 13 11 14 51 47 +4 50 8th Kilmarnock 38 9 14 15 50 62 12 41 9th Hibs 38 9 14 15 44 58 14 41 10th Livingston 38 9 12 17 44 59 15 39 11th Hearts 38 9 10 19 51 76 25 37 12th R Dundee Utd 38 6 16 16 56 82 26 34 </pre>

shannon2007

The Billy Buchanan Diaries – 15

The most significant news of the pre season was the boards decision to take advantage of the relaxation of the all-seater rules, and add a section of terracing that would allow a further 3750 people to watch our games when it was completed, and also appeases those fans who have demanded to right to stand. There was further big news on the coaching front, as we had a major shake up, and the appointments as Assistant Managers of former Brazilian International, Rivaldo, who will take charge of the reserve side, and Newcastle coach Tommy Craig, who will take charge of the U-19 squad, made front page headlines. Our attempts to further push the Old Firm off the Scottish footballing maps were successful as we lured three Rangers coaches, Tommy McLean, George Adams and Jan Wouters to Station Park, along with Celtic’s Willie McStay.

The pre season was mixed as usual, but the main plusses were the performance of young keeper Mark Williamson, who put in a claim for a regular first team start, and one or two more of the youths look to be good prospects to play a bigger role this season. The bad news on the youth front though is that we failed to see anyone come from the Academy this season. Hopefully that will simply be a minor glitch, and normal service will resume in the years ahead.

As we are trying to integrate even more of our youths into the team this season, it cannot be expected that we will the SPL again, and I just hope the fans have the intelligence to realise this. Gaining a top six place, coupled with another good run in Europe will satisfy me, as we take another step nearer to having a totally home grown side, bucking the trend of silly foreign imports and making a stance on ‘Made in Scotland’. It promises to be another exciting season at Station Park.


Squad 2008-2009

Goalkeepers

David Marshall (22) (7 Caps) IMO not such a good season from David, and he sold the goal which let Celtic beat us in the final game of the season. He has however established himself in the Scotland squad, but we’ll be looking for one of the youths to challenge him this season. (55 apps, 53 conceded, 21 CS, 2 MoM, 6.71)


Mark Williamson(17) Youth Academy 05. Will have the opportunity to challenge for the No 1 jersey over the next few seasons, as potentially the best young keeper we have.

John Murray(19) Youth Academy 05. Likely to be 3rd choice, but might find it tough to get a start yet.

Peter Breen (19) Youth Academy 05. Looking as if its unlikely Peter will make the break through for us, and we’ve reluctantly decided he can leave if we get a sensible bid.

Graeme Smith (25) No appearances. Contract is up a the end of the season, and it won’t be renewed.

Cameron Bell (21) No Appearances. Again, his contract will be up at the end of this season, and won’t be renewed.

Defence

Andy Jordan (28) Only managed one appearance and when his contract expires at the end of this season, it won’t be renewed.

David Lowing (24) (9 caps) Showed his versatility as he moved between the centre back, left back and the midfield holding role. (55 apps, 1 goal, 5 assists, 3 MoM, 7.25)

Fraser Coyle (22) (capped at U-21 level) Has two years to run on his contract and we’ll see how things stand next season when it comes to looking to renew it. A vital squad player at the moment. (29 apps, 2 assist, 6.93)

Craig Campbell (20) (5 caps) Youth academy 04. A player whom the coaching staff didn’t believe was good enough for us, and yet had shown how utterly stupid they are as he hasn’t just established himself at right back, but also becomes the first academy product to play for the full Scotland squad. (54 apps, 1 goal, 8 assists, 7.22)

Robert Hunter (19) (4 U-21 caps) Youth Academy 05. Spent most of the season in the reserves and managed only 1 first team start, but is still a valuable squad player.

Paul O'Neill (18) (2 U-21 caps) Youth Academy 04. Has managed to hold down the left back role, and although he still has a lot to learn, he is developing nicely. (41 apps, 5 goals, 2 assists, 6.88)

David Barker(15) Youth Academy 07. Great season for the youngster, who has already established himself as a key figure in the back four, and was runner up in the SPFA Young Player of the Year. (34 apps, 1 goal, 4 assists, 7.18)

Kevin Scott (19) Youth academy 04. Perhaps hasn’t quite developed as we’d hoped, but has an outside chance of remaining at the club long term.

Alan Kelly (19) Youth academy 04. A player who is at make or break time, but will find it tough to break into the 1st team with a lot of competition in the places he plays.

Kirk Broadfoot (23) Has actually been very poor and will be sold.

Midfield

Keith Gibson (27) (1 cap) Voted by the Scottish Football Writers as their Player of the Year for the 2nd year in a row, and also finally gained his first cap for Scotland. Will remain at the club meanwhile, but may have to step aside more often to make way for the promising Kevin McMillan. (51 apps, 11 goals, 9 assists, 8 MoM, 7.65)

Kevin McMillan (16) Youth Academy 07. A player who has broken into the first team with great effect, and has a promising future at the club. (21 apps, 7 goals, 6 assists, 1 MoM, 7.29)

Barry Robson (29) (4 caps, 2 goals) Another who has broken into the Scotland squad, and has been a great servant for the club. However, his contract is up at the end of the season, and we’ve decided not to renew it. (46 apps, 7 goals, 15 assists, 2 MoM, 7.33)

Scott Adams (21) Youth academy 04. Has continued to develop in the reserves, and now looks ready to step into Robson’s boots.

Darren Smith (28) Continues to back Robson up well. (5 apps, 1 goal, 2 assists, 1 MoM, 7.80)

Martin Maher (24) (Capped at U-21 level) Another great season, but in the last year of his contract, and it will depend how the youth prospects go as to whether it will be renewed. (44 apps, 1 goal, 2 assists, 6.98)

Charlie King (28) His days at Forfar are over as he finds himself on the transfer list.

Kevin Byers (28) Won the Goal of the Season award, another good season for Kevin. (51 apps, 16 goals, 8 assists, 9 MoM, 7.65)

David Davidson (18) Youth academy 04. The possible successor to Byers, who will be given his chance to shine in the season ahead.

Peter Martin (19) Youth Academy 05. Spent three months on loan at St Mirren, a player who is a mibbe to replace Maher, but still has a fair bit to prove.

Ross Kelly (18) Youth Academy 05. Another player in line for the Maher role, and can also fill in at left back. Played in the final league game against Celtic and did ok.

Darren Campbell (22) (capped at U-21 level) Dissapointing season and its clear he doesn’t have a future at the club an is transfer listed. (6 apps, 6.00)

Peter Leven (24) Another player who finds himself on the transfer list. (2 apps, 6.50)

Andrew MacDonald (21) Only managed 2 starts as he fails to make an impression.

Attackers

Alan MacDonald (19) (3 U-21 caps) Youth academy 04. Seems to be struggling as a striker, and ended up back in the U-19’s but will be hoping to re-establish himself in the season ahead. (31 apps, 7 goals, 7 assists, 6.74)

Steven Murray(20) (4 U-21 caps, 5 goals) Youth academy 04. Finally seems to be becoming the striker we all hope he can be, as he ends as the clubs top scorer, and became the first ever Forfar player to be voted as the SPFA Player of the Year. (42 apps, 25 goals, 15 assists, 5 MoM, 7.76)

Scott Gibson (17) Youth Academy 06. Made a spectacular breakthrough into the first team, and has more than held his place in the team, and looks to be set for a great career at the club. (33 apps, 18 goals, 10 assists, 3 MoM, 7.64)

John Ferguson(19) (1 U-21 cap) Youth academy 04. On the fringes of the first team and looks like he could be decent squad player in the future. (16 apps, 4 goals, 3 assists, 2 MoM, 7.06)

Andrew Ferguson (23) Still not making an impression and will be allowed to leave at the right price. (4 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 6.75)


Under 19 Squad

Goalkeepers

Kevin Smart (18) Youth Academy 06.

Jimmy Ross(16) Youth Academy 07.

Defence

Paul Thompson (19) Youth Academy 05.

Brian Miller (18) Youth Academy 06.

Pat Kenny (18) Youth Academy 06. Managed 4 first team starts, but looks a bit short of being a regular.

Gordon McDonald(16) Youth Academy 07.

Steven Hamilton(17) Youth Academy 07.

Andy Russell(16) Youth Academy 07.

Alan Lynch(16) Youth Academy 07.

Chris Watson(16) Youth Academy 07.

Midfield

Mark Rooney (18) Youth Academy 05.

Alan Mitchell (17) Youth Academy 06.

Gary McMillan (18) Youth Academy 06.

Mark Mitchell (16) Youth academy 07.

David Martin (17) Youth academy 07.

Colin Gray (16) Youth academy 07.

Attackers

John Morrison (19) Youth Academy 05.

Andrew Grant (17) Hasn’t really impressed and will be allowed to leave.

Youths who didn't make it

David Black (18) Youth Academy 06. Made a £9000 move to Lossiemouth in the summer.

John Kavanagh (18) Youth Academy 06. Made a £10,000 move to Fraseburgh I the summer but is certainly good enough to be playing in SD2 or SD3.

Andy MacDonald (17) Youth Academy 07. Didn’t make it with the club and has since quit football to become a pimp, where he makes a decent living in Dundee.

Gary Dunne (20) Youth academy 04. Released in the summer but still not found a new club.

Alan Paterson (21) Not doing so well at Johnstone Burgh, and is currently in their reserve squad.

John Byrne(21) Youth academy 04. Has signed for Pollock, but has been nothing special for them.

David O'Reilly (21) Youth academy 04. Hasn’t had a great time at East Fife where he currently resides in their reserves.

Martin Aitken (18) Youth Academy 05. Has signed for Bo’ness and is trying to establish himself there.

Mark Parker (19) Youth Academy 06. Has been doing quite well for himself at Dundalk.

Paul Johnston (19) Youth Academy 06. Has moved to Clachnacuddin after being freed by Huntly.

Coaching Staff

Manager : Billy Buchanan

Assistant Manager Reserves: Rivaldo

Assistant Manager U-19’s: Tommy Craig

Goalkeeping Coaches: Phil Harrington; Malcolm Thompson

Defensive Coaches: Mark Gavin; Eamonn Bannon; John Philiben; Billy Kirkwood; Tony Docherty; David O’Neill; David Bowman

Mid/Attacking Coaches: Chris McAllister; Mark Watson; Craig Kennedy; Karel Lukes; George Adams; Eddie May; Tommy McLean; William McStay; Jan Wouters; Mario Stanic; Fran; John Ritchie

Physios: Brian McNeill; Alistair MacFie; Hugh Allan; Jim Fallon; Paul Greene; Mark Graham; Jim Peacock; Don Hutchison; Michael Watson

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 16 February 2004 at 13:18.]

retired_marcias

23 coaches and 9 Physios :eek:

shannon2007

The Billy Buchanan Diaries - 16

As the season wore on, the biggest thing in the press was about how badly both halves of the Old Firm were doing. At one point, with Rangers sitting 6th, and Celtic 10th, and with both teams being humiliated in the Champions League as they finished bottom of their groups, there was of course the usual outcry about a 'crisis' in Scottish Football in the Old Firm biased media.

Yet by the end of 2009, the Old Firm had slowly gotten their acts together, now they were out of Europe, and had moved up to 5th and 6th respectively. Still not brilliant, but the prospect of one of them actually being relegated - heaven forbid - had for now been dissipated. What the Old Firm were up to though was of no concern to us. We had our own worries to deal with.

The League Cup, the least of our priorities of course, started with a 3rd round humiliation of Ayr United at Somerset, as we blasted eight goals past the hapless First Divsion outfit to move into the Quarter Finals, where we would face Celtic at home. A Celtic side who were struggling badly in the League, but there was no way we could take them lightly.

After a goalless first half which we totally dominated, Scott Gibson, who hadn't been quite so impressive this season in terms of goals, although his play had been good enough, fired us ahead. But our joy was short lived as Celtic hit back straight away. Extra time seemed to be on the cards, when, with eight minutes left to play, Adams sent Scott Gibson free on the right, and with Steven Murray totally unmarked, Gibson found him with a perfect pass and we were ahead. But Celtic it seemed hadn't learned their lesson, as this time Maher sent a diagonal pass to Gibson again on the right, and although Murray had two Celtic men on him, he still managed to bullet a header into the net, and we were surely into the semis. Yet as Celtic pressed forward, young Campbell robbed Ryan Giggs on the right, launched a ball to Gibson, who outpaced Crainey, sent in a cross to Murray, and he we had a hatrick of goals and assists. If only those two could play like this every game, we'd be laughing.

Our priority as ever was the league, and although we weren't playing brilliantly, we nevertheless arrived at Pittodrie on the 6th December unbeaten, and top of the table. Sadly, all things have to end, and we couldnt go on unbeaten forever as we collapsed 1-0. A final game of the year loss at Easter Road, in which we played quite poorly to throw away a 2-1 lead and lose 3-2 saw us end the year still top of the SPL, by some 7 points from Hibs at the halfway stage. It might seem strange then to realise that I wasn't overly happy with the way we had played in a lot of games, and I couldn't help wondering if we were only top because the Old Firm had been so utterly woeful. But then I came to realise, thats their problem.

And so to Europe. As the Scots co-efficient rises, so we now have three teams in the Champions League and we found ourselves straight into the group stages this season. The draw though wasnt kind as we found ourselves up against Anderlecht, Newcastle, and for the second year in a row, Real Madrid. But it would give us a fairer indication, I felt, of just how this young side was progressing.

Our opening match was in Belgium, and although we played well, and it might tell you something that Steven Murray was man of the match, we went down by a goal to nil, a slightly dissapointing start. It was a similiar story at home to Newcastle, as we played well, and Keith Gibson gave us the lead on 7 minutes. But at this level you really have to take your chances and my youngsters were given a harsh lesson as Hugo Viana struck 10 minutes from the end to rob us of a famous win, and now we were in trouble with a double header against Real Madrid.

Yet Real weren't doing so hot themselves as they came to Station Park on the back of two draws. When Scott Adams gave us a sensational lead after 25 minutes, I held my breath before celebrating too much. After all, we had taken the lead against them last year and they had hit back immediately. Perhaps it shows the growing maturity of our side that this time we didnt let them do that. Indeed, we were playing out of ours skins, and a minute from half time, David Davidson made it 2-0 and we were in dream land.

Real though would be furiuous, and we could expect them to come out and have a right go in the second half, and so they did. On 67 minutes, Ronaldo finally got them their way back into the match, but we hung on for dear life, and when the game ended, we had pulled of a stunning and fantastic victory.

In Spain, we could expect a hot reception from a Real team not only out for revenge, but fighting for their Champions League lives. We put in another brave show, but a Raul goal 13 minutes from time gave the Spanish giants the win, and now our own involvement in the latter stages was hanging by a thread. A fantastic 3-0 home win over Anderlecht, a brace from David Davidson and one from John Ferguson, meant that we were guaranteed UEFA Cup football as we headed to Newcastle. But we also knew that if Anderlecht beat Real, we would be into the last 16 of the Champions League.

In Newcastle, we couldn't have gotten off to a worse start, as Bellamy sent them ahead after just 12 minutes, but we settled down, and by half time we still only trailed by the single goal. Over in Belgium, news came through that Real were leading by a goal to nil a minute from half time, but in injury time Anderlecht equalized, and if it stayed like this, we would be into the 2nd phase.

Nine minutes into the second half though, Real took the lead in Belgium, and it seemed we would have to be content with the UEFA Cup once more. But my players had other ideas. On 67 minutes, Adams and Murray combined on the left, before Adams set up Ferguson with a great chance and we were level. Yet with Real leading, a draw actually wouldn't be good enough, and as Newcastle relaxed, thinking they had done enough to go through, so we kept pressing forward. Just four minutes later though, O'Neill sent Murray clear on the left, and his cross was volleyed into the net by Scott Gibson, in a mirror of the three we had scored against Celtic and suddenly, the dream was on again.

Not only that, but Newcastle suddenly realised that if Real or ourselves scored again, then they would be out, and they started to press for an equalizer. We had to endure a fair bit of pressure, before Steven Murray waltzed through the Newcastle defence and sent us three one up, and as things stood, it was now ourselves and Real who would make the last 16. But as the match moved into injury time, as Newcastle pressed desperately for that goal they now needed to give them hope, Murray again broke clear as we hit them on the counter, and he unselfishly set up Scott Gibson with an easy chance, and Forfar Athletic were into the last sixteen of the Champions League. There are no words that can decribe such a scenario.

For Newcastle, having been totally humiliated by a bunch of kids, there was good news in the end, as a late Anderlecht strike saw Real edged out into the UEFA Cup. The draw for the last sixteen sees us face Lazio, and its simply a delight to be there.

On the youth front, one or two players have now been freed as we look to the future and hope that we will get a fresh bunch of talent in the summer to keep us going. We can now safely field a team of 11 youth academy products, although this doesn't happen every week of course, but it has happened and will in the future. I have to single out keeper Mark Williamson for praise. Its often tough to put a young keeper into the side, but the fact he has played every game so far, and has been magnificent at times is a huge bonus as we look to the future. My biggest worry though at the moment is that we simply dont have enough squad depth, and the rigours of so many games may have worn some of the youngsters out. Its something we'll have to keep an eye on, and I might have to look to bring in a couple of players just to extend the squad a little, but we'll see.

The new terracing has now been completed, and we can now entertain 10,575 supporters at Station Park, which is probably reaching the limit of our pulling power anyway. The board are 'absolutely thrilled' with the level of my commitment. Well I've got news for them. I love this club, and I aint going anywhere else. Not for a very long time........

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 18 February 2004 at 15:56.]

shannon2007

The Scottish League Cup Final
Forfar Athletic v Aberdeen
Sunday 15th March 2009
Hampden Park, Glasgow. (52,473)

A 3-0 win over Dundee on a wet Wednesday night at Hampden in February saw through to our first major Cup Final, which would be against Aberdeen. The League Cup may not me the most prestigious of trophies, but it gave us the chance to achieve something really special. Win with a starting line up of home grown talent.

In the build up to the game though, we suffered a huge set back, as keeper Williamson picked up and injury that ruled him out of the match. That meant a choice of using one of the back up, or ruining our chance of winning with a home grown 11. In the end, I took the risk and opted to start with 16 year old Jimmy Ross in goal. He had never played for the first team, but now was as good a time as any.

Aberdeen line up (4-4-2)
Ryan Esson (28); Russell Anderson (30), Markus Heikkenen (30), Phil McGuire (29), Kevin McNaughton (26); Diego Gavilan (29), Fergus Tiernan (27), Richard Foster (23), Marko Babic (28); Paul Heffernan (27), Andrew Bagshaw (20)Subs: David Preece (32), Craig Craig (18), Alexander Diamond (24), Stephen Sproule (23), Billy Quinn (19)

We still didn't have a large enough group of academy players to fill the bench, and so Kevin Byers became the interloping, but unless we were losing badly, he would have no chance of playing. And so the line up that we hoped would make history for us by winning our first major cup final was: (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper Jimmy Ross (16) Having played 14 times for the Under 19's/Reserves this season, Ross is thrown in at the deep in, and this will be an incredible day for him. (Never played for the 1st team).

Right Back Craig Campbell (20) The only full international in our side, I dont even believe he is our best player. But he is nevertheless a very good full back and has had an excellent season for us. (131 1st team apps, 3 goals, 19 assists, 1 MoM, 7.29 (season ave Rat 7.44))

Right Centre Back Pat Kenny (19) Still has a lot to prove and is very much the weakest link in the side. Hasnt been great, but we're trying to give him his chance to prove he can make it. (21 1st team apps, 1 assist, 6.50 (season ave rat 6.56))

Left Centre Back David Barker (16) Despite his young age, he is already a key part of the team, and now has 2 U-21 caps to his name. A player who is coming on in leaps and bounds, and has a great future in the game. (69 1st team apps, 2 goals, 6 assists, 7.26 (season ave rating 7.33))

Left Back Paul O'Neill (19) The U-21 international is having is best season yet for us, and is showing signs of becoming a very good player. (95 1st team apps, 10 goals, 13 assists, 2 MoM, 7.02 (season ave rat 7.29))

Right WingerKevin McMillan (17) In my opinion Kevin is the most exciting player we have at the club, with a great future in the game. A player who can turn games when he's in the mood, in the mould of old fashioned wingers like Jimmy Johnstone and Davie Cooper. (50 1st team apps, 9 goals, 15 assists, 3 MoM 7.22 (season ave rat 7.17))

Creative Center Mid David Davidson (19) Had the daunting task of taking on the role of fans favourite Kevin Byers, but he certainly hasnt let anyone down. He may not quitre have the flair of Byers, but nevertheless a player who has a lot to offer. (27 1st team apps, 10 goals, 5 assists, 2 MoM 7.36 (Season ave rat 7.36))

Holding Centre MidPeter Martin (20) Playing in the role that is often under undervalued, but has had some decent games as he looks to make that role his own. (32 apps, 3 goals, 5 assists, 1 MoM, 7.09 (season ave rat 7.19)

Left WingerScott Adams (22) The oldest first team regular at the moment, he has taken a fair while to break into the side, mainly because of the performances of Robson. But the wait is proving to be well worht waitiong for as he has had a brilliant season. (39 1st team apps, 6 goals, 11 assists, 7.45 (season ave rat 7.45))

Right StrikerScott Gibson (18) After his sensational debut season, it was always going to be hard for Scott this time around. He has plyed very well, but needs to up his goals to games ratio. Im sure that will come though. (70 1st team apps, 31 goals, 21 assists, 8 MoM 7.63 (Season ave rat 7.63)

Left StrikerSteven Murray (21) A player who just gets better and better each season, and after a slow start, is finally starting to get the goals his talent and play expect. The most experience academy product in terms of playing time, and it surely cant be long before Steven gets his call up to the full Scotland side. (198 1st team apps, 96 goals, 55 assists, 32 MoM, 7.62 (season ave rat 7.86))

Subs: John Murray (GK) (20). Kevin Byers (29), Alan MacDonald (19), Ross Kelly (19), Mark Mitchell (16)

The match had barely gotten underway, when Gavilan was, perhaps rather harshly, booked for a trip on O'Neill. That booking was to become significant after 11 minutes, when he pulled back Steven Murray as he went through on goal, and was shown another yellow, and Aberdeen were down to 10 men.

With the extra man, we looked to make it pay, and on 15 minutes we won a corner. Adams took it short to Murray, who gave it back to him, and the left winger sent a beautiful cross into the box that Scott Gibson headed home, and we had the early lead we wanted. It would, hopefully, be a long way back from here for the sheep. Down to 10 men, and trailing, it seemed they had no idea what to do as we dominated the first half, and young keeper Ross didnt have a save to make.

At half time, I decided to make a change at the back, and took off Pat Kenny who had picked up a minor knock. Ross Kellly went on, and that meant a bit of a reshuffle as he went to left back, and that meant Barker and O'Neill had to move across one. Yet even with our reshuffled defence, Aberdeen were posing no threat, and ten minutes into the second half. McMillan threw in a cross from the right which Adams thundered against the Aberdeen keeper, and Davidson nipped in to snap up the rebound.

Aberdeen, who had never really gotten started, were finished, as we played out time, and its a sad testiment to them that they didnt have a single shot on target, and only 2 efforts on goal in the whole game, both of which sailed harmlessly over the bar, giving Jimmy Ross the easiest debut he could ever have hoped for.

It was an achievement that was quite remarkable in the modern game, all 12 players who appeared for us in the final had come through our youth academy. Having bagged the league cup, we noew of course stood on the verge of the domestic treble, which would be some achievement. And if we could keep this team together, and if they kept maturing, there was no reason why we couldn't dominate Scottish football for years to come. And who knows, possibly even Europe

retired_marcias

Excellent job I doubt I'll have all 11 academy players in my team for a long time if ever!

shannon2007

Take the risk

Seriously, its well worth it

shannon2007

The Billy Buchanan Diaries - 17

Going into the new year seven points clear at the top of the SPL, I certainly wouldn't have said the league was a foregone conclusion. There was still a lot of football left to be played, and it remained to be seen whether our very young squad could last the distance. Yet any fears we had seemed to be without foundation as Rangers came to the revamped Station Park, and 10,544 people saw a wonder show from Steven Murray as he banged in four goals, John Ferguson got two and we trounced the fallen giants by 6-0. Again.

It wasn't all plain sailing though, and a 2-1 loss at Clyde showed we were far for the finished article, and helped to root out any complacency that might be creeping in. Despite that minor set back though, our push to the title was relentless, our young stars knowing no fear. Yet when we did finally clinch our 2nd successive SPL title, it was once again without kicking a ball, as on the 5th of May Hibs, who were 2nd, could only manage a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie, and the title was ours.

In the Scottish Cup, we started with a derby tie in the 3rd round at home to Brechin, and although Adams and Davidson had us two ahead after just four minutes, to their credit Brechin battled back and made a fight of things. It wasn't till the 54th minute, when Scott Gibson added a 3rd, that our place in the 4th round was assured.

Hearts would be our opponents at Station Park, and just 10 minutes had gone when John Fergsuon gave us the lead. The key point of the match though was the 21st minute when, clean through on goal, David Davidson was brought down by McKenna, and the referee awarded us a free kick right on the edge of the area, and McKenna found himself red-carded. TV evidence later suggested that the infringement was actually inside the box, but that mattered not as Paul O'Neill blasted his free kick into the net anyway. Seven minutes later we did have a penalty which O'Neill scored, and we went on to add a further three goals, and eased into the Quarter Finals, and a home tie with Aberdeen.

Yet again we had to play against a team whose hacking buggers couldn't stay on the field, but by the time Barry Hutchinson was shown the red card on 65 minutes, we were already 3-0 up, and thats how it stayed as we reached the semis. The Old Firm were drawn together in one semi, and that left us to play shock troops Morton. Yet if we thought this was going to be easy, in front of just 14,000 people at Hampden we were in for a shock, as Morton defended resolutely to hold us to 0-0 and we needed a replay. Once again, Morton put up a brave battle, but goals from Murray and Adams were enough to give us a hard fought 2-1 win, and a place in our first ever Scottish Cup Final, which would be against Rangers.

In the Champions League, Lazio came to Station Park and shut up shop to go away with a 0-0 draw that made them red hot favourites to reach the Quarter Finals. As indeed, they should be. Fourteen minutes into the second leg though, the Stadio Olimpico was in stunned silence, except for the small band of Forfar players, as Steven Murray sent us into a sensational lead. The Serie A giants were dumbounded, and there was worse news for them eight minutes after the break as Murray made it 2-0, and now Lazio needed three. And it was three they were never going to get, despite some incredible pressure, that resulted in them pulling a goal back with 21 minutes left. But they had left themselves with far too much to do, and Forfar Athletic had astounded Europe once more.

The Quarter Final draw paired us with Spanish side Celta Vigo, and having beaten Lazio, we saw no reason why we couldn't over come a team who surely were no better than they? With the first leg at home again, we were left reeling after 34 minutes as Celta took the lead, but two minutes from the break, Steven Murray equalized. This was proving to be a hard battle for us, but on 66 minutes Davidson sent us ahead and that should have been that. But Celta clearly hadn't read the script, and three minutes later, they were level. Travelling to Spain, it was now going to take an awesome effort to get through, but whatever happened, we had done ourselves and our country proud.

Perhaps though Celta hadn't looked at the videos of our wins in Newcastle and Rome, and it certainly seemed that way, as Steven Murray nipped in to send us ahead after just 15 minutes, and we were again winning away from home in the Champions League. On 27 minutes though, Celta had a penalty, Anders Frisk feeling the need to help out the bigger side. But Williamson senationally saved Jandro's spot kick.

Four minutes later though, Edu pulled Celta level on the night, and of course ahead now on the freaking stupid away goals rule. Yet we were far from giving up this tie, and in first half injury time, Scott Gibson, who knew a thing or two about scoring in the Champions League sent us back into the lead, and the away goals was now nothing to worry about.

The match was enthralling now, and it could have gone either way. But on 66 minutes David Davidson rounded the Celta keeper to give us a third and surely now we were into the Semi Finals. With seven minutes to go, as Celta pressed for the impossible goals they needed, David Lowing, standing in for the suspended O'Neill, grabbed what might well be his last ever goal for the club, and that was that. Or not quite. The Spanish had simply given up now, totally humiliated and beaten, and with three minutes left, Scott Gibson added a glorious fifth, and we had pulled off one of the best ever results of any Scottish side of foreign soil.

As the draw for the last four was made, we had the options of Juventus, Milan or Manchester United. And as luck would have it, the draw paired us with the mighty Manchester United. It was going to be an incredible experience, and if we win this, I think I'll be applying for a saint hood......