Prelude to season 16/17 part two
After one friendly and two blanks the season restarts for real on Saturday. That follows are a few comments, remarks and recollections of what has gone before and for what is about to pass.
After a promising start to the season, i.e. more than 10 people at training, and playing a couple of really tough friendlies and a visit to Leeds we got off to a horrible and possibly underserved start over the first few games by drawing when we should have won and thrashing a team 1-3.
That old chestnut of availability reared its head time and again, some games with several subs, others with Trialist and Newman and A N Other helping us out to get the bare 11 on the pitch.
As the season progressed a few wins were picked up including an unfortunate concession and a couple of lessons from young, fit and skilful university teams whose passing and movement gave us a couple of thumping but at least we were there to get done and praise to those who actually turned up.
So at the halfway point we are mid table well clear of the relegation places but I would suggest we must finish no worse than fourth bottom incase the bottom three are relegated to help even up the leagues.
No sooner had the season started than we lost Craig for the season due to very serious injuries sustained in a car crash. Thanks to all those involved in helping Craig at the time and in his recovery. Haven't forgotten that we will collect you for a visit before the end of the season.
Continuing on the theme of injuries, our captain and leader showed his lack of ability by using his ankle to cut out a cross against Stirling Uni, yes it was a cracker, and he gave up his role in the club to star onstage as Long John Silver in panto for the festive season. Neil's partner in panto, Ryan, starred in the Mask after stopping an Eskvale stick with the bridge of his nose. Thankfully both are now restored. Another one back to full health after a scare is the redoubtable Broonie. Thanks to the NHS for repairing all our players
Deon joined this season and added some youth and legs to our midfield but has now moved to Callender so will no longer be available. Thanks for your contributions and welcome back anytime.
Well done goes to Adam who took upon himself the unenviable task of organising Festive frivolities. A good win in the morning, cheap footie tickets for East End in the afternoon and ales in the evening. The City youth development team, whose age was only matched by their waists, enjoyed quality ales and banter and returned home safely, cheers Adam.
There were marriages, a birth or two, engagement, congrats to all involved. Require unmarried members to get a move on, more stags required as reason for boys night out.
Serious point before I go. A number of people have put an enormous effort into getting us through the first half of the season but they need more support. Guys, Graeme put the fixture list up probably before any team in the league, he updates start times asap, Neil and others contact umpteen people per game, please, especially for away games(it's only a few Saturdays in a whole year) let's up availability and the commitment and get City moving up the league.
Finally, you might have read posts recently that David and Kelsa are about to tackle the Ben Lomond of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro, raising funds for a charity very close to them. Please read more on the City Facebook page and make a donation, thanks.
You can get back to your coffee now, thanks for reading, bye.