Scottish Football League: Dundee – Pick a Number!

Figures – that’s what got Dundee into their current mess and what will continue to define their season. You have to ask how appealing are Dundee? The truth is that no matter what happens at their appeal against the 25 point penalty, it is going to be interesting for the rest of the SFL and make the season very interesting.

The idea that they would, like Livingston, fall two divisions was never going to happen. It was, after all, half way through a season – how many other teams would have to suffer? How would it be done etc, etc. The decision to dock them a number of points that would see them tumble – perhaps not automatically but de facto – down at least one division was taken and 25 went.

Actually, no they didn’t. You see I looked in vain to find any website – including rival club websites – that had the 25 points off Dundee in their tables for the First Division. Nobody seemed to believe that it would happen. What did happen at the club was the slimming down of their personnel – redundancy for many. This has been followed by a run of unbeaten games that should see Dundee, in a leaner and more financially manageable grouping, beat or at worst draw with all of their rivals since the 25 point penalty was announced. That’s five wins and three draws with one team to play to
be unbeaten against everyone in the league!

They appear determined as one, and are incredibly focussed on proving the rest of us that they can do an impossible thing – survive financially and on the field. No matter what people may do to ruin their season they are determined to ruin theirs right back.

Yet there are two determining factors that may stop this from happening and both are out of Dundee’s hands.

The first is perhaps the more relevant to Dundee and their long suffering fans. The January sales. Can Dundee survive the obvious sale of some of their prize assets? The most obvious item in the shop window is Leigh Griffiths. He has attracted a number of admiring glances from the SPL and from down south. If you believe the doom mongers he seems to be destined to leave his current employer quicker than Carlos Tevez can turn his back on another great club for whose fans he has
the utmost respect. The questions would appear to be just how big shall be the bargain price tag attached to him with which he leaves Dens Park. How much of a cut price bargain is dependant upon how much profit they can ring from his sale. There are others, of course, but Griffiths staying could have a major impact on the next issue to face Dundee.

The appeal. There were a few, if not many who have thought 25 points reasonable. There have been others – many who think it far too harsh. I have heard the number 15 bandied about and think the compromise may well be to punish but maybe not so severely. After all, look at em bless, haven’t they suffered enough?

If they stick to their guns and 25 points come off then Dundee will have to gallop into the New Year looking to stay in the First Division with 21games to go and a target of about 40 points to stay out of the play off spots. Anything from 37 to 47 points has been, in the last five years or so enough to achieve that. 25 points off and Dundee would be on 1. The target, 39 points would need to come from those 21 games. This is achievable if you are after promotion and in a way Dundee will be. It would equate to dropping 18 points from the rest of the season.

If the compromise of 15 is possible then Ian McCall, Willie McStay, John O’Neill and Allan Moore may start to wonder about booking that summer holiday! One point behind Stirling Albion, three behind Morton and four behind both Partick and Ross County and playing out of their skins – seven games without defeat… 32 points from the same 21 games is more than achievable on that kind of form.

Let us not forget though why Dundee got punished. Whilst others were trying to survive on home grown talent and wages that were met by the gates and other revenues Dundee went off on the Holy Grail hunt with outlandish spending and avoiding paying the bills the rest of the division managed without hiding. It of course would not have happened had there been supporter representation on the Board – except there was. The trust owns 25% of the club and had someone
on the Board. Supporters have found that the ideal solution doesn’t always work! Company law does not always have the ability to take note of good intentions.

For me 25 points was absolutely on the money. Dundee deserve to suffer. They gambled big and lost. The thing is that I also would love to see if 15 points would make the First Division so much more competitive and am now torn between what I think is morally correct and what I know will be far more entertaining!

Written by Donald C. Stewart for Scotzine.com

Clyde FC to leave Broadwood Stadium

It has been reported that Clyde FC have taken the decision to leave their home of Broadwood Stadium. According to the Official Clyde FC website, ‘both parties have agreed that the club will work towards an exit over an extended period.’

At the moment there is no news of an alternative home of Clyde FC, but a return to Glasgow is a possibility.

The decision has been taken because of years of well publicised financial problems the club have been having while in Cumbernauld.

The statement from Clyde FC continued, “Development at Broadwood in recent years and limitations of the lease mean that the club is unable to operate on a long term sustainable basis compatible with its ambitions.

An extensive process will now begin to consider alternatives that will see Clyde back in control of its own destiny for the first time in 80 years, since the club became tenants on the sale of Shawfield.

Former landlords North Lanarkshire Council have previously offered to support the process by finding an appropriate site for development. Current landlord, North Lanarkshire Leisure, have also agreed to support the process positively and will place no barriers on the ambition of the club. This supportive attitude is appreciated.”

Clyde left Glasgow in 1986, when they were served with a notice to quit Shawfield. Their final game was on 2th8 April 1986 against Alloa Athletic, with the Bully Wee winning 4-2. They then spent five seasons ground sharing at Firhill, with Partick Thistle and two & a half seasons at New Douglas Park with Hamilton Accies.

Craig Brewster quits as Ross County Assistant Manager

Craig Brewster has resigned as assistant manager of Ross County after he missed out on the managerial post at Victoria Post, with the position being given to former Celtic reserve coach Willie McStay.

Brewster joined County in June 2009, linking up with Derek Adams then-manager of the club, as his number two. He helped guide County to the Scottish Cup final last season and took temporary charge after Adams headed to Edinburgh.

But now Brewster has quit after the club’s board decided to appoint McStay instead of him.

McStay said, “I have spoken to Craig and circumstances have dictated he will not be my assistant manager. I did not come to the club with a number two and I was open-minded about the position. Now I will be actively seeking an assistant. There is no rush as I think it is a very important decision for myself, the players and the football club.

“The chairman knows I will be thorough and we have Gordon Connelly, who has been fantastic since I arrived, helping me at the moment. I am comfortable with the daily set-up at the club at this moment. There is a good backroom staff and there are plenty people willing to help.”

Source: Press and Journal

SFL clubs to seek compensation from the SFA

Scottish Football League clubs could seek compensation from the SFA after the majority of the lower league games were called off due to the refereeing fiasco.

Fan-owned Stirling Albion believes that if they play against Partick Thistle in midweek, it would cost them more than £6,000. Cowdenbeath also stated that they would be seeking compensation after its game with Dunfermline was one of those games to be postponed.

Cowdenbeath Chairman Donald Findlay has accused SFA chiefs of, failing to get a grip following the breakdown of peace talks with referees, who are protesting at the level of criticism they have faced.

After searching across Europe and spending £40,000 the SFA announced that all six Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches will take place, with Israeli, Polish and Portuguese referees stepping in.

Stirling, said it already lost money arranging programmes and catering ahead of the planned kick of tomorrow. Spokesman Paul Goodwin said, “We’ll be interested to talk to the SFA and we’ll be looking for compensation. We are furious. First and foremost we are fans. We can’t afford to lose between six and seven thousand. That is just the gate receipts. We have already spent money that we will lose.”

Meanwhile, Findlay said the referee fiasco would damage Cowdenbeath. Mr Findlay said, “This is threatening to destroy Scottish football and it is in enough trouble, as we all know. “I don’t think anyone is running Scottish football and that’s the problem. They have made a mess of this, should be ashamed of themselves and have no actual interest in the whole of Scottish football.”

Source: Daily Express

Ross County name Willie McStay as their new manager

Ross County have appointed former Celtic reserve coach Willie McStay as their new manager. McStay will take charge of the team in Sunday’s ALBA Challenge Cup Final against Queen of the South at McDiarmid Park.

Ross County chairman, Roy MacGregor said, “We are delighted to have moved quickly to secure the services of a manager of Willie’s calibre. There has been a huge amount of interest in this post, reflecting the high regard in which this club is held in the football world. From the candidates we interviewed we feel Willie’s experience and approach best suits the club and what we are working to achieve here. He obviously joins us in an exciting week with a cup final as his first match in charge, but his clear priority in coming weeks will be progress and consistency in our First Division campaign.”

Mr MacGregor added, “We would like to thank everyone who has expressed an interest in this post. Our thanks also go to Craig Brewster for taking charge of the team over the past few weeks.”

McStay started his managerial career at Irish outfit Sligo Rovers between 1992 and 1994, leading the side to a historic treble in season 1993-1994.

He returned to Celtic in 1994, to work as youth team coach for 13 years and he managed Celtic Reserves between 2007 and 2009. He then managed Hungarian outfit Ujpest FC from April 2009-July 2010, before returning to Celtic briefly to manage the reserve side.

Referees continue with Strike Action as Talks fail

And so it is final, the Referees have stuck to their guns and we shall now see the majority of games in Scotland called off, if not all of them if other referees cannot be bussed in from foreign shores.

The SFA, SPL and SFL released a joint statement:

The Scottish FA yesterday stood shoulder-to-shoulder with both the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League in offering representatives of the Category 1 Referees unequivocal and tangible support in an attempt to avert the planned withdrawal of labour scheduled for this coming weekend.

This included the promise of tougher and more immediate sanctions on players and club officials who abuse referees and match officials, and especially those who challenge their integrity and honesty. These new guidelines also incorporated a ban on all club officials commenting on referees in the build-up to matches and in the immediate aftermath.

These measures received the full backing of the Scottish FA President and the Chief Executive.

Regrettably, at midnight last night, the Scottish FA were informed that following a further meeting of Category 1 referees there would be no change of heart in relation to the strike and no suspension of action while the Scottish FA implements the measures proposed.

Therefore, the weekend of action will proceed as planned and the Scottish FA will implement, where possible, a contingency plan to allow some fixtures to take place as planned this weekend, using officials from other international associations.

Stewart Regan, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA: “This is a very sad day for Scottish football. After further positive talks yesterday, and having received the backing of both the SPL and the SFL, I felt that we had shown our commitment to the refereeing fraternity and that they had recognised that substantial progress had been made.

“If this withdrawal of labour goes ahead it will be the fans, clubs, sponsors and media partners who will suffer and that cannot be good for the game in this country. I would urge the Category 1 referees to reconsider their decision and, having benefited from the wave of sympathy for their current situation, plus the offer of affirmative action, realise the potential impact of their actions.”

Neil Doncaster, SPL Chief Executive: “It is deeply regrettable that Scottish match officials will not be taking charge of Clydesdale Bank Premier League games this weekend. The SPL is sympathetic towards referees and the criticism they have received in recent weeks but the way to address concerns is through dialogue, not to walk away from the
situation.”

David Longmuir, SFL Chief Executive: “The SFL is extremely disappointed that despite our efforts nothing could be done to avert the course of action about to be taken by our referee colleagues this weekend. Throughout the last few days we have tried to find a solution for both the short and long-term which would have reinforced our existing support and admiration for all Scottish referees.

“Our commitment to that is unchanged. However, as a result of the action planned for this weekend, many of our clubs and supporters will feel let down.”

Meanwhile it has been reported that Category 3 officials are up in arms over the lack of a former ballot for this weekend’s proposed strike. It emerged that the officials are unhappy at not being consulted by their senior colleagues in Categories One and Two.

An email from Senior SFRA official James Bee, according to the Daily Record revealed that, he apologised for not consulting everyone over the protest, making it clear that the Category One officials would not back down. And he implied that the top officials expect backing from the rest of the officials.

Bee wrote, “At a meeting on Sunday the category one referees took the decision to withdraw their availability to officiate at matches this weekend. The following competitions are affected – the SPL, SFL, including the Alba Challenge Cup Final and Scottish Cup replays. The decisions of the category one and two referees were not taken lightly and must be respected. Unfortunately we have so far not been able to formally consult with the category three SAR referees. Please accept the apologies of the SSFRA for this and bear in mind I am also a category three SAR Referee.

“Until that time the position is as follows – category three and category three SAR referees:

1. Have not been formally consulted.

2. Are at liberty to officiate at any match they are appointed to this weekend if they so choose.

3. Can choose to support, or otherwise, the stance taken by category one and two refs.”

So not all referees and officials voted for strike action. Not all officials were consulted of the ballot and the referees failed to give enough notice to the SFA, SPL and the SFL about strike action. A minimum of 7 days must be given, but it looks as though Category One Referees are re-writing the rules of their own union and unions in general to suit their own needs. Where is the respect from the senior referee officials to their lower ranked officials? Stinks of nothing more than selfishness and self-importance from the senior officials.

Games affected by the strike action

Scottish Premier League: Celtic v Inverness CT, Hamilton v St Mirren, Hibernian v St Johnstone, Kilmarnock v Aberdeen (all Saturday); Dundee United v Rangers, Motherwell v Hearts (both Sunday).

ALBA Challenge Cup final: Queen of the South v Ross County (Sunday).

Scottish First Division: Cowdenbeath v Dunfermline, Greenock Morton v Falkirk, Raith Rovers v Dundee, Stirling Albion v Partick Thistle (all Saturday).

Scottish Second Division: Ayr v East Fife, Dumbarton v Alloa (both Saturday).

Scottish Third Division: Albion Rovers v Stranraer, Clyde v Queen’s Park, Elgin City v Berwick Rangers, Montrose v East Stirlingshire (all Saturday).

Scottish Cup Third Round replays: Threave Rovers v Stenhousemuir, Annan Athletic v Brechin City, Beith v Airdrie United (all Saturday).

Airdrie United forget what side they are on with Poppy Programme

Bungling Airdrie United bosses used an image of Nazi soldiers to mark their Remembrance Day official match programme. The photo showed German troops on a train, and featured the logo of PoppyScotland and the words Lest We Forget.

Club Secretary Ann Marie Ballantyne said, “A few people have picked up on this. It certainly was not deliberate. In the end they pulled out – but by then everything was at the printers. We were told the soldiers were Australian.”

I’m sorry but how can you mix up Australian soldiers, who wore the same uniforms as the British forces, with Nazis? Or did they just forget what side they were on?

It’s not the first time that Airdrie have been linked with the Nazis. Back in 2004, Morton in their official club programme made a tongue in cheek suggestion that Airdrie sold Nazi SS uniforms on their club website. The Greenock club was heavily censured for that jibe.

Clyde have become the Second Fan-owned club in Scottish Football

Third Division outfit Clyde have become the second senior Scottish side to become owned by the supporters, after Stirling Albion did so in July.

The Cumbernauld side ditched their Limited Company status at a General Meeting last night and returned to the community.

Clyde have been struggling financially for several years and came close to being closed down last year over money owed to the local authority, over rent arrears for Broadwood Stadium.

Chairman John Alexander believes that Thursday’s decision will safeguard the club’s future.
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Ross County manager ditches the Stags to be Hibs No.2

Ross County have announced that manager Derek Adams has left the Highland outfit to take up the Assistant Manager’s role at Hibernian.

Adams has been with the Dingwall side for three years, and his greatest success has to be leading the Stags to the Scottish Cup Final last season, losing 2-0 to Dundee United.
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Ross County Gaffer Derek Adams receives 18 game touchline ban

Ross County manager Derek Adams has received another SFA ban which will see him spend 18 games in the stands this season.

Adams was already serving a touchline ban of eight games, when he was punished for clashing with officials at half time in the Co-operative Insurance League Cup defeat to Dundee United in September.
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