Thinking back to this time last year and how our Festive Cheer was somewhat overshadowed by our feelings of doom for the club and considering the 12 months since, I wonder if I can touch on a few areas.

Brewster - If he had been retained would we be higher/lower than mid table right now? He has been a useful target for all that went wrong at ICT but was the backing by the Board to halt the decline too little too late?

Butcher - The right choice at the time? In my opinion, of course, we were lucky to get him. I now have to accept that he is a decent manager with a great ability to work the media, which makes me expect more from him.

The Team - Does not now compare with what we had as the ravages of finance has ripped the heart out of the playing staff and backroom staff and we are now only a shadow of our former selves.

Tactics - Only now, due to the new players settling in, are we seeing a glimpse of what we can attain on the park and I feel that the run in will be enjoyable for us all.

The Fans - Due to their diet of success over the years they have a degree of unrealistic expectations.

This can best be seen at this time where our makeshift team of bogof players, as someone on here so aptly put it, only now, well into the season, are starting to gel but are expected to compete with Dundee, a team that has served it's apprenticeship in this division and has spent a fortune to climb out, both in the purchase of players and remuneration.

I would have been happier to see the fans accepting this and being realistic by accepting a high(ish) finish this year with an attack planned for next year maybe, if we can hold onto our better players.

That said, it is this non acceptance of being the underdog by the same fans, that has brought such success to this club and they hold the TT award for supporters..... "Simply the Best"!

The Board - Not able to offer an indepth opinion as I am not privy to their meetings, I know many on here do offer an opinion but I will only say that I am disappointed at the lack of free flow of info emerging from the Board Room. This does not need to be regarding the good running of the club that by necessity is somewhat confidential, but more the sharing of the nitty gritty, to make us feel part of the club.

The Future - More rosy than is being expressed on other threads but again I am not privy to the club's finances but I live in hope that an ICT supporting Callum, will come to our aid.

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I honestly believe we are two decisive defenders and one tactically aware manager away from promotion.

We have a really good team, we just need the right manager to make it all work.

Can't argue with that.

No, I wouldn't argue with that either, although some back up for Rooney wouldn't go amiss in addition to two decisive defenders.

Brewster - Cant fault his first stint in charge but this was mostly due to his influence on the field that gained us much needed points. His true managerial skills were shown at Utd and we should never have taken him back. I wholeheartedly think he done the damage before butcher came in. As people above have said, he gave vertually no respect to the more experienced and infulential players, and had too much emphasis around fitness.

Butcher - Excellent when he came in and is starting to get tactics right despite a run of bad results IMO. Unfortunate in not keeping us up, but to draw with Celtic and beat Rangers is sensational whoever you are. Doing well with a depleted squad and i think made the right choice bringing back golly!

The Team - Always knew we'd have fewer players after relegation and am more than happy with who we have. We do however need a stronger back four.

Tactics - Not much wrong with them at the strat of the game, but what happens at half time? jeez!

The Fans -Expect too much but understandable when fed lines from the club. we all need to be behind the lads and not shout abusive chants (such as imrie on saturday) and should also not criticise those who do in fact turn up and chant week in week out. Everyone should buy an old clacker from that toy shop in eastgate - only ?2.50

The Board - Who are they and what do they do... I think perhaps it's sleepy, dopey, bashful and doc and they never whistle, because they never work.

The Future -Glad to see Darren and staff working to bring the fans what they want off the park, but i think this christmas period will determine our season. If we get 9 out of 9 in these coming 3 games, then we'll be back in it. anything less and i doubt we'll be in the SPL next season - and to be honest, is that really a bad thing?