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Ian McCall all set for the Partick job(again). This is likely a move that should weaken Ayr as competition but make next Saturdays game with Partick a tougher gig. Why do guys like to take these jobs that are so risky. Look at Ray McKinnon moving from Morton to Falkirk as an example.

This. The location of the ground is a pain in the a*** in some ways but it could also be a plus point. Its one of the most picturesque stadiums in the land so why not make use of that fact. Close the road to all but football traffic along the frontage between the entrances to the home and away car parks (ie. no through traffic) and have some form of entertainment/commerce there on a regular basis. A farmers market where the small traders have minimal overheads might be good, small business with their cottage industry arts and crafts also. If people come to that then it also attracts the other businesses that need the footfall like bouncy castles or face painting etc. This would all have to be self-financing or worthwhile to the traders and club alike so either there is no charge to them (initially) or someone tries to sponsor any costs. If it is successful, then the fact that the traders and/or entertainment is there should drive crowd levels up a bit. If the club themselves also have the shop and the bar open then they also generate revenue from this too. Speak to community groups, scouts, kids sports teams, schools and what not and offer them tickets for the game if they can bring something to the table in this regards .... its not like tickets are scarce anyway ! If it becomes popular as a known monthly/quarterly event it also then becomes easier to talk to the powers that be to provide transportation or easier access to the area .. more than just the Caley Club buses. Given that the town centre manager - a former CE of Inverness Caledonian Thistle - and his wife, the Eastgate Centre supremo are always trying to figure out how to stop the town centre consisting of just pound shops, charity shops and pubs, (or shuttered premises) then this should be a no-brainer. Is it better to get a nominal fee for something like a pop-up shop or to have things empty. A win win for all I would say and have said for years. All of your comments are correct but if you think a little bit out of the box this doesnt have to be the case ..... As above, firstly speak to the people in the town management and see if there is room for negotiation on things. pop-up shops are not typically expensive given their nature but there is or would be some element of cost so that has to be factored in. It depends how desperate the town centre folk are to make their product more attractive too ... its a potentially symbiotic relationship. Also, ICT - and other football clubs - are not like a traditional business so I would suggest they do actually attract volunteers to man something like this more easily than some other businesses. We are invested in the club with our hearts as well as our wallets so getting us to do something free or for cost is a lot easier. I would agree it tends to be the same faces doing the volunteering, but people do volunteer. The problem sometimes has been the club being aloof to those offers, turning them down for some reason, or treating people badly when they are doing those favours. As for technology costs then I do disagree here. Over the last few years the IT infrastructure at the stadium was improved so connecting remotely to it should not be an issue. Also, I encounter small one-person businesses over here now all the time using their PHONES as their entire gamut of technology. Our church has semi-monthly craft sales on a Sunday after service and a nearby indigenous centre also has them on a similar timescale and virtually all of the vendors now take cash or credit card. Credit card is enabled by attaching a "square" reader to the lightning socket of your phone .... you can buy them for $10 here. As the club already has a vendor agreement with credit card companies I would doubt the start up or other costs would be significant.

Which for me falls firmly at the footsteps of both the club (board) and its inability to engage with local community. Most or almost every club has some kind of presence in their town centre, but we fail to capitalise on this. Its been said before there are basic steps being missed Ticket kiosk or pop up shop in town (utilising the empty retail units or areas such as Falcon square - especially on match days) Without wanting the town to look tacky with posters and banners, simple lampost style flags with the club logo/branding in a few places - show a presence A good social media presence both standalone but also tied in with the local community, such as community groups, local press, even the tourist board & council Most important make matchday an experience worth talking about!!!! For example - Getting over these sole sourced catering contracts (lets not even open that can of worms ) to open up outside the stadium with local food stalls, some music or entertainment and even local beers etc. Longterm traders pay a fee or % to have a pitch which will hopefully make money but also fans want to turn up a bit earlier and enjoy being around the ground - The internal catering may suffer a little but overall during the game fans will still have no choice but to buy from there. The summer has now passed and we are heading towards the time of year that its cold, wet, catering is bang average (at best) and fans feel the club don't care. The fan numbers will probably stagnate or drop further regardless of on-field performances (unfortunately) excluding the occasional 'big' game. There really are more negatives reasons its hard to counter argue as to why the 'fair weather' fan wont come leaving just 'die hards'. Its a sad state of affairs but businesses need to learn from mistakes to grow, adapt and survive yet for years the same issues have been cited with minimal changes or improvements.

It's all to do with the money with Ian McCall going to Partick a full time side that still seems to have a bit of money at present although the Lottery winner has withdrawn his support. If we keep playing as we have started the season we have no reason to fear Partick although McCall will have them well fired up.

First Professional, First International, and a local boy. One of our best players from what I've heard

There is allegedly a rumour, among some County fans, that Uncle Roy is now also putting money into ICT. Something to do with him divorcing his wife and her wanting half his fortune. I have no idea as to the validity of this.....im merely relaying what i heard.