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I've never really understood the 'it's better that we're out of the cup so we can concentrate on the league' type of thinking. These guys are full time professional athletes, it really shouldn't be an issue. If I recall the season we finished 3rd in the Premiership was when we won the Scottish Cup.

Doesn't bother me. I already subscribe to SKY Sports and BT Sports. I refuse to pay for another subscription channel and that also applies to the channel who have bought the rights to the Scotland games.

Hardy back to parent club. Think this also answers a few questions about standing by those who were injured. While it may cost us a few quid, standing by your players as they rehab from injury is not only morally the right thing to do, but also good for our reputation with players considering a move to the club. You want to work for an employer who knows how to treat you right!

That's a really informative and timely statement from Scot Gardiner.

I wish that we could go back to the safe, harmonious and peaceful times of the late seventies and eighties.

What a rollercoaster of a season. A great start, albeit a bit flattering, a dire middle, then a great finish to make the play offs. Over the two legs, St Johnstone deserved to win, but it could have been so different had we not lost the second goal or if Doran had pulled one back. I wanted us to win and get promoted but, being totally honest, I was concerned that we could be the whipping boys next season unless we got our recruitment spot on. I hope we can use the last two months as a foundation for next season, and strengthen our squad as well as replacing those key players we will be losing (eg Broadfoot, McAlear). Priorities for me are full backs and creative players who can provide the assists for Mckay and Samuels. We have a decent nucleus with guys like Ridgers, Deas, Harper, Carson, Allardice, MacGregor, Walsh, Samuels and Mckay under contract, but we may see bids for Deas and MacGregor. If Devine is likely to sign a new contract, that is great news. We also have promising youngsters in Hyde and Lewis Nicolson who should be ready for more exposure. Both have looked to have potential this season. Hopefully we have them tied up for next season too. We probably did as well this season as we could have expected, let’s go one better next year (and a cup run of two would be good too). Thanks to the CTO team for the previews and reports each week: always a great read.

I don’t fancy our chances in this group, particularly as we tend to use it to get players fit for the league campaign. Cove and Kelty both won their leagues, so will fancy their chances against us, whilst Livingston will start as clear favourites. We will need three 90 minute wins and, probably, a draw to qualify which I think is a tall order. I hope I am wrong but we will see in a few weeks.