RiG

We had a lot of the ball but didn't create too many clear cut chances. From an ICT perspective the defending for the second goal was a shambles. Carson completely switched off and let his man run off him. Nice free kick for the opener but I can't help but feel we didn't defend that set piece particularly well either. A couple of nice passing moves at the edge of the box saw us score two decent goals and although we dominated in terms of attacking with Stirling content to sit back and hit on the counter we struggled to really test the keeper. Doran had the best chance to win it when he sclaffed a shot wide with only the keeper to beat. That said, Stirling looked decent on the counter and although Broadfoot was pretty decent for most of the game he did have a comedy mishap with Deas (I think) where the two of them went for the ball and both missed it leading to a clear chance for Albion to grab a winner but they hit the post / bar. That penalty shoot out was pretty rotten. Almost as bad as the one between the two sides back in 2017 in the same competition. That's us possibly out of the competition already as we will probably need to do our usual of get at least a point from Hearts or avoid losing 3 - 0 only to contrive to lose 4 - 0. Meh. On the plus side it was great being back at a game again.

All that's missing from this thread is Wynthank popping up to tell us all how we should never have gotten rid of John Hughes...

Wait, you have to keep face coverings on during the game!?

Can you get refreshments at the game? Looking forward to getting along for the first time in something like 16 months at the weekend.

Being pernickety here (apologies!) but the SPL died a death a long time ago. We want to get back to the Scottish Premiership. The fact that folk still refer to the top tier as the SPL shows what a roaring success the rebranding of the leagues has been.

Broadfoot signs. https://twitter.com/Record_Sport/status/1413946060414803983?s=19

Hello, our season preview pod is out now featuring interviews with Michael Gardyne, Manny Duku and Tom Walsh. We look over the other sides in the division and try to identify what "DoddsBall" might be. And there's also a chance to win a signed ICT shirt by Danny MacKay!

I doubt a lot of junior sides, even some League 1 and 2 sides, have the financial backing that Kelty have.

Announced a couple of hours after I took the plunge and renewed my ST

It was a very revealing interview and interesting to heard "behind the scenes" of the challenges faced by the club that we have long suspected they faced (recruitment) and the tedious COVID requirements (disinfecting balls). Good to see it get some traction in some of the (online) papers with the P & J, Edinburgh Evening News and Edinburgh Live among others all picking up the comments.

Bin colts and the non Scottish teams and bring in more Highland / Lowland League sides. Actually, just sack the whole competition. The SPFL have completely ruined it over the last few seasons.

I think it would be better if the stripes were also on the back of the shirt as well although perhaps this is to make it easier for the players names and numbers. Don't think I like either of the strips enough to bother buying one this season sadly.

Have you seen who is reporting it in the DR? Scott Burns is typically very on the nose with transfer rumours.

Kirk Broadfoot incoming it seems...

A big benefit for Storey in his first spell was his link up with Christie. We know he (Storey) has pace so playing him on the shoulder of the last defender with Christie playing slide rule passes through to him was a great setup. Take that creativity away and stick Storey wide right and you have the headless chicken we have become more familiar with over the last couple of seasons. He's had a couple of nice finishes during his second spell but I think overall it's been a little disappointing. However, one thing we saw more when he played on the flanks, was a pretty good work rate. I seem to recall a game against Ayr United where he was up and down the right side trying to attack but also getting back to help defend as well (typically when Rooney went on a rampage forward). He certainly didn't seem to be afraid of getting stuck in when required.

Given that the players salaries aren't exactly public knowledge (unless the players are informing the website) I would take it with a very large pinch of salt. Brad Mckay negotiated a new deal a year or two ago when we were in the Championship so the likelihood of us playing close to £1,000 a week for him in the second tier are virtually remote. Wouldn't be surprised if these are just salaries from Football Manager...

Each to their own but I fully agree with what Robbo said recently when he said it wasn't right for everyone else to be at home, staying safe, whilst the players from clubs all over the country were travelling all over the place possibly bringing who knows what back to their families.

No but if we are expecting these guys to be going up and down the country to entertain us then surely the least they can expect is to be double dosed so, if they did catch COVID-19, it will hopefully be pretty mild for them on the back of having two doses of the vaccine.

Presumably to avoid any kind of negative headlines or comments that may appear on the back of this? Sadly it's going to keep happening for a wee while yet I think. We won't be the only club to have someone having to isolate due to COVID-19.

I assume we are "the club" mentioned but it's not exactly clear.

At Level 0 there is no need to socially distance inside your own home so arguably there should be no need to socially distance in a stadium that is open to the elements.

Three (3!) year deals for Vigurs and Draper at Cove and Polly looks likely to sign for Killie later today / this week.

@RedCard...