As Bill Shankly once said to me:
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.'
At this time, and in the case of Charlie Christie, I would beg to differ with the great man. I understand that CC did not give any after match interviews yesterday and he has alluded to the fact that he found last season very stressful and it had an effect on his family and friends as well.
The pressure is as much as it ever has been and I am very reliably informed that there is bad feeling in the dressing room. We may only be three games into the season but the hounds are baying and the next three fixtures are against the in form Arabs and very difficult trips to Easter Road and Parkhead. That is a tall order indeed.
In regard to the Cometh the Hour thread I sincerely thought that we would beat St Mirren which would allow the breathing space desperately required and I was planning to extol CC. Sadly it has just increased the pressure cooker.
So I would say - personally and professionally to CC - You will always be a legend in my eyes and many others. You have helped ICT out in their hour of need but it is time to put yourself and your family first. Gracefully throw in the towel before things get any worse.
And this time I am being totally feckin serious.