Sorted

At the present time under the great sage Levein even in a group containing Andorra, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Faroes and Jersey I doubt whether every game would be 'winable'. I hear Levein now - "St Helier is 'a difficult place to go to' (technically not true as Fly Be go direct to Jersey from Inverness!) and 'there is no such thing as an easy game in international football these days' (also untrue as shown by the results of those that can play football)" "Whatever team I play it will be about what we can do not the opposition (I sense a 4-6-0 coming....)"

I once saw a bar of soap at Celtic Park

Enjoyed my trip to Alicante. Beautiful football, beautiful women, fantastic bars and the best support there is. Pity that those in charge of our game don't seem to have a clue.......................

Struggling with this one Gringo. TB is Foran's number one fan. He brought him to the club. He retained him at the club (highest paid player if rumours are correct) and he made him captain. Surely if the responsibility for the recent demise sits with Foran the ultimately TB is responsible?

Interesting point. Are you basing this on history, his media friendly persona or historical position as a playing legend? Never been convinced about one and accept two as correct. At this point I understand I am supposed to shout 'I BELIEVE' and I will be subjected to adulation, the world will be a happy place and we won't get relegated. There are none so blind as those that will not see. Or something like that. Who said fanatical fundamentalism was restricted to Islamic dictatorships? Some of the clearest examples post on CTO! The interesting point is that Sorted interpreted the quote from PIG as saying there is no manager out there who is better than Butcher. I interpret it more as 'this club, due to its geographical location and financial limitations, would be unable to attract a better manager. Thanks for clarifying my interpretation Alex. For the record, I share the exact same view as you but come to a different conclusion. Also interested in the word 'better' and how this is measured. If you use the only tools that are readily available i.e. statistics, neither TB or MM would come anywhere near the 'better' category. If you have another tool for performance measurement of a football management team I would be keen to understand it.

You assume two points. Firstly, it is a positive to award a management team, at the bottom of their league, a new contract. Secondly, it is a shared view that our management team are 'good'. Those who disagree may not conform with what is expected here but they are entitled to there view. Just because they don't share your opinion doesn't make theirs necessarily negative and yours positive. It can be argued equally (much more realistically some might say) that your view is nonsensical and theirs pragmatic.

Interesting point. Are you basing this on history, his media friendly persona or historical position as a playing legend? Never been convinced about one and accept two as correct. At this point I understand I am supposed to shout 'I BELIEVE' and I will be subjected to adulation, the world will be a happy place and we won't get relegated. There are none so blind as those that will not see. Or something like that. Who said fanatical fundamentalism was restricted to Islamic dictatorships? Some of the clearest examples post on CTO!

Wind up? I thought it was the most sensible series of posts the' ye olde sage' has written for months. Now absolutely gutted to find out he was just taking the ****. Or am I?

Hard to take. From both radio commentary and Sky, seems very harsh. Hope guys dig in and don't get a hiding!

They were very instrumental in making the rules so I'm sure they, and their west end cousins, will manage to change them. We can blame the OF for many things but not this. Interfering politicians with perceived populist agendas are solely responsible for the atmosphere and facilities in which we now watch our game. Point scoring sought from tragedy when, for once, that old adage 'lessons to be learned' was very appropriate. Instead we had over reaction and legislative pressure. Don't get me wrong, I like sitting at games (age and mobility ) and won't change my arrangements. That said isn't it obvious to all that there is a significant opportunity to give lots of customers (and perhaps some that are no longer customers) what they want? Not quite true Sorted. Yes the politicians went a wee bit overboard in their interpretation of the recommendations of the enquiries. The politicians made legislation that 'any sporting stadium with a crowd capacity of over ten thousand must be all seated'. The football associations in UK gave all their registered clubs who met that criterea three years to comply with it. The SPL, on the other hand, made their own interpretation of the law and stated that 'all member clubs of the SPL must have a ten thousand seat capacity and that all seats must be numbered and tickets allocated to a seat number. There is no actual legislation that states that all persons using a stadium must sit down. That is only enforced in the SPL. It is not enforced in EPL or any other league. Listening to Radio Scotland before kick off with Traynor and company talking about the situation. At no point in the discussion did it it mention any responsibilty on the OF for the ruling. They referred to the SFA implementation of the Taylor Report which was in line with that of the EFA (refuse to call it the FA as it's not!). Interesting, on the Celtic case they mention that their CE was worried about his own position as the Safety Officer who is responsible for the certificate issued by the local authority. He is clear that his club is in breach and he is responsible. They also commented on how the situation in England is exactly the same and specifically mentioned Anfield. Throughout the match, announcements are made requesting people to sit down predominately within the Kop. These are ignored as they are at Celtic. Ultimately, I maintain that the current situation is politically driven and that the appropriate FAs didn't have the ability, desire or gumption to argue their case properly.

They were very instrumental in making the rules so I'm sure they, and their west end cousins, will manage to change them. We can blame the OF for many things but not this. Interfering politicians with perceived populist agendas are solely responsible for the atmosphere and facilities in which we now watch our game. Point scoring sought from tragedy when, for once, that old adage 'lessons to be learned' was very appropriate. Instead we had over reaction and legislative pressure. Don't get me wrong, I like sitting at games (age and mobility ) and won't change my arrangements. That said isn't it obvious to all that there is a significant opportunity to give lots of customers (and perhaps some that are no longer customers) what they want?

OTJ is a huge worry to me and none of it is due to ability. Why were we able to sign him? Was it the lure of living in Europe's domino capitol (seems to be the only league booming at the moment) or the free passes to The Den? Or was it the huge salary that we are (Romanian mercenaries apart) well known for paying? Perhaps we were the only club willing to give him a contract? OTJ has played, including substitute appearances, an average of 14 times a season since the end of 2004. Not his fault or a criticism merely fact. Suggest that we will have a significant part of our playing budget sitting in the stand for most of his time here. Fine if he is on a 'pay as you play deal' but as I understand it that is not the case and he rejected similar offers from bigger clubs. Hence the reason he cam to the Sneck!

A pal of mine, Davie, is coming up from Glasgow to watch the County tomorrow. Obviously a tad depressed! He is very critical of the manner in which his club have failed to develop any talent through their much heralded youth system since Aiden McGeady and little in years before that. We had a 'heated debate' and came to the conclusion that the club needs to take a lot more responsibility than they do and that blaming the lure of cash from 'down Souffffff' is too easy. Our clubs don't give any opportunity to youngsters any more? Arsene Wenger has played 15 year olds for Arsenal and there are numerous examples of youngsters coming off the bench for clubs all over Europe except here. Why is it only in times of crisis that we blood youngsters? How will the ever be good enough or gain experience if we don't play them? Davie reckons that the Islam Feroz story at Celtic is a prime example. Been at the club since he was very young, played in Tommy Burns Memorial match and is viewed as a huge prospect for club and country. Does he ever get near the bench? Winning 3-0 nil at home to Kille for example with 15 left why can't he get on? But no. Opportunity doesn't knock. Meantime a right big club come in and offer him huge money and he has the choice. Sit my arse and not get a game for Celtic for X or sit and my arse and not get a game for Chelsea for 100X? No brainer really. Celtic blame the player, his family, the agent and Tony Blair (he is, after all, to blame for most ills in the world today!) when in reality they should have a wee look in the mirror. Until our clubs have the balls to play youth through choice not necessity and all the pressures that brings we will continue to see the demise of our game. I think there are plenty willing to be developed Chief but very few coaches with the balls to allow it to happen. Whose fault is that?

Alex, this is totally incorrect regarding La Liga. The TV deal is the subject of huge scrutiny at the moment as clubs object to Barca and RM having the right to virtually negotiate their own deals. The differential is ridiculous. Also how many teams start of the season believing they can win LA Liga........apart from Barca and RM? Malaga may do a Man City in time but not at the moment. Our league is pretty typical of most European leagues apart from...........the quality of the fare. This is far and away the most serious issue. Our product is rank rotten at every level from the national team down. Nothing to do with TV revenue as we still get more than many leagues that provide a much higher standard of product. The problems with Scottish football are far deeper than TV revenue and the OF. These are easy targets punted about by lazy journalists who don't want to seek out the truth just in case they offend friends in high places.

I'm with Dougal on this as I thought Alex was giving us the statistics to reach the same conclusion he has without being too obvious. Fact is that in the games that WC (most appropriate initials eh?) has issued 3.19 yellow cards per game when ICT are not involved yet this jumps to 3.75 when we are. On the counter, the red cards are 0.33 when we are not involved and 0.25 when we are. Conclusion. WC loves giving yellow cards to us but not red...................

Good for the Dutch. Nice to see that at least one governing body has the gumption to address such a lamentable performance. Can we do it? No Are we making progress? No (despite the protestations of our shagging legend goalkeeper a fortunate home point, even allowing for the ref as the stats prove, against the poorest Czech side in generations and a scraped win against Vilnius of Midlothian doesn't impress this poster) Will we make a set of finals in my lifetime? Probably not (unless we decide that the way out of our economic crisis is to undertake a programme of stadia builds throughout our nation and gain free entry as hosts) Am I bothered? Not hugely. Despite being a very patriotic Scot I can't get enthused about the 'national' team as most of those wearing the jersey have no connection with out wee country. Listening to that Lairg Legend Craig Mackail-Smith talking about 'us', 'we' etc on the radio the other night almost made me crash.

Jack Ross and honest...........isn't that a contradiction? Anyone from Hartlepool?

I have no problem with the way it is Dougal. Quite like the fact that the 'mods' can tell but we can't. Strengthens the rebellious nature inside me and feeds my paranoia .............. Good idea for a poll!

The previous incumbent wasn't dealing with so many injuries and had an experienced SPL squad. We'll get there. Granted on the injuries but the fact that TB has such an inexperienced squad is his choice. This for me is what is the root cause of our current problem. Thanks for having the decency to reply to my post rather than just criticise. Good job I'm no a sensitive soul On a serious note, I am very worried about what this season has in store and do not share the 'blind belief' that often permeates through CTO. It's only 16 months ago since we beat Ayr by seven at Somerset Park. What has changed so dramatically since then? They, to the best of my knowledge, have not been acquired by the well heeled Sheik Ma Tadger and subject to significant investment? Can the only logical conclusion can be that we have declined so dramatically in this time scale?

From memory, I've seen seen crowds of people with their shoes off and representatives of the supporters trust calling for a leader's head for a lot less than this .......... Perhaps we are on the verge of a second witch hunt or maybe a tad more decorum will be given to this incumbent than previous? I hope so.

Not quite true Rene. Have a we bit of knowledge on this one as my mate taught him at secondary school and coached him at Tranmere with Kenny Shiels. He never had any intention of coming here and was pretty condescending about life/football in the Highlands. Hoped that as soon as he was on the verge of 'moving' up someone would come in and offer him something. He got his wish.

Rene, have you gone to 'the book'?

It's a pet name for him Alex. In his own mind when he plays, he's 'glad' all is 'well'...............

What do you expect from Gary Gladwell's understudy?

It is very interesting that you are able to judge the level of information and expertise that any poster has. What makes you believe that I express "ill informed opinions"? How do you know the "potential consequences" of these opinions? I am surprised that it is you, the poster who has chosen to defend Thomson and his right to remain in employment. the poster that has sought to mitigate his behaviour and the likelihood of re-offence, that has introduced paedophilia into the debate. Why have you deemed this necessary when others have not? Are you linking Thomson's crimes to paedophilia? Once again, this totally undermines your own argument. You have adopted the stance that he is a "silly wee boy" that has "made a mistake" and needs support and guidance not exclusion form society. Then you, not anyone else, chose to associate the "silly wee boy" that has "made a mistake" with paedophilia Little wonder people have concern eh? For the record for every individual working within the mental health sector (public and private) that believes that paedophilia can be treated, there are at least two that believe it can only be managed. No cure just control. I'll leave you to work out the merit or value of my opinion and whether it is based on over 25 years working in this field or just a hunch. I will not try to judge you through your posts though it would be very easy to do so.