Sneckboy

We're fortunate that UEFA are the only region that don't have a pre-qualifying section! All the other confederations weed out the weaker teams before their competition 'proper'. In Europe, we get all the teams going straight into the group stages meaning results like, Ukraine 9-0 San Marino. Having 54 members (with Gibraltar now included) it would be feasible to eliminate 9 nations before the groups. That would leave 9 groups of 5 teams. 9 home-and-away play-offs would achieve this, consisting of the 18 bottom ranked sides being split into 2 pots of 9. And there are times when Scotland would be involved! We were unlucky to get Wales as our pot 6 'minnow' in this campaign - the Faroe Islands were in the pot above Wales. The mind boggles to think that the world's most expensive ever player plays for a team seeded most recently behindthe Faroe Islands!!

I'll take a tenner at those odds....better than the £50 I've got on with the bookie at 200/1 Sorry, CaleyD, the bet was only for Renegade!

Wish I'd not clicked on this thread!

I think someone's added something to his cookies! He's in cloud cookies land!

Yesterday, World Cup Qualifier Nauris Bulvitis (Latvia 2-1 Lithuania)

Renegade! I'll give you 400/1 odds that Inverness win the league! PM me and I'll happily take your wager!!! (DISCLASIMER: Odds quoted are available only until Friday 13th September 2013.)

Not Scotland managers, but I think Kenny Dalglish and John Barnes were up for a look before our famous 3-1 win at Parkhead in the Scottish Cup. Likely a 'token' visit and a golf trip as they clearly underestimated us in the actual tie in Glasgow. Indeed, I seem to remember that Kenny was away in Spain playing golf while we dismantled his team and got his manager sacked!!

After the 2012 season, Scottish attendances were the 2nd highest in Europe for top flight games relative to their top flight attendances as a percentage of population. According to this... http://comparetheleagues.com Edit. Click on the top of the column three-in from the right, and the order sorts to show Scotland 2nd.

Last night Aberdeenshire Cup - Semi Final Martin Bavidge (Inverurie Loco Works 3-0 Huntly) North of Scotland Cup - Semi Final Ross Tokely (Brora Rangers 6-2 Wick Academy) Zander Sutherland HAT TRICK (Brora Rangers 6-2 Wick Academy)

I heard a Hearts bus driver got arrested near the stadium. The fans had to get trains back to Edinburgh. I should say 'allegedly' as it's only word of mouth.

Dougal, the stadium wasn't cobbled together quickly due to us gaining top-flight status. We'd been playing in it for years before!!

Well said, bughtmaster! These trades are vital jobs. Indeed, I bet Ian Black agrees! He probably bets that as well! Yeah, he moonlights as a painter/decorator when he's not making enough from his other 'activities'! Allegedly!

Callum Dingwall scored for Keith against Clach. I think he's on loan there from Formartine.

Good stat! I remember reading that during his career, man of many clubs (the Scottish League's version of Steve Claridge), Roddy Grant, scored against every team in Scotland apart from Brechin City! I love trivia like that!

Settle for that draw. Although we don't have a good record against them in cups! I think it's played 4 lost 4. But that'll change!

Daniel Park for Formartine v.Turriff United in the Quarter-finals of the Aberdeenshire Cup.

We'll probably draw Falkirk at home then concede a penalty in front of the North Stand. Philip Roberts steps up takes it and scores, jumps onto the wall behind the goal, lifts his shirt to reveal his t-shirt underneath (on which he's written 'CTO - Karma?!') but discovers he's put it on back-to-front.

To be fair, the last round was played on a saturday at the 'traditional' 3pm, but last night was literally the cliched 'who's going to travel to Stranraer on a wet Tuesday night!' Why am I almost sticking up for County!!?? I must book myself for that!

Incredibly, the County away 'support' was only out-numbered by 207 home fans! Only 215 at the match on a night of appalling attendances across the games - again bringing into question fans' appetite for the League Cup. Aberdeen had under 4900! One exception, Falkirk v. Dunfermline had a relatively healthy 3663 but those clubs seem to have a major rivalry.

Liam Fox for Raith Rovers v. Hearts Martin Bavidge for Inverurie Locos v. Banks O Dee in the Quarter-finals of the Aberdeenshire Cup.

"plaice"

Give me strength...! The 'mythical fire-breathing creature' has even managed to troll the 'Word Association' thread!!!

We definitely have a team with more experience than the youthful Hearts side. Our starting 11 has an average age of 25, which is also relatively young but Hearts really are full of mostly 'youngsters'. Not sure what their exact starting line-up will be but the average age will be around 21. Their Aussie player, Dylan McGowan has just turned 22 and is their 3rd oldest available player!

I just hope a guest doesn't stumble upon the middle of this thread - they'd think we've lost our marbles! However, if they read from the beginning they'd surely twig, unless, like some, they've had an irony-bypass!

They've made a very decent start to the season and have really cut into their initial points deficit. They're already on 'just' -8 points and will likely get to the 'fresh start' of 0 (zero) points by 9 or 10 games in, at the most.... giving them plenty of time to catch up. I'm sure there are already a few nervous glances behind from St. Mirren and others (but not us ) at this stage! If it wasn't for the points penalty, Hearts would be equal 2nd. Next week's game will be tough, especially with the expected large travelling support behind the visitors.