Naelifts

Over the season various posters have howled at us for not getting behind the team. Their righteous indignation at any criticism levelled at the team sometime stung. Where they right? As a supporter you are there through thick and thin. We have had a meteoric rise in 24 years and enjoyed much success. We have consistently punched above our weight. Can anyone really believe, right now, that we were in Bucharest a couple of years ago. Now we quake at the prospect of a trip to Brechin (God bless them).. Our success was largely down to unearthing a succession of largely unfancied managers who , in turn, unearthed a steady stream of quality players. We knew those good players would be poached......its what happens. Time and time again we replaced those that left and maintained our lofty position in Scottish football. It was, in retrospect, unsustainable. We have downgraded our expectations this year. I sit here,unable to sleep, and probably typing the obvious, but, I am concerned at my apathy over tomorrows Cup final. I could have done other things tomorrow but I wont. I'll be there...hoping. It has , to my mind, not been a great competition. A few years ago we would have approached such a match with great expectation , excitement and pride at having reached a final. Not any more.The fact is that we know our players are good enough........they have shown how they can play in brief bursts. We should be winning this. My conclusion is that it is up to them. We deserve a performance. All any employer can ask is that their workforce tries their best. That should be good enough tomorrow. We have too many under achievers. I would not name those that I think have let us down ,but I think we all know who they are.. I like Bell.....Oakely gives his all.......Ridgers is probably our most improved player...........Donaldson has a future. A recent night in Dunfermline was tortuous and I don't want to sit through that again. The only joy that night was the Ryan Esson chant...a small band of committed supporters trying to stay warm and enthused any way they could. I applaud the foot soldiers of smaller clubs who turn out every week no matter what......imagiine being a Brechin supporter just now. Momentum is a great thing. There was a time this season, not that long ago, when we had momentum. We were on a run and all manner of play-off predictions were being bandied about. I fear that our momentum is now in the opposite direction. It is still mathematically a possibility but the players have to step up to the plate. It is up to you guys now. You are good enough. You can do it and you should prevail. Don't let us down. If you try your best......play as you can................we are going to win a Cup!! C'mon ICT. Make us proud of you again.

Puts it in perspective. Respect to all those who do this on a regular basis. At least you don't have to listen to Yngwies CDs

What do you mean"even if we miss"..........bound to

How excited is everyone about this? I'm struggling I have to say. Strong team............hope we put on a good show for the legions of Alba followers. Hats off to any Irish folk who made the trip.

Well said Robbo. Spot on assessment and sentiments as usual

I wasn't. Hi Don how are you?

Great preview Don. Cracking read

Its a must listen show. Especially enjoy the trips down memory lane and nostalgia. It is an institution...........long may it last

Another enterraiing game. What we lacked in guile and striking ability we more than made up for with industry and effort. We had a lot of possession but tended to slow things down in the final third allowing a defence to set. This is a little frustrating as we are getting men forward and we should have the confidence to be more direct at times. A deserved result with special mention to Bell ( who was a real live wire and will have sore legs tonight) and Donaldson ( who strolled round the park like he owned it ......this boy has a future). An absolute belter of a block by McKay ( I think ) prevented a near certain goal..........watch that on Sportscene......he came from the clouds. Once again great to see George get his goal......he had been shackled , not always legally, throughout the match. Finally the last goal had me reminiscing of Nicky Ross' equaliser at Easter Road against Hearts.....a similar goal.......a similar feeling Well done everyone ( including the support who were great)

I'm excited

Well said re Baird RIG. Always 100% effort

I am sure I heard the woman in the pie stall say something about Mantis..............couldnt quite pick it up though!

Was just going to say the same. My first game for a while today. Thouroughly enjoyed it. St Mirren will know they have been in a game. We spurned all the best chances..........a draw would have been fair........a win not robbery. St Mirren moved the ball much quicker and more directly than us. We are too ponderous.........Vigurs a big miss today. Felt sorry for Oakley........his glaring misses will feature in match reports but otherwise I thought he held the ball up and linked play quite well. These are the league leaders we were playing; I think at 3 o'clock our fans weren't expecting much............surely we must agree that overall that was a pleasing performance.....................our lack of goals is costly and frustrating. They will come

Yep..............what they said

Get in there!!!! Great 3 points. Happy Whatsit Johndo

Can't stand the noise in here!! Keep it up ICT!! 3 points would be just great

Nice story so far. It has a ring of a fairy tale about it. Go on...............where is the friendly giant?

Definitely a penalty from where I am sitting. Not sure why anyone can think otherwise!

Exactly how atrtractive a gig are ICT at the moment.? Who would want to replace Robbo ? Those calling for his head should remember that a guy who did not even consider the job came out well on top at the last interview stage.. Who were the applicants? Do we know? There will be a drastically reduced queue if we advertise again. Reality check boys. We are where we are. The good times were great. The bad times will be ****. That's it.

Agreed bughtmaster.......................moderators?

Unacceptable

Wholly agree with this. As a travelling supporter the hassle of collecting a ticket is not necessary or good enough. As Donview says.......are we trying to encourage people to attend the games or actually put them off?

A lot of injuries in these players histories. I guess this is the pond that we must fish in though. I just hope we get it right

Surely tell him to Go Now

That is the spirit young man...............I,m with you