Kingsmills

I see that our neighbours in Dingwall have been given authority by Highland council, as the relevant authority, for capacity crowds. Not really an issue for us in the Championship where the general limit of 5,000 is likely to apply but we may as well make the application too as the cost is minimal. If the same regulations apply season long we will at least be ready to welcome the 6,000 plus crowds for the final two league games of our run in to the title and promotion or, failing that, our home play off legs.

Much appreciated.

Thanks. I don't usually do podcasts but may well make an exception.

I wonder, in the course of liaisons between the club and fans, was there any clarification on what precisely the remit is of John Robertson's new role as Sporting Director now that has had a few months to bed in and how that compliments or overlaps with the role of head coach ? As this arrangement is a novel one for our club I suspect that I might not be the only supporter curious to find out.

Absolutely. If we are to have a future as a successful club it's vital that we get the next generation involved as early as possible. Not something we have been hugely successful at over the last quarter of a century.

I have had a few mobile networks over the years and have never had an issue in the ground with any of them.

I suspect that he has been told that the coffers are empty.

Absolutely. Hopefully, the gloom merchants who were predicting a disastrous season after our poor League Cup showing will be heartened by our 100% record in the league so far and no goals conceded. I certainly know I am, especially as Raith are tipped as title rivals this season.

I think you are being sensible and realistic. Let's hope that Billy Dodds is similarly realistic.

Entirely agree. There is no excuse for such poor communication over so many years. It is an insult to the supporters and the numerous promises of improvement which are never fulfilled make it worse. High time this long standing issue was resolved and it should be very close to the top of any agenda for any forum of discussion between the club and fans.

Absolutely, assuming it is in good faith and not a box ticking exercise and that the club not only listens to the concerns and suggestions of the fans but, where appropriate, acts on them.

Our first home game after restrictions are (almost) fully lifted is against Ayr on the 21st. This gives us time. I hope that the club use it to launch a huge 'Welcome Back, We've Missed You' campaign in the local press and social media. Although no great fan of it myself, I would be inclined to ramp up the pre match entertainment and have a 'pay what you think it's worth' day. Many fans, especially walk up supporters, have got out of the habit of attending matches for the best part of two years now and we need to pull out all of the stops to entice them back. Of course, the best way of doing that in the medium and longer term is to have a successful and entertaining product on the park but a good start would be a noisy and enthusiastic crowd of three thousand plus against the Honest Men.

There is no legal prohibition on away fans as from Monday. It will be at the discretion of the home club.

As from Monday, there will be no restrictions on outdoor gatherings up to 5,000 people which, even in the unlikely event that remained the limit, would be more than sufficient for almost all our home games this season. Additional incentive, if any were needed, for a successful and entertaining product on the park. The more fans the greater the income and the greater the ability to add to the squad in January if it appears we need to to boost what will hopefully be a challenge for the title and automatic promotion.

The great majority of clubs have seen an increase in season ticket sales this season with fans being enthused about watching in person again. It is a worry that we appear to be one of the few exceptions.

Just as you had to look up the player, I had to Google Cascadia. For some reason, it didnt feature much in the Higher Geography syllabus in 1979 !

Especially dealing with the Arbroath forward who looked about seven feet tall.

Losing by a single goal at Tynecastle puts us on a par with Celtic. Although, these days, I a not entirely sure that's anything to boast about.

We each have our delight barriers. As I indicated in my own post, I share your view that it was a positive result and represents decent progress on our League Cup form However, I have a slightly higher barrier as to what constitutes a 'brilliant resut' which is just a tad higher than scraping an untidy 1-0 victory against a part time team with half our budget.

Can I have a pint of what he's just had please ?

A great deal of work yet to do and all round improvement to make if we are going to be title contenders. Seldom pretty to watch but an improvement on what went on in the League Cup group and Shane showed skill and composure in taking his goal which made up for his miss in the first half. Some desperate defending towards the end but effective in keeping the ball out of the net Good to see Billy back although clearly still a good way short of match fit. A basis to work on and most importantly 3 points in the bag. Dangerous opponents next up who will be smarting from throwing away such a commanding lead and we will need to more improvement still but heading in the right direction.

Great to see Billy McKay out there warming up. A fantastic option to bring on if we are in need of a goal or two late on.

The League Cup was a disappointment but, as Gringo points out, that is hardly a novelty for us these days. With no single club having substantially greater resources than any other for once this season represents our best chance of promotion for years. However, this league will be highly competitive and half a dozen other clubs will be feeling the same way We cannot afford results and performances as dire as those against Stirling Albion and particularly Cove Rangers. With all due respect to Arbroath, any team looking to secure promotion this season should be looking to secure maximum points from this fixture. No room for complacency but it is vital that we get this most important of league campaigns of on the right footing.

Not back at work. Just pursuing his favourite hobby !

Credit and thanks to Gringo for his great efforts for many years up until now. Equal credit and thanks to MrCaleyJags for stepping into the breach. We are really lucky indeed to have such thoughtful members of the CTO community.