Kingsmills

The fact that Celtic Colts strolled to a 10-0 away win today demonstrates what an ill judged decision this was.

The pyramid structure is a hundred years or more overdue but it's still really odd to see Brechin playing in the Highland league.

Thank you for posting that. At long last, women's football is getting some attention although still not as much as it deserves. Good luck to Karen and her team for the season ahead. All part of the ICT family and richly deserving of our support. We know these girls will be playing for the Jersey as it certainly won't be for any money !

If we are not bringing in another defender as cover then we should certainly be looking beyond this season. I think we have seen enough of Manny Duku now to appreciate that he is an effective and talented forward who, with the right service, can score not just at this level but probably at Premiership level as well. He also has skill as provider as well as finisher. Looking at his CV, he seldom if ever spends more than a single season at any club. At 28, he is coming into his prime, assuming his demands are reasonable, I would be looking to extend his contract for at least another two seasons and yo tie that up now before he starts coming to the attention of other clubs.

It's the week after next. Next week is Ayr at home but, with restrictions easing at the start of this week, there will, without doubt, be away fans permitted.

How could I possibly have forgotten one of the most memorable matches in our history against green and white hoops!

I can't recall any memorable ones, can you ?

I would hope that a home tie against either of the Ugly Sisters or Aberdeen would generate a crowd in excess of the general limit of 5,000 which may well be abolished by then but there is no guarantee. Another reason to make the application just now just in case.

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.

HT; ICT 0, Raith 0 FT; ICT 2, Raith 1 ICT; Duku Raith; Vaughan

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 !