Caley Mad In Berks

I see Chris Sutton has just been appointed to his first managerial position, at Lincoln City. I believe he had been recommended by Martin O' Neil, for our job when Butcher got it. It will be interesting to see how he performs at a small, poorly supported, provincial club in the sticks, with little money to spend. Ring any bells?

Frankly I think that's rubbish. I don't believe that any Board, ours included, does not want their team to progress, and play at the highest level possible. I may agree that our Board does not always seem to get things right, but I'm sure they do have ambition for the club.

After today's result, the obvious area that needs strengthening is the management team. I know we've had a few injuries which have meant changes, but the amount of 'unforced' changes Butcher makes, shows that he doesn't yet know what his best team is. Not good enough.

Annan v Albion, draw @ 3.40 please

H/T 1-1 F/T 3-1 ICT Hayes PT Buchannan Crowd 3501

Exactly what I thought having seen them 'live' for first time on Saturday.

H/T 0-0 F/T 0-1 ICT Hayes 'well n/a Crowd 1501

Got back in early hours after 7 hour drive home, pretty much thinking the trip was a waste of time. I'd been looking forward to seeing all the new boys first hand. Only one who impressed was Hayes. I pretty much agree with IHE's Smiley ratings. All the subs looked better than those they replaced, even Barrowman imo, for the short while he was on. Thank goodness we have Esson. Airdrie were well up for the game and we certainly didn't deserve the point.

I'm making my season's debut at this one. Is there a recommended pre match pub?

Being a lot older than most of you, I've had a lot longer to build up a sizeable list of 'famous' people I've met. Back in the late 60s I worked at Heathrow airport and met lots of celebs there. After I got married, I started getting their autographs for my wife, but we seem to have lost most of them over the years. Off the top of my head I remember meeting - Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow (just after they got married) Yul Bryner Tony Bennett Pat Boone Deborah Kerr (absolutely delightful) Liz Taylor (absolutely beautiful) Ava Gardner (loud mouthed c*w) I've also played cricket against Rohan Kanhai (when he was pro for Aberdeenshire), and Mike Denness against Kent in a charity do. Also been lucky enough to meet several top golfers, Faldo and Lyle spring to mind, and also a few minor celebs on the golf course, Jasper Carrot, Lawrie McMenemy, Mick Channon, Jack Charlton amongst others. In more recent years I've met Dawn French and Lenny Henry, Chris Rea, John Craven (his son and my son were work colleagues), Malcolm Young (of AC/DC). Finally, through my friendship with Steve Perryman (ex Spurs), I've met quite a few of his colleagues from his playing days, like Pat Jennings and Martin Chivers.

ICT for me to win @ 2.10, please and, as I'll be away for a week, with no Internet access, can I have ICT to win next week too, at Airdrie, at whatever the odds are. Thanks.

H/T 0-1 F/T 0-3 ICT Sanchez Airdrie n/a Crowd 1501

H/T 1-1 F/T 1-3 ICT Sanchez Morton Grady Crowd 2151

Robert Burns Adam Smith Andrew Carnegie

My daughter has done all this research for my family in recent months. As I was adopted at a few months old, it was not a straight forward job, as my adopted parents never told me any details about my real parents. However she has tracked it all down and managed to go back generations. She confirms that the Scottish records are brilliant. She is currently tracking down a sister I never knew I had. Also, I have found out that my natural grandfather, and two of his brothers, all died at the Somme in 1917. I've already had a trip down there to look at their graves/memorials. Very poignant!

GJ I have a son who has lived in Thailand for six years. He assures me that from his personal experience, the hospitals there, (and particularly in Bangkok), are top notch. So your Mum will be getting the absolute best care possible. Our thoughts are with you.

H/T 1-1 F/T 1-2 ICT Foran PT Buchannan Crowd 3501

I agree. Hastings has been a good servant over the years, but his best days are behind him. However, exactly the same can be said about Golabek. Really strange decision to bring him back. I don't know much about Gillespie but surely he would have been a better long term bet than Golly.

Well, after that intelligent reply, I rest my case. If you want to continue this debate, I suggest you PM me when you get home from kindergarten.

What the feck's an ERREA? I presume you meant an era? But, whatever you meant, I can see no sense in this deal at all. I have been critical of Butcher in other threads. I can see this deal only giving me more ammunition to shoot him down with. But I really hope I'm wrong.

I will be there, booing LDZ. Well, that'll do his confidence no end of good. You sound like just the sort of supporter we need, I don't think. Why don't you try growing up?

Absolutely spot on, Sorted. As you will have seen in my comments in post no. 46 of this thread, I find myself in agreement with most of what you say in relation to Butcher's performance so far, and track record at other clubs. I think many of our fellow fans are too caught up in the general hype that surrounds him, stemming from his undoubted successful playing days. There's no doubt he has charisma. He just needs to show more management nous before he loses the goodwill of his flock of 'he can do no wrong' followers.

Frankly, I am disappointed in Butcher. I was at the end of last season when I was probably in a minority by blaming him for letting safety slip through our fingers. I still maintain that when we were virtually safe with three games to go, a decent manager would have adopted tactics in the final 3 games to ensure us staying up. I didn't agree with letting Vigurs and Wood go, replacing them with unproven players of no greater ability it would seem. As far as I can see his tactics, player aquisitition, team selection, and motivational skills still leave a lot to be desired . I hope he can prove me wrong, but his well documented track record in management doesn't fill me with confidence. I would guess that he and Maurice are costing the club considerably more than their immediate predessessors. I think they really need to step up to yhe plate quickly, to prove thet are worth it.

Rarely have I felt so let down after all the hype preceding a big game. Sounds as if we were not at the races. Promotion already beginning to look like a forlorn hope.

I grew up in Inverness in the 40s and 50s. Looking back, maybe with rose coloured specs, I found it idyllic. I remember when I was young feeling a great sense of pride at being born Scottish, and particularly from the north. That feeling has never really left me. I initially left Inverness in 1959 to go off to university, but it was still my 'home' until 1962 when I went off to Canada for nearly two years. I came back to Inverness in late 1963, but eventually left for good, for work reasons, in late 1964. In the early years I returned almost every year for holidays, and even after I was married the annual drive up to Inverness was a ritual, even when our family grew to include 3 children. However, I never thought of returning for good, although I did harbour some thoughts of retiring to the North of Scotland. However, senior management (she who must be obeyed), soon put the mockers on that idea, as she is not Scottish, and finds it too cold up there to live permanently. Nowadays my trips to Inverness are less frequent, having no relatives or friends still there. Only ICT or the occasional golf trip takes me there now. Last time I was in the centre of the city I found it really run down and depressing. If I ever found myself on my own, I doubt if I'd return to live in Inverness. If I were to live in Scotland it would be in Perthshire, or the Plockton area, both areas you will notice which are within easy striking distance to watch ICT's home matches. However, I will be forever grateful for my Scottish education and upbringing.