nude_as_the_news

If we can keep the squad together, as is now looking more likely, and bring in a couple of fresh faces, then sixth would be a possibility. As Barry said in the Brewster GIRUY interview, "The aim now is to break into the top six. Last year we finished eighth and this time around it was seventh, so going one better seems like the natural progression." Not sure if we'll hear the same words from CC, though!

For "worth a punt"?

Just want to add my support for the players to what’s already been written. They might not be super-stars, but for everything that they’ve achieved over the past season and before they’re heroes. Three managers have gone on to so-called ‘bigger’ teams and, so far, failed to equal the success here. This shows just how much players are putting in week in, week out. And when it comes to a situation when some of our players feel happier playing in away games rather than at home?! How badly does that reflect on us? I know that we would give anything to swap with the players for even a couple of minutes, and try to influence the game from the pitch, but we can’t (my park football skills just wouldn’t cut it in the SPL!). All we can do is get right behind the players, and if you hear some supporters getting on a player’s back, then just make sure you shout louder in support of him!

Barry's a hero! I realy enjoyed reading those comments, and hope to see more when, in a few years time, he takes over from CC as manager, and continues our Liverpool-like bid for domestic and European domination!

Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy A sweet cover, and a beauty of an album. "Here I am back home again..."

No, not a plea for a Bobby Mann come back, but the noble and ancient Japanese sport of sumo. Might be clutching at straws here, but is anyone interested?! With our season ending yesterday and the World Cup still a month away, the latest sumo tournament has kicked off just in time to brighten our otherwise dull lives. There's a couple of very strong European wrestlers at the moment, but my favourites are the Mongolians. Very dangerous people. If you've nothing better to do from 8am to 10am every day for the next two weeks, you can watch all the bouts live here. Ama rules!

Fourth! We'll finish fourth, I say! What more to add, other than congrats to CC and Parkie. Fantastic season!

I agree, and think people are being a bit harsh here. He's only 18! Rory needs time to develop and giving him the contract now should help him feel more settled. I think he's quite skillful, but just seems to lack a bit of presence. The physical side should come with more experience in the first team, though.

You're obviously a man of impeccable taste! Seen them a few times, and they're by far the best live band I've seen. Bob gets so wasted that he can barely speak, but can sing 50 plus songs note-perfect and lying on his back. Genius! Now listening to... Pop Zeus - Doug Gillard and Bob Pollard

Oh, god. A return to a top division of only 10 teams, playing each other four times, will have everyone dying of boredom. Not sure of the reasons for splitting an SPL 1 and 2 of just 10 teams each. Surely there's not that big a gap between the bottom of the SPL and the First Division? And Scotty, why don't you work for the SPL? Lots of good suggestions there. I'd like to see a non-league set-up in Scotland, similar to the Conference in England, and perhaps with a Northern and Southern section. The threat of relegation would put an end to any East Stirling type situations, and allow some more ambitious clubs a chance to show what they can do. Sadly, our leagues seem to be something of a protectionist racket. They fear change!

Think Romanov might try to keep the current manager, so he can continue in his role of evil pupet-master, and then try to bring in a bigger name as a Director of Football. This should help appease some of their disgruntled fans. Not sure why he isn't a bit more upfront with things and just appoint himself as manager though!

Let's hope that he's allowed to keep his place on Saturday then.

I agree, 16 teams would create a more open league. There'd be a little less fear of relegation for teams in the upper-half of the table, which would hopefully make for some better football. It would also mean a lot more chances for young Scottish players at the top level. And we could say goodbye to the split! What's to loose? CC makes some interesting comments on the topic here.

Ashe Bhosle - You've Stolen My Heart ...and she has.

Yeah, come on Gretna, and ha! Rangers! Ha!

He's waited a long time to get this first start. Well done for keeping a clean sheet! Sadly I could only read the reports, but it sounded like he was quite involved and made a couple of good stops. What did anyone watching the game think?

Surely it's far too quick to be making those kind of statements. All three players have a way to go before establishing themselves as regulars, but I am just proud that we won with three local lads in the team. So congratulations to Fraser, Sutherland and Soane. Looks like we'll have some healthy competition for places next season!

Yeah, and you'd also have to divide the vast legions of **** on a roughly 50/50 basis for both sides of the old firm. Are statistics even available for this?

I love "Motorcycle Emptiness", but sang the wrong words for years ("I'm dying of loneliness")! Now listening to... some John Zorn noodly Jazz weirdness.

Hi Chook. Tried to get tickets today, at Lawson and Pia, but it's totally sold out. Even the 9,000yen tickets and all away seats! Time to use any Japanese connections you might have...

Ah, Teletext. Makes you go all fuzzy for the pre-internet days, when the biggest thrill on Saturday afternoon was waiting for zeros to turn into ones...

Next month will see Belle and Sebastian twice, and Elvis Costello (25 years too late) over the same weekend. Will be first time to see B&S after many tragic near misses, including having an ex-girlfriend give my ticket to her new man. MY ticket! Anyone else with tales of gig-related woe?

Was checking him on the SFA website and it turns out that Italian ranks as his "tastiest food", and the "person he'd most like to meet" is Nelson Mandela. What no favourite colour? Takes me back to my Smash Hits days.

Latapy's already made their provisional squad of 24 (with only one player to drop), so he'll be worthy of a cheer! I'd really like to see Fraser get a start, but perhaps with an experienced defence infront of him (e.g. no Parrat). Won't this mess with Brown's consecutive appearance record though?! When was the last time he didn't play?

False teeth, or the slightly more cool vampire teeth. Can't beat flying saucers though.