Robert

To add balance, Caley Thistle had a pop up shop in the big Tesco on two consecutive Thursdays and Fridays, the first being in the lead up to the Arbroath game. I happened to be in and stopped for a chat and they’d had a lot of interest with a lot of people stopping to chat. They were in Eastgate at Easter too, with players making appearances. Community engagement takes time to build, but it is good to see the club trying again.

They are off to a good start. Here’s hoping they manage to win.

Zak Elbouzedi for St Pats on 2 May and tonight.

So we can look forward to winding Dick Campbell up again! Not upset at seeing Annan going down as it saves one marathon journey for the team.

Billy was reborn in the last three games. He (undeservedly IMHO) too some stick during his barren spell, but his influence on the younger players and his craft and guile cannot be understated. He didn’t expect to be playing 90 minutes most weeks, but the release of Brooks and injury to Bavidge forced it. Cairns was our only option and his departure indicates that he is maybe not ready for this level. Credit to Billy, he never hid. Next season, I hope we have a striker, signed or on loan, who can really take the weight off, so Billy is under less pressure. Is Keogh not a striker rather than a midfielder? If we lose Musa, bringing Gill back on loan could be a good option if he and Celtic are agreeable. I’m delighted to see the short term deals offered to Nicolson, Davidson and Corner. To me, that shows we’ve learned from how the likes of Walsh, Sutherland and Doran were treated, and want to give players every chance to get rehabilitated. Another welcome change by the new regime

Fortunately there are add on clauses in the deal with Dunfermline (as advised by Charlie Christie at the last Fans Meeting) so we stand to get a further financial benefit at some time.

Robbie Deas for Kilmarnock, Alex Samuel for County and Kai Kennedy for Queen of the South today.

Alex Cooper and Shane Sutherland for Brora on Saturday.

Well done Kell, Billy and all the players on a tremendous achievement. Getting 7th given where we were and how we were playing at the time of administration is amazing. Here’s to next season!

Billy McKay won’t want the season to end: that’s 3 in 3 as we go 2 up. Gardyne hooked: I wonder what reception he got from the travelling fans…..

Thanks for all the previews and reports again this season: always informative and entertaining.

It was loud in Bar 94 after Saturday’s game when Danny was addressing fans, but I did think I heard him say he’d be staying.

Roddy MacGregor for Queens Park today.

For those not there: Fans Awards: Musa Dibaga and Keith Bray. Players Awards: Charlie Gilmour and Keith Bray. Well deserved.

To quote Danny Devine when he spoke in the bar after the game, “it was never in f***ing doubt”.

That was a brilliant performance. Arbroath had one attempt all game and we comfortably outplayed their first team. The atmosphere was good and Bar 94 after the game was jumping, particularly when Kel and the players came in. The drum and singing in the bar added to the atmosphere. I am delighted Billy McKay deservedly got the Man of the Match award as he was immense today. I hope he remains a player next season, but without the pressure of being our only striker. His comments on receiving his award were spot on, as were those from Danny Devine, Musa Dibaga, Remi Savage and James Nolan (apologies if I’ve missed anyone but it was very loud!). In a strange way, this feels as good as our Scottish Cup win, albeit for very different reasons. What a relief to have avoided any last day drama.

There should be a decent crowd there today. Let’s all get behind every player from start to finish and help inspire them to get the result we all want and need. Dumbarton can do us a favour but we can’t rely on that. It’s in our own hands and we can do it.

Yesterday, Reece McAlear for Livingston. Today, Billy King for Arbroath, Kai Kennedy for Queen of the South and Nathan Austin (2) for East Fife.

Annan are at Dumbarton next Saturday then finish at home against Cove. Dumbarton have been on a reasonable run with only one defeat in six so hopefully they can beat Annan or at least get a draw. It’s good to see Mckay on the scoresheet and Longstaff back playing. A massive weekend (or two) ahead!

Gilmour og. Help!

Let’s see this out now!

Not any more unfortunately. 1-1.

Arbroath 1 up at Annan.

Not sure what I expect this afternoon. Both teams are on poor runs and we’ve done well against them this season. I’m hoping for three points, but not that confident we will get them.

Rice is not available as he’s back up for their first team goalies due to Schmeichel being injured.