Gringo

Its engineering works on the line. From National Rail web site:- Engineering work is taking place between Stirling and Perth with all lines closed. East Coast On Friday the 12:00 from London Kings Cross to Inverness will terminate at Perth. On Saturday and Sunday buses replace trains between Stirling and Inverness. On Monday the 07:55 Inverness to London Kings Cross will start at Perth. ScotRail Saturday & Sunday: Glasgow Queen Street - Dundee / Aberdeen services: Trains are diverted via Fife, calling additionally at Linlithgow and Inverkeithing with buses replacing trains between Glasgow Queen Street and Dundee via Stirling. Saturday & Sunday: Edinburgh - Inverness services. Northbound: Trains will run between Edinburgh and Dundee and between Perth and Inverness. Passengers travelling towards Inverness are advised to alight at Markinch for a bus to Perth, connecting with retimed trains to Inverness. Southbound: Trains will run between Inverness and Perth, and between Dundee and Edinburgh. Passengers travelling towards Edinburgh are advised to alight at Perth for a bus to Markinch / Kirkcaldy, connecting with trains to Edinburgh. Saturday & Sunday: Glasgow Queen Street - Inverness / Elgin services: Buses replace trains between Stirling and Perth. Saturday: Glasgow Queen Street / Edinburgh - Dunblane / Perth / Dundee services: Trains are amended to run between Edinburgh and Stirling with buses between Stirling and Dunblane / Perth / Dundee. Saturday: Edinburgh - Perth (via Fife) services: Trains will run between Edinburgh and Dundee with buses between Markinch and Perth. There will be some alterations to services in Fife, including Edinburgh - Dundee services which may run upto 12 minutes later between Kirkcaldy and Dundee. Sunday: Edinburgh - Perth (via Fife) services: Buses replace trains between Perth and Dundee. Sunday: Edinburgh - Dunblane / Perth services: Buses replace trains between Stirling and Dunblane / Perth. Journey times will be significantly extended.

Anybody want to be a friend of Mr and Mrs Gringo??? :wink:

I just know that the next time I hear that track...that is what I will sing. Quality.

Condolences to all of Eric's family and friends.

I think I may be the only ICT fan who actually knows where Bamber Bridge and Chorley are

Ref: 'No Way! Is that a cut from shaving'

Sunday 1245 k.o's spoil the whole match day experience for me. I don't get to many home games in a season but when I do its nice to meet up with friends for a beer prior to the game. The pre match build up and banter is lost on these occasions. No thought is ever given to supporters when match days and k.o times are changed and the SPFL or whatever they're called certainly don't give a stuff about how fans will get to games or, indeed, check for weekend rail engineering works as that's 'our' problem. Its annoying but something we have to put up with in these days of commercialised football. Money talks and TV rules I'm afraid. I did have plans to attend this game but I'll probably give it a miss now.

Its not as if its a top of the table clash is it?

I fear for CP now. Its seems there was a falling out between the board (chairman) and Tony. Something to do with the non appearance of targeted Summer signings. Names in the frame include Moyes!!!

That's been the theme in the two games I saw.

I thought it was a good solid performance from ICT but there are still some dodgy issues at the back. We almost let Hamilton back in the game on several occasions and we will get punished for these errors against the better sides in the league. There were times when we'd break away up field with some good passing football only to run out of ideas in the final third. The ball would then be passed around and it sometimes went back to Deano in goal. Marley was excellent when he came on in the second half and definitely livened up the game for us. Aaron too gave us more options and they both could have bagged a goal each. I feel they should start but, then again, it adds that quality option on the bench too. Tough choice for Yogi maybe.

In the rare occasion where I had a chance to get home from a game before any other ICT supporter I totally screwed it up! I think the Media team were over the border before I got out of the pub!! What a great day despite the result. Apart from the usual suspects, I met up with Eagle4Caley, Caley Mad in Berk, a chap from Lossiemouth and a lady from Watford (CaleyHornet!!). A truly brilliant day. As for the game....I'm not convinced we will do very well this season judging on this display. Yes, we had loads of possession and it looked mostly pretty but we didn't do anything with it. Its all very well playing the possession game and passing football but the idea is to score goals, which we never really looked like doing. B'ham just sat back and soaked up the non threatening football. We are still making silly mistakes at the back and two of the goals were self inflicted wounds. Deano could maybe have done better with the first and, it has to be said, the second. The pre season hasn't really set the pulses racing according to reports from our other friendlies. But, as I've said before, pre season is all about getting fit for the main event but its also about finding that settled system and I don't think we've found the later. Hamilton next week will give a better indication as to how this season will pan out. As a newly promoted club they will be well up for it just like they were a few seasons ago when they got promoted. The beat us 0-1 at home in their first game. The signs are there that this will be a struggle this season - I hope not of course, but that's the way I see it. We have no cutting edge or creativity in the side. We're slack at defending and make too many silly mistakes. Based on this performance we may struggle to make top six this season. As I say, I hope I am wrong. See you in Hamilton next week....come on ICT, prove me wrong.

I feel the sympathy.....

But Bham are not very good at home....hopefully that will be the case today too

I suffered bad luck and 'whingery time' goals. I lost 107 games....the same as Doofers Dad, and he won it!

We get in at 1005. Will probably look for a Wetherspoons on the like like might be open for beer and brekkie. I see the Wellie is open from 1000. Do you know if they do food? Spotted dog sounds good but if it is a walk we might need a put stop on route. The Wellington doesn't do food but you can take your own...they'll supply the plates...honest. There is a 'spoons just before you get to the Welly....Brier Rose I think it's called

I suggest we meet up at the Wellington in Brum and then head for the ground. Its a good walk from the city centre to St Andrews. The Spotted Dog in Digbeth is en route so we may as well take up their acceptance of us and have a couple. Its family friendly too with proper beer Not too sure what time you guys are likely to be in Brum but will see you in the Welly. http://www.thewellingtonrealale.co.uk/ http://www.spotteddog.co.uk/

I had a poor season last time out. Hopefully I will improve. Mrs G also beat me on correct scores so I must get her to fill in a coupon.

I'll go I may have a spare ticket but I won't know until nearer the time. Spotted Dog is the pub

On main match days some trains stop at Bordesley. Not sure if they do for friendlies though. If not then Small Heath would be the nearest on that line. Its about 1 mile from the ground. Can you get there from New Street? Suggested route for the Birmingham March 2014 - The Sunflower Lounge - Big Bulls Head - Old Crown - Spotted Dog - Clements Arms. I've 'spoken' to the landlord of the Spotted Dog. He welcomes well behaved ICT supporters. Pub is family friendly too. I've sampled a few in there and can recommend it. The pub is about 20 min walk from the ground. http://www.spotteddog.co.uk/

If weather stays fair was thinking of biking down. Whats best we to Bordesley avoiding city centre? Assuming that's motorbiking!! lol....No doubt you'll come M6, A38M...as you get towards Brum follow signs for 'Ring Road & other routes'. Chances are all traffic will go that way anyway. Then follow signs for 'B'ham Airport/NEC (A45)'. That will take towards Bordesley and close to the Blues ground.

For those going to Brum by road, beware that the City Centre tunnels are closed until 01 Sept. Getting to/ through the City centre by road would be best avoided. Diversions are in place but it will be slow going http://www.brumtunnels.co.uk/

According to the Blues web site adult tickets are £7. No reference to 'away' support though. On sale now too, so it says. http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/20140616-blues-v-inverness-caledonian-ticket-details-1645183.aspx

No, not a single thought enterred my head. Not one. Nor me...I'm not like that

Is it possible to buy shirts without the sponsors name on the front?