Alex MacLeod

Doing some research I note Hamilton's cost £400,000

Posts about synthetic surface moved to new thread

Yes......finish 3rd or 2nd

Rather than hogging another thread on the subject I wonder what are the views of others regarding modern synthetic pitches. My understanding is that the 3 and 4G are very like grass and are not as hard on players as the older types. I know there are a few lower league teams playing on them and I also believe Cumbernauld Rugby Club use Broadwood at times. There are also a lot of advantages in that the surface can be played on more regularly and can be used for sports other than football so clubs can gain finance from letting the pitch. There is a vastly reduced maintenance cost as well. I've never walked, let alone played any sport, on a synthetic surface so haven't a clue about negative aspects of it but I'm sure many of you will enlighten me on this. Is synthetic the way forward? Did find an article here http://bleacherreport.com/articles/449490-artificial-pitches-and-football-a-history

Broadwood is also synthetic and is licenced by SRU for rugby matches.

Don't know if there have been changes to the rules but the old SPL didn't allow them. Dunfermline had to lift their pitch and lay grass when they were promoted. Apparantly the system laid at Falkirk is one of the top products on the market just now and is as close as you can get to natural grass. I'm sure I read a while back that the English league clubs are also lobbying their rulers to go to artificial surfaces. I believe the cost of such a surface is around £750,000, including ground preparation, but that can be recouped in no time by renting out. And maintenance costs are reduced dramatically.

You're right Dougal. They're all wooses nowadays. Can't beat the old days of playing in mudbaths with a 50lb wet leather ball and boots that came up to your ankles. Interesting, did you actually play then Alex? Only as a kid. Shinty was my game

So in Dougals eyes if somebody thinks something against his ideals or against tradition they are trying to cause unrest or they are fishing. Sorry to go against your beloved traditions Dougal but I believe summer football is the way forward. If we were all to stick to tradition this world would be a more fekked up place than it currently is.

You're right Dougal. They're all wooses nowadays. Can't beat the old days of playing in mudbaths with a 50lb wet leather ball and boots that came up to your ankles.

Not totally. They operate a mix of full and part-time at the moment.

I dont think distance should be a problem for teams aspiring to join the EPL but the size of the 'electric city' couldn't cope with anything more than highland league. Well done to them anyway. I'm sure a few Clynelish were drunk over the last couple of days.

A full time football team who train every day and pay 4k+ a week to their players yet they cant beat a group of brickies and plumbers. I'll bet they struggle next season. As for the game, thank christ Liverpool was on other channel.

Summer footballs the answer. Warm weather. Everyone happy. Winter break. Christmas. Everyone happy.

You sure you were listening to the right players as our game was on BT Sport, not Alba! Not sure what will happen with the pitch over the summer, but the club are painfully aware that it's not in the condition they would like it to be. Sorry, wrong channel. It was a recording I watched after getting home. Agree. 4G pitch is the way forward. Sadly the league won't allow it yet.

There is another point being missed but one that was mentioned by the players being interviewed on Alba after the game. They both mentioned the difference with using width at Dingwall but stressed that the pitch there allowed them to play that style whilst the state of our own pitch is a hindrence. Its sad to admit but the Dingwall pitch was in far better condition on friday night than ours was last saturday.

Bit of a harsh accusation Dougal. There are many fans of many teams who never travel to away games. There are also many who cant, or wont, attend a night game because of transport difficulties etc. Whatever the reason I'd hardly call it a boycott.

But this is..........http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26909889?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Well around twenty of them managed to get up early and catch 09:45 train to Glasgow. Only Marley looked knackered.

Who should be relegated ? Partick. Just dont like them. Who will it be ? Only Hearts. I think whoever makes the playoff will stay up. If it was up to you ? I'd find a way to save Hearts for the Gorgie trips. I'd also want County for the derby. Who should be promoted ? Not too fussed. I think it'll be Dundee though Who will it be ? Dundee If I was up to you ? Queen of South cos they've never been in top league.

Met a Polish guy at Dingwall station after derby game. We was writing a lot of notes and had team sheet so asked was he a journalist. No. He is a scout for an eastern block team. Wouldn't say who though. He was there to cast an eye over Billy and DeLeeuw but was also taking note of others to watch over the next couple of seasons including young Ryan.

I've never known the Mallard to be so quiet pre match.

That has to be one of the best games I've witnessed. Good honest attacking play and everyone giving their all. The squad deserve their break wherever they're headed today.

Why on earth would he tie the rest of the team down on long term contracts then? Including wingers like Williams. Did he tie them down or had they already agreed to stay but waiting to sign on the line

He was a definite no to maybe when I seen him last saturday.

There wont be a big away support. Many folk dont want to give County the money. I'll be there though. Only because I'd bought the ticket and booked the hotel before I witnessed the St Mirren game.