The Hammer

I think that just about summed it up. Scotland certianly gave it more apparent effort than England did on Tuesday night, but then I suppose Brazil didn't just park the bus. I do hope that the other results mean Scotland can get through. It's still eminently possible, but equally results could go the wrong way (who'd have thought South Africa would beat South Korea) and there are too many variables to predict at the moment.

It'll be the law - gambling and U18s etc. The test of ethics and sponsor influence wil be if there is an option not to have it on adult shirts. I personally like a bet and have no problem with it, but there are others who don't on principle or who have addiction issues (either themselves or famiy members).

Well the badge surround has gone and looks better for it, but it's hard to see if it's embroidered on or not. I assume all kids kits won't have the sponsor, but I wonder if the adult sizes will have the option not to have it on principle - I know for a fact that West Ham offer the option with or without the betting sponsor but not sure about other clubs with similar sponsors? It will be interesting to see what other merch is available - I do like the grey hoodie that Graeme Shinnie was wearing in his recent interview on the club YouTube channel.

It does look a little short of striking options at the moment. I do always think, though, that a world cup delays the transfer market activity. OK so ICT probably aren't looking to directly sign a WC player but when these players move it does tend to have a knock on effect down the leagues as other players move on and become available.

Is Bar 94 open only to Supporters Trust members or can anyone go in? I am a member, and will be renewing next month, but am considering attending a match in August with some non-members. Is there an age restriction on entry?

Fixtures are what they are - we have to play everyone home and away twice, but to start at home, finish at home and be at home for the new year fixtures is good news.

Now there's something I can get on board with! Indeed, my head this morning is telling me that I did participate quite fully at the pub last night.

I tend to agree with this. No, probably not. But, with the bloated tournament such as it is, the next game against opposition of the quality of Croatia or better is not likely to happen until the last 16 and momentum by then might (or might not) give the confidence to overcome. Personally, I'm struggling to get into this WC so far. As yet I've only watched two full matches (England & Scotland) and the second half of Brazil v Morocco. I've seen the goals from maybe half a dozen other matches. Maybe when the group stages are over it will grab me a bit more.

I decided to stay up (sort of). I had unintentially nodded off on the sofa between about 9 and 11:30 then woke up, watched the remaining Brazil v Morocco match then sat and watched the Scotland game. It was light when it finished so I took my dogs for their morning walk 4:30-5:30 then went to bed for a few hours.

This - in conjunction with the ticketing system - should be almost foolproof in identifying the ticketholder (or at least the ticket purchaser). From there it's surely down to any club/SPFL/police initiatives to determine effective punishments and, by extention, deterrrents. Clubs could lead the way - having their own policies - regardless of these lenient punishments dished out by the SPFL. In England a (countrywide) stadium ban and criminal record seems to work pretty well in the main.

Having been in Prague three years ago when West Ham won it I can fully understand how their fans will be feeling, it's quite a surreal joy. Well done to them, and enjoy the Europa League next year.

Just announced.

Oscar MacIntrye is the real surprise here for me. The others I can all see reasons why the club may choose to part ways them, but with Oscar I can only assume the descision not to sign an extention/new deal would be down to him.

I haven't looked at their accounts (perhaps thats something to do over the summer) but in addition to the plastic pitch hire as already mentioned perhaps they are just really good at getting in sponsorship income and corporate dollar. I guess part time clubs also have a lower salary cost base.

Not specifically ICT, but it is relevent to ICT so hopefully alright posted here. For anyone interested in such things, here are the average crowds in League 1 this season, with each team's biggest and smallest crowd. Not surprisingly ICT were far and away the best supported, and also were the opponent for three of the other clubs biggest crowd. East Fife were the biggest draw to two other clubs. Despite having the lowest average Kelty were not the lowest crowd for any club when they visited. Cove were the opponent for Hamilton's biggest and smallest crowd of the season. ICT's lowest crowd was bigger than every other club's best crowd of the season. Average Largest Smallest ICT 2306 5029 v Hamilton 1792 v Peterhead Queens 1034 1413 v Montrose 495 v Stenny East Fife 739 1348 v ICT 553 v Montrose Peterhead 696 927 v Queens 479 v Alloa Alloa 615 809 v ICT 509 v Cove Montrose 587 1082 v East Fife 260 v Peterhead Stenny 544 1096 v ICT 384 v Montrose Hamilton 476 696 v Cove 238 v Cove Cove 471 695 v Peterhead 240 v Alloa Kelty 417 745 v East Fife 242 v Cove