Management thoughts on our Image Printers Semi against Selkirk tomorrow.

Posted on Friday, February 25th, 2011

Mike says –

“We’ve lost 10 games to the weather so far this season and although we are soon to enter March, we still have more games to play than we have played. Here’s an interesting couple of facts from our East of Scotland Match Secretary on a popular Fans Forum this week –

“Spartans now face a potential 25 games in the space of about 25 dates. (Even Arsenal, still fighting on 4 fronts, have only a potential 24 games to play in 28 dates!!).”

As Kenny knows we’re still fighting on 5 fronts which will become 6 if we win tomorrow and access the City Cup. The Academy pitch was in better shape last night (I couldn’t say “ship shape” could I?) and although there is a bit of rain about this morning we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Selkirk have a new manager. I wish Brian Templeton all the best, after tomorrow that is – oops! make that Tuesday as the Yarrow Park boys head back up here midweek on Premier League duty. A new manager usually lifts a side to perform for their new charge and we expect a positive reaction from the Selkirk players.

Under the previous incumbent Paul Brownlee, the Souters ran us very close in our league game in Selkirk last October. Our 90 minute winner was greeted by relief more than anything else in the away technical area and we were very lucky that day against a much improved Selkirk side this season.

As our game was off last Saturday I travelled through to Stirling to watch a depleted (Selkirk were 6 short) away side put on a sterling performance against the very good University team. They lost to a “World Cup” goal and a very late, very soft penalty but I was impressed by their organisation and commitment. As I say the team who staved off relegation last season have been replaced by a hard working team with energy and skill in equal measures. We’ll have our work cut out tomorrow, believe me.

Danny O’Donnell is on the mend but is a few weeks away from fitness. David Etale is still on commando training and Jonathan Seeley will take the opportunity of 90 minutes tomorrow with the Juniors. Scott Livingstone trained last night but tomorrow is too soon for him and although Stewart Fowlie will strip we won’t risk starting him just yet.

One other player is feeling a strain picked up last night and Sam and I will prepare for tomorrow with 2 teams in mind. Omar Kader arrives back up from London tonight and will start in what should be a fairly settled side. Our stop, start season has seen us since the turn of the year miss a game, play 2 games, have another 2 postponed, play another 2 then have another 2 postponed.

The attitude of our players has been top rate during a frustrating time for all and they are looking forward to what will be 3 games a week for the remainder of the season. Let’s hope that starts tomorrow.”

Mike