Princes of Style

The players enjoyed a terrific win over East Fife on Saturday, but off the park, there was also success for yours truly, with my modelling career getting off to a flying start. Whilst enjoying my pre-match drink in the supporters’ bar at Ochilview, I had the pleasure of being summoned by the chairman, and asked to model the new third kit. Limited though my catwalk experience is, I feel I acquitted myself well, notwithstanding the obvious difficulties of making a football strip look sensible when the cold necessitates wearing about 17 sweaters underneath. (For anyone who was sufficiently dazzled by my appearance, the strip is available from the club at the price of £20 for juniors and £30 for adults!) Then the football started, and the day just kept getting better. We had our backs to the wall at times – as will always be the case against the league leaders – but we defended resolutely, whilst also creating enough chances to merit the victory. Ross Hamilton played an important role, with a sublime through ball to the Prince of Style for the first goal, and a pinpoint cross for the winner, whilst McEwan and Fergie also acquitted themselves especially well. One of the most encouraging things of all, though, was the performance of young left-back Rhys Galloway. He showed composure way beyond his 17 years, and seems to have slotted effortlessly into the first team. His performance is testament to the importance of our youth teams: if they can nurture young talent successfully, the future of the club is bright. Though he no longer occupies the manager’s chair, Campbell Money’s continuing work with the youths should not be forgotten. The long journey home to Blackpool always goes quicker with three points in the bag, and on this occasion, light entertainment was provided on board the train by a group of Celtic fans discussing their team’s dismal performance against Hibs. They would devote around 15 minutes to each player in turn, before arriving at the general conclusion that all were ‘inadequate,’ or words to that effect. Our own fortunes, just now, could hardly be more different, and the Stenny contingent down here in Blackpool will be enjoying a happy Christmas.