In praise of the play-offs

The notion that we might get anywhere near 4th place would, a few short weeks ago, have been unimaginable, yet that is now where we now find ourselves, with a mouth-watering clash with Arbroath coming up this Saturday. As such, the prospect that we might make the top four got me thinking about the concept of play-offs.

The Scottish League voted to introduce play-offs a few years ago in a bid to keep the divisions more exciting. If it worked in England, it was argued, why couldn't it work for us too? For me, there was one obvious problem: in England, where divisions contain 24 teams, no team finishing below sixth place (or seventh in League Two) competes in the play-offs. The prospect of the sixth-placed team gaining promotion at the expense of the third-placed team is, of course, slightly unfair, but it is a price worth paying for the added excitement. In Scotland, on the other hand, the fourth-placed team in a division of ten gets to compete. To me this seemed far less justifiable, since fourth place is effectively mid-table.

At least, that was what I used to think. Now, however, we have a great chance of making the play-offs, and I am more than happy to sacrifice my principles for Stenny's interests. We have, of course, competed in the play-offs once before, but those were very different circumstances: in 2006, we had narrowly missed out on the title, and a play-off place was scant consolation. But this time around, given our early season difficulties, reaching the play-offs would be a terrific achievement by John Coughlin and the players.

And what is there to stop us? There are many difficult matches still to be played, but things are looking up. Scott Dalziel looks to be a good, strong striker: I was impressed with him when I watched highlights of his debut match against the Shire, and by all accounts his good form has continued. The news that both Fergie and Bucket have signed new contracts, meanwhile, is a further boost. Crucially, the team are fighting again: they put in 100% every game rather than playing in some sort of delusionary comfort zone. Provided we keep that up, there must be a possibility that even us long-distance supporters will find ourselves gripped by play-off fever!

Up or down

Having survived the nadir that was Threave Rovers, and come out the other side with my season ticket in one piece, I have witnessed the dramatic turnaround in our fortunes. Back then the woodden spoon beckoned, but only a few weeks later, and we are realistic promotion contenders. Obviously John Coughlin must take most (all?) the credit for this. I am amazed that a change in manager can have such a significant impact on any team's performance levels. The players are more or less the same, but they are simply playing much bettter. I don't doubt that a lot of this is down to fitness levels which did seem to be, shall we say, "an issue", but clearly there is more to it than that. Over on the forum there is talk about whether or not Coughlin is the "messiah" and whether we can get promotion. I wouldn't rule it out. Which got me thinking. What would happen next? Last weekend, Berwick, with Robbie Henderson marshalling the back line, were on the receiving end of a 9-2 drubbing. Iain Diack lead the line and scored two. This Berwick team, the one that looks like they are heading straight back from where they came, last season looked excellent. Admittedly they have made a few changes, not least of which is in the manager's hot seat. And where is their ex-manager now?? So, in the event that we get promoted via the plays offs, is this something we should we celebrate? In a few months time would we be the laughing stock of the league? What would we have to do to ensure that it didn't happen. For all Coughlin's good work this season, he didn't exactly set the heather alight at Berwick in Division 2? Would we have to spend a lot of money - money we don't have? There are still a number of full time teams in that league so while the idea of going up against the likes of Morton, Ayr, Raith Rovers etc is quite exciting, it also makes me ever so slightly nervous. But what's the alternative? 4 games a season ad naseum against The Shire, Albion Rovers and Montrose?

What the Dalziel!

Happy new year one and all. 2008 got off to a flyer for Stenhousemuir with a comprehensive (if we ignore the 2nd half) victory over local rivals, The Shirey Pirey. Hero of the hour was Scott Dalziel, replacement for previous fans favourite John Dempster, who had earlier swapped the relative spendour of Ochilview for Cowdungbeath. I know they are a division above, but surely there are fewer less depressing prospects in Scottish football than running out at Central Park each week. Anyway, good luck John, you were a shining light in a dismal Stenhousemuir side last season. Scott Dalziel joined Graham Gibson as the new recruits in the starting line up against The Shire. Obviously DL impressed with his 1st half performance, while his equally gangly newcomer had a quieter afternoon. Gibson, I suspect (and hope), was forced into playing in an unfamiliar right side of midfield role, presumably due to injuries to amongst other Ross Hamilton. The official website has been a little slow with updates recently (suffering from the same apathy that has swept through the club in recent months perhaps?) so I have had to rely on internet forums for news on players joining or leaving, and there has been speculation that a number of players will be coming and going over the next few weeks. There are a number of candidates for the exit door I would imagine. Has Andy Thomson played his last game in a maroon shirt? Can we expect to see Scott McCulloch strut his stuff on the hallowed plastic again? I have my doubts. And where has Jose gone? No doubt there will be others, as Coughlin builds a team to challenge for promotion. Who'd have thought this would be the case a few weeks ago. Whether you like them or not, the play offs have kept our season going long after it should have ended.