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!