2008...

Looking back on 2008 it has been something of a mixed year. We started off the new year looking like we could put together a challenge for a play off spot, but two insipid performances against Arbroath and Dumbarton that resulted in one – nil defeats meant that it proved to be too little too late. Nevertheless, the one bright spot was the introduction of Robert Love to the first team and he has been a bright star, albeit one that has not had as many opportunities to shine as I certainly had hoped for this season. The new season has been quite unusual. For a period it looked like we were going to stroll to the title, without looking all that impressive if truth be told. In typical John Coughlin style, our defence looked, and continues to look, impenetrable. Up until the last two matches, we had managed to score in every league match which meant that more often than not we were guaranteed at least one point (i.e. the opposition would have to score twice to beat us) Now, we seem to have hit our bad patch that all teams do at least once during the season although the reality is that we haven’t played well for quite some time now but our big lead meant that we have managed to keep our noses in front going in to 2009. How do we turn it around? The back four of Lyle, Smith, Ovenstone and McGroarty seemed to be working a treat, but since Smith regained fitness it’s as if Coughlin is trying to fit Gary Thom anywhere into the team on the basis he doesn’t deserve to be dropped. I think he just needs to bite the bullet and give Gary a rest. No doubt there will be suspensions in the future which means Gary will get plenty opportunities in the future. As for suspensions; we have had too many. Particularly in midfield where key players (Motion and Ferguson) have been missing for periods of time. We need the stability back of a regular midfield quartet and therefore need to cut out the stupid bookings and sending offs. Up front, we need a new striker to play with Dalziel, or to play instead of him if the stories about his injury problems are to be believed. Without the support of Brand the goals have dried up for Dalziel and I feel that we need to have, effectively, a better alternative to Steve Hampshire. I think the next few weeks will be critical for us. We really need to start putting together some decent performances. Another long unbeaten run would potentially be all that is needed to win the title as there is no doubt that this is a very competitive league with almost anyone capable of getting a play off place.