Escapism

The last couple of weeks have been nothing if not frustrating. On the one hand, we have lost ground in the league, and Saturday’s defeat at the Rock meant that we were unable to capitalise on Cowdenbeath’s slip-up. In the Cup, meanwhile, it was infuriating to lose the game to such a ridiculous goal: I watched it several times on Sky Sports that evening, and it looked progressively more bizarre with each viewing. Positive thinker that I am, however, my intention is to put our current trials and tribulations to one side, and to focus on Stenny players of old – specifically Roddy McKenzie and Chris Innes, now team-mates at Livingston. It seems an eternity since either was at Ochilview, so it might come as a surprise to many to hear that neither has yet reached the veteran stage of his career – Roddy is 33 whilst Chris is one year his junior. Innes spent two seasons with us in the late 90s before moving to Kilmarnock for the healthy sun of £45 000, whilst McKenzie’s became an instant legend in November 1995, when his remarkable performance in the shoot-out helped us secure the Challenge Cup. My interest in Livingston’s fortunes is based not only on their ex-Stenny stars, but also on their Italian contingent. I recently spent a year living in Italy, and was thus pleased (if a little bemused) by Angelo Massone’s decision to invest in Scottish football. His ‘grand plan’ seems to have turned a little sour of late, with the sacking of his compatriot Roberto Landi as coach, not to mention the ongoing financial difficulties. I will nevertheless be hoping that Livi recapture the form they showed in Landi’s first few weeks as coach – it would be great to see Roddy and Chris back in the SPL next season. Closer to home, meanwhile, our attentions turn to next week’s clash with Montrose. Whether or not the Diack transfer saga is resolved before Saturday, this game is crucial to our title hopes. Here’s hoping we get back on track…