SFL Topics

Promising Coach

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:44:01 +0000

A friend of mine in Northern Ireland asked me if I could find out what coaching opportunities there is in Scotland, especially around the scottish league.

He's an ex-irish league goalkeeper & has his goalkeeping badges. He also has a UEFA 'A License'. He would love to do his pro license, but that would cost him £4000.

He has asked me to get a scope of opportunities for coaches in Scotland, especially around scottish league circles, as he feels he would love a fresh challenge.

He has an impressive record as a youth coach.

Any feedback appreciated.

Dumbarton vs Airdrie United (LIVE)

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:18:32 +0000

BBC Alba will be screening the FIrst Division Play-Off final, first leg, between Dumbarton and Airdrie United tonight, 7.45pm kick off.

I'm going to check this out, see what the two teams are like. Will be nice to see a lower league game for a change. A LOT at stake as well.

Dundee face Dundee United in friendly

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:18:08 +0000

Dundee will host Dundee United in a friendly on 14th July at 3pm. The first derby in almost three years apparently.

League/Non-League Play-Offs

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:20:31 +0000

Any views on the following idea for solving the SFL pyramid problem?

Basically, it’s an extension to the current SFL play-off format…

Example (1):

THIRD DIVISION EAST OF SCOTLAND SOUTH HIGHLAND

8 Montrose 1 Spartans 1 Dalbeattie 1 Forres
9 Clyde 2 Stirling Uni 2 Threave 2 Cove Rangers
10 East Stirling 3 Whitehill 3 Heston 3 Nairn Co.

Play-Offs

East Stirling vs Spartans (home and away legs as in present SFL system)
Dalbeattie vs Forres (h/a)

Final: Winner A vs Winner B (h/a)

Winner of play-off final plays in SFL Division 3 in the following season.

Advantages:
1) Continuity – same format at SFL and taking place at the same time; no need for new divisions to be set up, all continue to run as normal;
2) Fairness – to qualify for play-offs, clubs must win the top league for their region, or finish bottom of the Scottish Football Leagues; there is the chance for the bottom team to redeem themselves as per current SFL play-offs;
3) Openness – enables football leagues to be freshened up with new and ambitious teams;
4) Competition – added incentives to gain promotion/avoid relegation invigorates clubs and attracts fans/media attention, therefore, money.

Criticisms:
1) Relegated clubs – where do they go? As I see it, they will go into the highest division of their region, and they will likely add to the quality of these leagues;
2) Junior clubs – why not included? They have their own traditions ad may not wish to be included, but I see no reason why they cannot be accommodated within the system, as outlined below. The important thing is to have some pyramid system established at the outset, which can then be improved upon (such as by Juniors’ entry) at a later date.

Example (2) including juniors:

A. Winner Superleague East vs Winner East of Scotland League (Broxburn vs Spartans)
B. Winner Supeleague West vs Winner South of Scotland League (Petershill vs Dalbeattie)
C. Winner Supereague North vs Winner Highland League (Hermes vs Forres Mechanics)
D. Bottom of SFL Division 3 (East Stirling)
A vs B (h/a)
C vs D (h/a)

Winners play in final; winners of final are promoted to SFL Division 3.

Phew, that’s how I see it! Any thoughts???

"Archie Day"

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:55:35 +0000

Partick Thistle skipper Alan Archibald will make his 400th appearance for the club tomorrow against Falkirk at Firhill, and to mark the occasion the club have marked the day as "Archie Day".

The defender has spent two spells at Thistle, either side of a stint at Dundee United, and is now considering going into coaching.

400 appearances is an impressive number, especially in the modern game. Nice to see his commitment recognised too. Not sure about the masks though...

Can Accies ?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:00:46 +0000

Hamilton travel to Dingwall this Saturday to play Ross County. County will be presented with the Championship Trophy before the match.

But can Accies spoil the party ? Billy Reid's side are the only team to defeat County in the league this season with a very convincing 5 - 1 win last August @ New Douglas Park.

Accies have had a mixed season result wise but hope to finish in 3rd position.

Congratulations Cowdenbeath

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:58:38 +0000

It was looking like it was only a matter of time before Cowdenbeath were crowned division two champions, but Arbroath were still technically in with a shout prior to yesterdays games. Arbroath could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Albion Rovers, while Cowdenbeath beat Forfar 2-0, to move 9 points clear and win the title.

Congratulations Cowdenbeath.

That's all four division's champions decided.

50 years on

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:10:57 +0000

Next weekend see,s the 50th anniversary since Dundee won the old Scottish first division and now in my 60,s i prefer to remember
some of those great days from years gone by.
Names like Alex Hamilton, Ian Ure, Alan Gilzean might not mean much to many of you however in their day they were true stars
and next Sunday will be special for a lot of people in the City of Dundee.
After the disasters of 2 administrations in recent times, we have not had a lot to cheer about however those who were at Muirton all these
years ago, will never forget.
This year has been a fantastic year for Ross County and down the years i only hope that their supporters will remember there exploits
of a Scottish Cup Final and this year their promotion to the top tier of Scottish Football.
As for Dundee, the future seems a little more secure now but what i would give to see the likes of another Alan Gilzean, i can only dream about.
This season has proved to be a little better with the awards being split and lets hope for more of the same in the future

Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:11:37 +0000

Thanks again to all of yous who have filled out my questionnaire on sectarianism and the new government legislation, I really appreciate it.

If anyone else who hasn't already done so and would like to, if they could just follow the link below. It will take no more than 5mins of your time.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C5KF5N2

Thanks again.

Ross County make plans for promotion

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:02:56 +0000

Ross County are looking at applying for a short term ground share with Inverness CT if they gain promotion to the SPL.

It seems that they wont have the capacity at their own ground in place for the official SPL deadline, but hope to persuade the beaks to give an extension, with the ground share as a backup plan.

http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-first/ross-county/300673-ross-county-draw-up-contingency-plans-to-secure-spl-promotion/

Clyde May Quit Broadwood

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:08:19 +0000

Clyde may quite Broadwood due to an increase in rent and look at the possibility of ground sharing with Partick Thistle at Firhill.

Quote

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/sfl/2012/03/14/clyde-set-to-quit-broadwood-and-move-in-with-partick-thistle-as-rent-row-with-council-rumbles-on-86908-23787904/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medi

CLYDE are in talks with Partick Thistle over a ground-sharing agreement for next season.

The Bully Wee have approached the Jags about a switch from Broadwood to Firhill in a bid to overcome severe financial struggles with North Lanarkshire Leisure.

It would be a move that would mirror Clyde’s switch to Maryhill from their historic Shawfield home in 1986 which was to last five years before heading for Hamilton’s former Douglas Park ground.

With dwindling crowds and increased rates at Broadwood, Clyde’s financial director David Dishon admits the club now needs to seek a commonsense approach to their difficulties.

He said: “We held discussions with four senior clubs over a possible ground-share and the talks with Partick Thistle have been positive. We’ve also spoken to Airdrie, Alloa and Stirling Albion and now we need to see what develops from that.

“Our current position at Broadwood is unsustainable and we must now assess the options and if a ground-share is agreed that would be an obvious solution.

“North Lanarkshire Leisure have activated a five-year rental review which takes the rent up from £68,000 a year to £80,000 and we have rates on top of that.

“We are only averaging between 350 and 450 spectators each week and we just made it above the 300 mark for recent games against Peterhead and East Stirling so those figures are compounding the problems.

“Our ideal scenario would be to stay at Broadwood but if it makes financial sense to come to an agreement with Partick Thistle then so be it.”

Meanwhile, Partick Thistle are unlikely to push ahead with plans to install a plastic pitch at Firhill due to the cost of replacing their current grass surface.

The Jags have put their plans on hold despite conducting a feasibility study into installing a 4G surface which could be rented out for recreational use.

But they shelved the idea after being told it would require a £500,000 outlay.

If the Jags did install a synthetic surface they would have to gain approval to play in the SPL and Firhill chairman David Beattie admits there are a number of obstacles in their way as they attempt to find ways to increase revenue streams.

He said: “The problem we have with the plastic pitch is if we get into the SPL does it qualify?

“And in the short term we would need to find £500,000 to put the pitch in and that’s really the major stumbling block.

“Is it going to happen between now and next season? I doubt it because of the timeline to organise it.”

ALLOA

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:37:10 +0000

As with the Staggies in 1st Division, the Wasps look almost certain for promotion from the 3rd. Dynamic David Coleman used to pronounce their name as if it was a South Sea islands greeting. Quite sweet really.

Next East Fife manager?

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:17:03 +0000

Just heard John Robertson has left East Fife, they are just outside the play-off places so it should interest a few managers out there.

Why leave at this point of the season though?

SFL Matches Tonight

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:49:09 +0000

2 SFL Games tonight, Possibly worth keeping an eye on.

Division 1:

Ayr United v Ross County

In their last 10 games, Ross County are unbeaten, but have only won 4.
Ayr are struggling in 9th place but have also drawn 6 of their last 10.
I've noticed Ayr have been starting to pick up points so I'll say a score draw.
Ayr also have 2 games in hand over Raith Rovers, so here's hoping they get hammered!

Disivion 2:

Arbroath v Airdrie United

Arbroath are in good form and only 2 points shy of league leaders Cowdenbeath.
Airdrie can't find any consistent form and are 7th in the table
Can't look past the smokies for this game
Home win.

QUEEN`S PARK

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:35:04 +0000

Quietly Gardner Spiers is following in Billy Stark`s footsteps and the Spiders are climbing the table @ just the right time. Another top four finish now seems well within grasp and yet another promotion play-off spot(at least) for the 4th year running. Alloa are feeling the pressure and Stranraer are due @ Hampden on Saturday so if things go well vs. Berwick on Wednesday, the Spiders could be joint 2nd come Saturday night still with a game in hand over the Wasps. Looking @ the nether region of the 2nd Division, there`s nothing there to worry about unduly. Could be Queen`s year yet.

Tomas Cerny

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:44:36 +0000

Hamilton have released Czech goalkeeper Tomas Cerny 3 months before the end of his contract after being unable to solve a shoulder problem that the player was suffering from.

A statement from the Accies chairman Ronnie MacDonald read:

Quote

Further to discussions with Tomas and his agent, we have mutually agreed to terminate the remaining three months of Tomas's contract.

Earlier in the season the club was informed that Tomas would not be signing a contract extension and he would be leaving the club in May.

Tomas sustained a shoulder injury in our away fixture at Morton and despite the best efforts of the Consultant Surgeons and physiotherapists the injury has not cleared. In the event that an operation is required Tomas wished to have the procedure carried out as soon as possible to ensure he was fit to play elsewhere next season.

Tomas has performed tremendously for the Accies over the last few seasons, fully justifying his transfer fee, and while we are saddened at his departure for pastures new, we wish him every success at his new club.

I've always rated the goalkeeper, and if his injury issue could be solved relatively easily then I think he'd be a great capture for an SPL side, especially on a free transfer.

Would love for Hearts to go in for him, as Kello clearly doesn't have a future at Tynecastle, and I'm not convinced that the other options we have are good enough, or ready yet.

Clyde

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:20:23 +0000

Has anyone else heard talk about Clyde moving to East Kilbride?

Hughes & Collins In At Livingston

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:11:24 +0000

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17022133

Good to see John Hughes back in management. Interesting team with John Collins coming in as Director of Football as well.

Bollan sacked

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:57:47 +0000

This is a few days late but I thought I'd still post it. I wonder who will take over?

Livingston manager Gary Bollan sacked by clubScottish First Division side Livingston have sacked their manager Gary Bollan.

Bollan, who led Livi to two successive promotions after becoming boss in 2009, leaves the club immediately along with assistant Scott Paterson.

Head of youth development Brian Welsh will assume first-team duties on an interim basis.

"It's very hurtful for what we've done. I'm extremely angry at how we've been treated," Bollan told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"It's come as a massive blow and I'm shell-shocked to say the least.

Continue reading the main story
“Although initial success has been achieved on the field, it has become clear to the board more recently that a change of management is required to deliver our longstanding vision for the club's football operations”

Livingston spokesperson
"We're sitting mid-table. The last three games we've had have been difficult ones; Ross County, Dundee, Falkirk."

Bollan said there had been no indication that his sacking was imminent and was called "out of the blue" on Sunday morning to attend a meeting with club directors.

"We were told that the reason for the sacking was not having young kids in the first team," said Bollan.

"They see the future as having kids, the under-19 squad playing in the first team with a view to selling players on and continuing that conveyor belt.

"If you look through the first team, there's five or six players who have come through the ranks at Livingston.

"Mixed with experience, we thought we had a good blend but others thought otherwise and myself and Scott have now suffered for that even although we felt we were doing a good job and have done a good job for the past two-and-a-half years."

Livingston, currently sixth in the table, are next in action at home to Partick Thistle on Saturday.

"The board of directors would like to place on record its appreciation for Gary and Scott's contribution to the club," said a club spokesperson.

"Both have given good service to Livingston and are departing with our best wishes for the future.

"Although initial success has been achieved on the field, it has become clear to the board more recently that a change of management is required to deliver our longstanding vision for the club's football operations.

"Brian Welsh will assume responsibility for first team matters for an interim period whilst a suitable candidate for the manager's position is identified."

Taken from BBC sport

SFL transfers and rumours

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:49:29 +0000

Brighton have had a bid of £300,000 accepted for Falkirk's Murray Wallace. If he signs they will loan him straight back to Falkirk. There are two other championship clubs expected to bid for Wallace. The player is a left sided defender who was previously released by Rangers.