Kitty_Boy

Ellis Hare-Reid has been called up to the New Zealand U23 squad for the Pacific Games in Samoa. https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/78844

This. At the start of last season our budget was based on the forecast we would finish 8th. Over the course of the season it was increased on the basis of Betfred Cup progression, the Rangers game and then expectation that we would finish in the play-offs. At the start of this season, I would imagine our budget is based on the forecast we will finish 6th - 8th. If McCall's budget at 19/06/2019 is less than it was at 19/06/2018 then that would be disappointing, but it is not clear that is the position.

The last 20-odd pages are symptomatic of the club's biggest single failing: communication. Lachlan's Facebook Q&A is a) a month overdue and b) the wrong format. He's already lost control of the narrative to Ian McCall, the Ayrshire Post and - worse - the Somerset Road End. Like Dunfermline do (https://dafc.co.uk/story.php?t=DAFC_Board_Statement:_End_of_season_2018/19&ID=11232), and I'm sure many other clubs, the club needs to be a lot more transparent about its financial position, ambition and approach to budgeting.

You told me you were going dressed a wasp.

How are you defining 'fixture pile up'...

Player trained with the squad this morning but Livingston haven't sent the paperwork through yet so the club cannot announce it.

Or getting past the Group Stages of the Betfred Cup which is worth at least £35,000 (based on last year's figures).

While Raith might be something of a laughing stock now, they were unbeaten at home all season and their final points tally would have been enough to win the third tier most seasons - belittling our achievement is a poor show IMO.

Hearts have got a 34 man first team squad. If Lafferty goes they might try and get the striker they've already got a pre-contract agreement to sign in January but I don't think they'll be looking for a replacement. Nothing has really changed for Shankland in the last two months. He's going to be no. 1 man for us and still needs to prove himself in the Championship. I don't see him going anywhere.

It's probably a little misguided to think the Reserve League is going to be any different to the Development League (where clubs could play 5 'over age' players). Most club just don't carry enough senior players.

I think you probably need to take into account that while nominally 'full time' it is very unlikely any of our players are 'working' (or being paid for) 35-40 hours a week...

I wouldn't expect to see Ecrepont in the Betfred Cup games as he doesn't turn 16 until the end of the month.

Not sure I do get your point...

A goalkeeper on a 'permanent' one-year contract isn't really any different to a goalkeeper on a season long loan.

Was gutted we didn't sign Dutch-born Philippines international Jason De Jong or that nothing ever came of the tie up with Soccer Viza. Reckon Adam Miserly could have done a job...

Wonder if we'll have to pay a compensation fee to Aberdeen?

Last year (and the previous year) we did a lot of business early on IIRC. This year the priority has been to re-sign the majority of the squad - which we've done - are now only short of 2-3 players, two of whom were identified weeks ago. To suggest we're going to be left with players who can't get a team is wide of the mark, albeit you could have probably put Shankland in that camp last season...

Can South Ayrshire Council play left-back?

Using the Narey's Toepoker website - number of players out: INVERNESS - 5 (IN 5) (0) AYR UNITED - 6 (IN 0) (-6) MORTON - 12 (IN 6) (-6) QUEEN OF THE SOUTH - 12 (IN 2) (-10) FALKIRK - 14 (IN 9) (-5) ROSS COUNTY - 14 (IN 5) (-9) DUNFERMLINE - 15 (IN 8) (-7) ALLOA ATHLETIC - 15 (IN 4) (-9) DUNDEE UNITED - 17 (IN 9) (-8) PARTICK THISTLE - 17 (IN 3) (-14)

My thoughts too. Not sure either the home or away kit would be suitable to wear at Somerset.

#announcedavidferguson

FF's response when Bobby asked how he would feel if someone paid £16 to his gaffer to abuse him at work - "I think I'd be very upset about it" - was worth the entry fee alone. I suspect Barr will end up at Peterhead next season... seems like the natural progression for guys dropping out of full time football.

I'm going to dislike this on behalf of my man @itzdrk. I just wanted you to know that.

BUMP... What are the chances, if I phone up Sky, of being able to upgrade from Sky Broadband Unlimited and Sky+HD to Sky Fibre and Sky Q without having to pay the ridiculous £150 'one off' charge the website quotes? Anyone got experience of getting a decent deal out of them?

#fabulousfriday