BorisTheGrizzly

I hear there are some cracking players in the French 5-a-side leagues . . .

PCA announcements always put me on edge, just keep shtum until it's all wrapped up.

Exactly, the statement acknowledged how disappointing this season has been, which, in itself, addressed the disconnect perceived between fans and club. Your opinion on whether a radical change will come to fruition or not is irrelevant; the first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem, this was achieved through the statement. The club have held their hands up, promised to do better, and put the fans wishes at the forefront of their ongoing plans, in what way is this cynical? Let a little sunshine into your life, be optimistic about your "soft spot" team (we all know it's true! ). Now, let's get right behind the Rovers!

Jeez, I'm pretty sure if someone were to start a thread on who would be in your first XI for "Arsehole United FC", Hamill would be consistently challenging for captaincy.

That's a cynical view that reveals that you don't fully comprehend what you're commenting on. The statement was required to reassure the fans that everybody at the club from board level to players are not oblivious to the frustrations that the fans are feeling. Previous statements were patronising and ill-judged which has lead to discontentment growing and the possibility of diminished season ticket sales. This statement addressed and abated the main aggrievances. The fans are happy to hear it, and it took very little effort from the club. This will ultimately lead to increased season ticket uptake, more dosh for the club, and rosier prospects for next season. Predictable, maybe. Necessary? Absolutely!

The tone of the statement is excellent: not too contrite to end up sounding whiny, but gives a nod to the disappointment of this season, nor is there even a smidge of arrogance (which TH has an effortless knack of portraying), plus lots of well explained points to be optimistic about. I will be getting my season ticket asap!

A new Fife Elite Football Academy will be formed pooling the funding/players of the four Fife clubs to allow the respective youth players to compete against other teams at the elite level, such as Aberdeen, Celtic and Dundee United. http://www.raithrovers.net/14644/fife-elite-regional-academy-to-be-formed.htm Interesting stuff. I would enjoy taking in a game at youth level knowing that the players on show are earmarked as the best talent available in Fife; it should also help us retain such talent locally.

Indeed, it was probably the least prescient prediction ever considering it's been goosed since I was a lad and is mentioned nearly every close season. Nevertheless, my next prediction is that Murray will inevitably have a much improved season after making some canny signings and clearing the deadwood.

I had a feeling in my waters that the railway stand issue would be broached in time for the upcoming season: http://www.raithrovers.net/14638/stadium-news-update.htm

"We don't lie down to anybody!"

Cojones of steel needed to send Sinky off; untouchable.

What about The Witch, is he on an extended contract already? The way we ship goals I would be looking to shore this up first.

I presume Baird will have been one of the first in the office.

Gutted. Would have loved to attend this.

Giving some serious consideration to getting a season ticket. As a straw poll, who here will get a ticket for next season, and did you have one for this season?

Apologies if this has been covered before, has there been any discussion on whether to repair the railway stand? Would the costs outweigh the increased revenue of next season's improved gate money?

Actually went for a coffee there today with Mrs. Grizzly, was very enjoyable. Noticed they had Joker IPA on tap so will partake of a few pints of that with some lunch on Saturday.

Good stuff, thanks. Looking forward to the match.

Going to the Livi game this Saturday, not been been to SP for many years due to living overseas; any recommendations on pubs with good ales and scran pre/post match?