SotesBornalichtie

Embarrassment perhaps?

What a terrific end to the season. Congratulations to players, coaches and all the staff at AFC and thanks to all those who have supported the team through the bad times and now the good times.

I personally don't shout criticism at the players, I keep that for the officials. But I can't see anybody on the terraces (maybe different in the stand) shouting something like "I say! You're not playing well and have had a few bad games. Can you step it up in training and try to get more involved in the match? We would really like to see you causing the opposition more problems and perhaps chipping in with a few goals". No, during the game there isn't time for that. However shouting, " You're shite" is quite succinct and to the point and it's up to the players to understand that it's a reaction to watching them playing poorly. They need to understand that it's not really personal and the guy shouting it would more than likely buy them a pint in Tutties after the match.

Supporters expectations are different this season. Last season definitely was a nightmare with avoiding relegation the main objective. This season promotion is the main objective and with players brought in who have played at a higher level expectations are naturally higher. When these players have shown that they are only average or below average in this lower league then they will be subjected to criticism. Hammerafc's last sentence says it all.

I imagine the players might enjoy a friendly match in place of the usual training night and with the winter break for the premier league Dundee probably would like a game to try out fringe players etc. Also as previously stated DC will probably give our fringe players a start. As long as both sets of players stay aware that it's a friendly and don't get over aggressive there shouldn't be any more risk of injury that can be had in training. I enjoy evening matches under the floodlights, when I was a laddie I used to think it was like watching the game in technicolour, so looking forward to tonight.

So will Big Rab be playing in the half time Older Guys Match Day Experience?

I'm not a fan of Skelly either but maybe we'll get more from him this time round. On a different note, has the Arbroath Mad forum died a death? Doesn't seem to be any postings on it this season. I quite liked it because there weren't so many bitter, back biting posts as there are on tis site, although I suppose they could be called banter between opposition fans.

I don't think we will be relegated and, although I made the tongue in cheek remark about Jimmy Calderwood for the last few games, I don't believe that there will be any sacking of the manager and assistant before the end of the season. We have a core of decent players who, with a bit of confidence, should be able to avoid bottom spot. I also don't believe that the board should stick with the the same management team for next season regardless of the fact that they were given a 2 year contract. Their signings and loan players have shown that they are not capable of recognising players who can do a job at this level. So if they are still here next season I cannot see that things would improve. Lumsden's poor performance as a manager this season and from his time at Albion Rovers will not look good on his CV should he apply for manager's jobs in the future. Maybe he should stick to coaching and leave the running of a team to others. If it's true about Hislop's aggressiveness when criticised there should be no place for him at the club.

I heard or read somewhere that Jimmy Calderwood can't understand why he's not involved in football at present. If Lumsden and Hislop were to be sacked why not ask Calderwood if he would be willing to step in for the last few games to dip his toes back into managing. Then appoint a new management team during the close season. Probably couldn't afford him though.

I think the comment about moaning and complaining about the team is pretty universal at football grounds anywhere and at any level. I'm trying to think of the last time I saw Arbroath play good football and keeping the ball on the ground instead of big high kicks up the park for anyone in the area to chase. It was probably in Sheerin's time as manager. So maybe if there was some improvement in the standard of football being played it might cut back on the complaining. Some of the football recently even allowing for the weather conditions has been like pub team football.