AML67
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Posts posted by AML67
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3 hours ago, Hossy87 said:
Thoughts @AML67
We’ve literally only had 2 home League games this year ( and 4 in total ) which is frankly incredible and far from ideal ! Star have I believe ten games left which could rise to SEVENTEEN if they make all the Cup Finals remaining and win the League thus qualifying for the Pyramid play off games so from a fixture point of view you have to ask why ? I have literally for years now tried to get the League to ensure those with grass parks have more home games earlier in the season to avoid scenarios like this but to no avail , it just seems to fall on deaf ears.
Financially for us it’s far from ideal but such is life and we’ve a handful of hard working Committee members that ensure the Club stays on an even keel working tremendously hard to bring in invaluable sponsorship opportunities. If Clubs live within their means you can continue to thrive but the financial model has to be sustainable but this is up to individual member clubs to ensure this is possible within their own constraints. We have a fairly young , local team in general and that in itself generates great home crowds but that isn’t necessarily replicated across the South although it’s up to individual teams to factor in success v sustainability !
With Gretna now bottom of the LL their potential return to the League would be a welcome addition in terms of numbers and they’d also boost the overall standard and competitiveness in the South but clearly that will depend on how their season pans out for them. I can’t see any other teams on the horizon so we’ll just have to soldier on until any future change is potentially forced upon us somewhere down the road.
To finish the season on top of the table albeit with others hunting us down is fantastic considering only 5 years ago we literally only had 6 players at the Club is testament to the hard work and dedication a few folk and all the players during that time have put in.
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21 hours ago, GNU_Linux said:
Surely it’s Dalbeattie’s to lose now ? They’ve been the best side in fairness to them
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3 minutes ago, AML67 said:
Aren’t the West already at the limit they stated numbers wise ?
Theyre hardly pissing the South although they are the best side imo
Lewis Dunn , a terrific wee player ! They’re still in the hunt but a fixture pile up will be a problem for both if the weather hampers either pitch in the coming weeks. Huge game in April 20th at Castle Cary unless either slip up beforehand
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14 hours ago, outsider said:
They're pissing the SOS?
They’re in a strong position but a fixture pile up may well play a part for both themselves and Creetown !
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On 02/03/2024 at 18:11, Benidorm said:
Dalbeattie would be as well like Threave making their way over to the West and finding their level somewhere in the middle as opposed to these two extremes of being complete whipping boys in the LL or pissing the SOS.
Aren’t the West already at the limit they stated numbers wise ?
Theyre hardly pissing the South although they are the best side imo
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On 16/12/2023 at 19:10, GNU_Linux said:
Dalbeattie’s to lose you assume although Creetown still in the hunt surely !
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18 hours ago, MrFizz said:
Just going on the games so far, Newton Stewart being top, and Star and Creetown just behind with games in hand, and having only lost 1 game between them, yes.
But of course its only November.
The weather and the impact it will have on the grass parks could end up very telling in the long run ! I was at Blairmount on Saturday and Dalbeattie started very strongly , have to say defensively they were all very poor goals to lose for NS but that’s taking nothing away from the visitors ! The home side came back into it well and missed several other good chances after the two quick goals and a point blank sitter could’ve took the teams in at 3-4.
I was extremely disappointed by the time wasting from Star from fairly early on however I suppose you can’t knock them too much when they were in a strong position. The Ref wasn’t great and one Star defender should’ve seen red for a strong two handed push decked the Newton captain after the official denied what looked like a stonewall penalty for NS and both of those strange decisions could’ve have a big impact on the game imo.
Dalbeattie are the best side I’ve seen this season overall and will be favourites for most after taking 6 points of NS and Creetown having 3 draws lately but time will tell !
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2 hours ago, MrFizz said:
Looking like a 3-horse race to be champions.
Are you suggesting the current Top 3 as surely defending champions Abbey Vale are still very much in it and Nithsdale will surely have a say in matters too ?
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On 29/10/2023 at 12:03, annan4eva said:
With half the games played if NS win the league would they go to the playoffs?
They wouldn’t have a choice and neither would Dalbeattie or Creetown !
A long way to go but definitely a fair chance this time a licensed club will complete in the playoffs
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On 30/09/2023 at 18:49, GNU_Linux said:
A fair few games between top 6 teams in October might just shed some light on the title aspirations of the contenders !
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On 03/09/2023 at 23:07, Aguerooooo said:
For all the money Newton and Creetown have spent in the summer it must be disappointing for them losing in what should be winnable home games for them.
What money did we spend if you’d care to elaborate ? You must know something we don’t ?
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On 30/08/2023 at 21:26, HorseyGhirl said:
My feeling is that whatever eventually occurs in the south, the club's themselves need to proactive throughout and not sit and wait for any association or league to decide their fate.
I know the SOSFL is a historic league but for me its the club's futures that are important not any league.
The west has shown us that, what with the number of clubs which are flourishing in the new setup.
The obvious difficulty the South has is manly geographical and to a slightly lesser degree population density ! The East were on their knees with 13 members Clubs before the Junior invasion ( we had 16 at that time ) yet we are seen as non progressive because we didn’t have 40 ex junior sides to rejuvenate our League ! It would’ve been wonderful m sire all South Clubs would’ve agree but what can we do when no one bar the likes of Glasgow Wellington apply to join the set up
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If two or three of our members Clubs tried the Threave route the South is dead in the water and I for one would hate to see that after 75 years because I’d rather a few more stepped up to reinvigorate the League. Gretna may ultimately fall in to the South which would boost numbers bu5 other than that I can5 see where anyone else is coming from !
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On 25/08/2023 at 09:11, HorseyGhirl said:
A question for all.
Is the future of South clubs and SOSFL in the pyramid discussed in the committee rooms or social club or at games?
Do the SOSFL and clubs feel there is any need or cause to change the current setup?
If they don't then this is an unnecessary discussion we are having.
It was certainly mentioned when we put in an application to the West during its original set up ( which we ultimately decided against at that time ) and I can assure you that many realise that the possibility of an amalgamation of sorts somewhere down the road is a distinct possibility !
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On 23/08/2023 at 10:32, Bestsinceslicebread said:
Hopefully this is conveyed the way its intended and is definitely not a slight on the SOSFL
I think, my view, is that the South are there at Tier 6 rightly, why because they joined the SFA at the right time.
Nearly all your post I agree with and your first comment that I have put in bold, I am in total 100% agreement -But and its a big BUT, unless, for talking sake, the pyramid changed and allowed 3 relegation from the Lowland so it would be the top 3 champions of the WOSFL, EOSFL and the SOSFL are all promoted, I think that would be wrong as the, I believe the SOSFL team will probably be relegated the following season and be the whipping boys and you think, what's the point when there are stronger teams in the East and West. But that can be argued that they may not, they might bring in higher quality of coaching staff, come into money and bring in higher quality of players. I do however want the best and strongest teams to enter the Lowland on merit but I don't think any team who wins the SOSFL would beat any premier WOSFL and EOSFL premier teams due to the quality, (again my view but that is only from visiting games in the East, South and West).
We all want a 3 up - 3 down throughout the pyramid but would 3 up include the SOSFL champions, right now, it rightly would because SOSFL is at tier 6 but should itThe second content that I have put in bold, yeah, agree with that, it could happen as the pyramid progresses and think its the only way that would satisfy all parties. Out with the talk by many that of SOSFL is too high a tier, rightly, we should or any football pyramid should and expect to have each division in each tier the strongest it can be and suppose if the SOSFL was regionalized and go to a tier that 'WE ALL' think it should be then great, but would everyone who supports the SOSFL be supportive of that. Even if they did and it happens then no matter what that should never diminish the chances of any SOSFL being allowed to be promoted like every other team through the divisions to a level they can cope with or beyond.
I think the South Challenge cup is great, You have all the teams from Lowland, EOSFL, WOSFL and SOSFL all battling it out to win the cup and this cup is the hardest cup to win but again, comments previously, the promotion of the cup has been way down the listings but its gives SOSFL teams a gauge for them against others and gives SOSFL teams the chance to make a game of it and put out a big gun during their endeavors in the cup.
Newton Stewart beat a WOSFL Premier side last season in Cambuslang Rangers away from home and have an opportunity against an EOSFL Premier side next week in the Scottish Cup when we play Luncarty ! Last season we beat former Lowland League side Preston Athletic in the Cup so it shows this apparent gulf can be bridged although possibly not over a season without as you’ve suggested investment.
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On 20/08/2023 at 19:53, HorseyGhirl said:
Oh thats right Lochar beat Jeanfield up in Perth I think, then succumbed to Maryhill at the airfield.
Easily confused in my old age.
I often know how you feel HG ! Big games for the Ferry and NS this weekend before the Scottish Cup the following week
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7 hours ago, HorseyGhirl said:
Feel Lesmahagow will have too much firepower for Mids.
Creetown good chance against Whitletts.
Newton Stewart comfortable against Uppers.
Abbey Vale should be comfortable versus Royal Albert.
Forth favourites but hopefully W&B give a good account of themselves.
I'll go for Creetown, Newton Stewart and Abbey Vale into Rd 3.
If W&B continue upward a wee surprise could be on the cards.
If remember correctly Newton Stewart and Lochar Thistle got onto Rd 3 last season.
Here's hoping.
NS we’re in Round 4 after beating Cambuslang Rangers in the third round ! Stirling Uni we’re just too strong for us on the day
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23 hours ago, HorseyGhirl said:
start the season of as you mean to go 1st moan
my nearest game is Newton Stewart 40mins away.
Be more than happy to see you at Blairmount HG
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On 19/06/2023 at 20:21, Aguerooooo said:
Come on now! Stop trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes! Finances are playing a big part. Newton and especially Creetown are ploughing a bit of money into signings this coming season. It’s happening every where in the league Dalbeattie splashing cash, Lochar Thistle splashing cash, Abbey Vale splashing cash.
The Warwick guy at Dalbeattie sounds as though he likes the sound of his own voice?? is it him who is doing the Dalbeattie Facebook on social media now? His views on signings are a bit OTT imo.
Not 100% sure where you’re getting this info from but I can assure you there’s not a lot of cash to Spanish in your words !
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On 11/06/2023 at 11:47, HorseyGhirl said:
Looking at the different clubs media output, the experiment we seen at one or two last season of bringing in outsiders from the central belt has been ditched.
Without being in the know a number of signings from county amateur and youth sides. The one that sticks out is Galloway Thistle's successful u17 boys. A number being signed up by both Newton Stewart and Wigtown & Bladnoch.
Over to locals with more knowledge than I.
All 8 of Thistles title winning U17 squad who wouldn’t have been eligible for next season have been promoted into the South's senior ranks ( 3 at Newton and 5 at Wigtown ). It’s fantastic to give these promising lads that opportunity and has been our philosophy at Newton for a number of years now.
Living within your means is vital at our level and we firmly believe that as each season passes these youngsters gel together and the Team spirit within the playing squad is evident for all to see
. Some have the finances to take different routes but it isn’t always a guarantee of success so we’ll gladly continue as we have done in recent times.
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21 hours ago, HorseyGhirl said:
Shout out to @AML67
You back home yet mate.
Update us when able your South P&B family are thinking of you brother.
I finally got home on Friday night and whilst I ran out of steam quite easily I’m happy with how things went and will look forward to a slow and steady recovery ,thanks for asking Horsey
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8 hours ago, HorseyGhirl said:
All the best my friend and may the op improve your quality of life my friend.
Was involved/folowing the East when the explosion happened. Very quickly it became vibrant.
The West since moving over has become a phenomenon almost.
As you say South is probably at near max. Some need to work on their quality and step up. Only way to change is either an amalgamation with West, which could/would lose identity of area or if we get a proper PWG review that comes up with more regionalisation, not time or place to get into that. Need to kill the conference crap first.
With 6 clubs in Scottish league/clubs need to step up and sell the product, it's a massive occasion so make sure it's in the news.
Media guys step up.
Along with Threave I have 6 clubs within 30mins of home. Surely someone will be at home and I won't be at a horse comp
. Vale a wee bit of a trek.
Anyways get yerself fit and get back to the fitba soon as my friend.
Hoping to finally get home the morn after 12 days
but thank you for the positivity Horsey and we’ll maybe see you at an NSFC fixture somewhere along the road next season maybe !
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13 hours ago, HorseyGhirl said:
Brill thanks for that info. Wasn't up to speed at season start, was following West Div 4 more closely.
As an outsider hope the clubs sit down and can come to agreement that suits. And for me more importantly, make the league attractive and get more footfall. I for one attended about 2 games before new year. Without checking it was a lot more after. There definitely was a buzz with 3 teams challenging.
It's a pity that with only one division that there is not any excitement at the bottom, in the East and West been some great relegation/promotion battles.
Can't have everything I suppose.
Excuse the spelling Horsey , I’m currently in the Golden Jubilee post heart op and I was trying to type that in the dark at stupid o’clock
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The East was like ourselves stuck at 13 teams before the Junior expansion and we can all see how well it’s went there as a result however the Girvans , Mayboles , Kello Rovers etc of this World decided against the option of challenging to wn the South and I can completely understand why if I’m being honest ! Attracting new teams is going to be incredibly hard with only potentially Gretna on the horizon if they struggle again next term however on a positive note , if confirmed , the Scottish Cup presence of 6 Clubs from the South will be a huge boost for the Association
From the SSFL Page
Our League sides who will be in next seasons Scottish Cup
️ Abbey Vale
️ Creetown
️ Dalbeattie Star
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️ Newton Stewart
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St Cuthbert Wanderers
️ Wigtown & Bladnoch
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4 hours ago, HorseyGhirl said:
Eh what did I do.
Think it's a fair point to make as it was a 22 game season. Next year could be a 26 game season. There were Saturday's down here recently when there were more cup games than league games. Which is strange when Vale played Sat, Mon, Wed, Sat one week. I don't recall seeing a fixture schedule for the season or half. No idea who does fixtures but could be something to look at for next season. We are after all trying to promote SOS and get punters through the gates.
Not one single midweek date used in August or September and e all know it’s because they waited in Caley Braves and didn’t want them to fall behind yet they ironically enough finished their own campaign FIRST almost a month ago ! Very poor fixture scheduling and it is a point that has been raised for 2023/24 and al ost unbelievably their was a free Saturday in the autumn to allow Scotland to play Rep.of Ireland that had an 8 pm start time too , yet another ludicrous decision ! Most Clubs are in agreement with you in that they should start a couple of the Cup competitions then see if the calendar can support the other two domestic Cups by say February !
we were bizarrely to,d that the South didn’t want to risk teams having virtually any games left by late January / early February if they had poor Cup results so in their wisdom instead they had teams running in almost empty trying to fit in virtually double figures of games and more in some cases in the last month of the Season !
SOSFL Executive take note and look after the member Clubs , some certainly benefitted more than others and it was also highlighted by ourselves that ‘convenient’ cancelling of fixtures has to stop ! Teams wouldn’t ‘bend’ with fixture alteration proposals if they felt they hadn’t their strongest team available when the ‘home’ side offered a new viable venue and we’ve suggested the visitors should realistically have to accept a neutral venue if it in no way really caused any more difficulty in fulfilling for both sides ! That’s an old trick that was used on grass parks from yesteryear but to not take advantage of an available 3G surface is s frankly outwith the spirit of the game ! I understand the revenue aspect etc but if the hime team is prepared to take that gamble then these matches really just stay on
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4 hours ago, Dev said:
Will Abbey Vale be in the Scottish Cup next season as SoS League champions?
Defo 100% Dev
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Financial Concerns & Restraints.
in South of Scotland Football League
Posted
We have said the early finish takes away any potential for some teams to have that ‘last weekend of the season’ scenario where you might get to celebrate huge wins and possibly vital league deciding games. Imagine the scenario if others dropped multiple points unexpectedly and the team winning the title has finished 4 or 5 weeks ago , a bit of an anti climax however fantastic it would be for said team although I’m aware this won’t be the case it’s not impossible in the future.
I would always prioritise the League games and let common sense prevail in fixture scheduling but clearly I might be in the minority with this train of thought.
Somewhere down the road many locals feel that it’s inevitable that the league will end up being incorporated into and expanded West and realistically would that be such a bad thing ? New challenges and opposition with the potential for promotion / relegation etc.
With regards to opening / closing weekends I’d totally agree and personally I’d always have Cup Finals on a Saturday afternoons to allow maximum attendance fans wise and the chance for the winners to celebrate with them ! Without the fans the Club will disappear rapidly