Passionate
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Posts posted by Passionate
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59 minutes ago, D'Jaffo said:
I’d be genuinely interested if we see a Championship team promoted from the playoffs in the next five years. I still think if it was ever going to happen it would’ve happened last season with Thistle. They may have finished fourth but unlike everyone else they went in with good momentum and basically a fully fit squad to chose from.
I actually think Raith might benefit from the week off you get for finishing second but I think Murray’s main issue is he overthinks and tinkers with the team too much. I really don’t think the signings of Rudden or Turner (whilst strong on paper) were necessarily needed.
Thistle aren’t nearly as strong as last season and their defence is woeful. I think it’s pretty even between them and Airdrie as to who will win over two legs. If Thistle dropped to fourth and went out at the first hurdle I think Doolan will be under pressure ahead of next season.
Airdrie are well worthy of a top four finish but I think they’ll get turned over by whoever they’d face from the Premiership. If they can hold onto what they have and add a bit more Championship experience then they can go again but I’d be a bit surprised if teams aren’t looking at McCabe.
Trying to stay.humble, it has been an unusual season for a number of teams lots of ebbs and flows of form and general shiteness, Getting to the play offs which is far from certain still, would be a tremendous achievement, going any further, well you never know, the teams finishing third or fourth are not supposed to prevail, with the cards firmly stacked in the 9th places teams favour..
Onto McCabe personally I think he will certainly be on the watch list of teams, although there will be little or no movement manager wise anyway IMO, he inherited a decent side from the now much maligned Murray, a side that failed at the the last hurdle against QP remember, that's taking nothing away from Rhys, I don't think Rhys is daft, he knows as soon as he gets a gig in the top league, he will be favourite for the chop and with the media saps and gutless chairmen worried more about the money, he would not get time to implement exactly his style, which would take time... It's alright beating Dundee and St Johnstone in cup games playing them 4 times a season is a different mantra all together, he will get there, I believe he has one more stop in a bigger championship side before the Premier teams come calling..
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4 hours ago, Beckford said:
Heard a few rumours of what's been happening and don't know what to believe tbh. Only thing for certain is that parasite will have been as difficult, petty and self serving as possible.
Rivalry aside, I wish you guys all the best,
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On 07/04/2024 at 08:24, Beckford said:
It's been obvious all season that his man management is as poor as his game management. Not the first, and won't be the last player to leave, be driven out or sent on loan when it was obvious they could have been so much more productive if utilised and managed correctly.
Always difficult to keep players happy and motivated when you constantly "rotate" your squad, chop and change formations and make pointless subs . Especially when you have created a bloated squad with numerous players that play in the same position.
The toxic continued presence of McGowan and his staff at NDP will no doubt have had a negative effect behind the scenes, which a lot of fans recognise will have made his job more difficult than it should be. There is also the issue of the role that "the club supremo "
has created for himself. However, Rankin does himself no favours and has never tried to build bridges or connect with the fans following the issues at the end of last season.
Few Accies fans would argue that a different manager could have won the league when Falkirk have obviously had a phenomenal season. (Huge congrats btw
) The point has always been, we should be so much better and prepared for the play offs. We have zero confidence Rankin has it in him to get us over the line and we are likely to bottle it and loose meekly.
The new owner has stated they will contine to back him and I fear he will be here next season. I have been fully behind much of what the new owner is trying to do (again until McGowan fecks off out of football, this will be difficult) but keeping Rankin after failure in the play offs would be the tipping point for what is left of the support.
How did zengen get on trying to purchase the stadium from McGowan, has it all went quiet.
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11 minutes ago, Diamonds are Forever said:
I actually wouldn't be surprised if he calls it a day this summer. Could be totally wrong but just got a feeling.
Either way if he was to get a great job opportunity I don't think there's any way he'd turn it down to have another year being a squad player in the Championship. If Aiken had been fit this year I'm not sure how much he'd have played. He clearly rates McMaster and if we could get another quality midfielder in next season then he may be happy to drop out. He still has quality on the ball but his legs are going a bit, he can sit in midfield but I don't see him able to do the high pressing game that ultimately he wants us to be playing. If we make the improvements to the squad that I'm sure he'll want to make then he'll not be much more than a back-up, which then begs the question why bother at all.
Fordyce on the other hand could definitely play another couple of years as a solid Championship centre-back. So he may be the one that makes it harder for Rhys to leave, assuming he wanted his own management team.
The McCabe debate, I actually think he is still one of the best midfielders in the league and also a very good sweeper, , can he play 36 games absolutely not, not for putting him out to pasture yet, not counting chickens just yet, if we get into the playoffs and the pressure cranks up , I would much prefer him on the park than off it...
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2 hours ago, Alert Mongoose said:
Is McCabe's decision on still playing likely to impact on his next move? Can't see him still playing for a Premiership team.
When it comes to the ladder to the higher leagues, do you not think Murray is a couple of rungs further up to get a bigger gig,
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On 05/04/2024 at 18:35, Chippyminton said:
I agree that a club's priority should always be its core home support, but there's a difference between a club treating away supporters like kings & queens, or treating them like pigs in a pen. A considerable number of Ton fans (me included) would like to see our infrastructure improved to make games at Cappielow a more consistently comfortable prospect for away supporters - but these can be fairly big-ticket projects which obviously require the necessary funding. Away supporters are, after all, putting money in our bank account.
As an away supporter at Cappielow this season and enjoyed it mostly, First game we were in the wee Dublin end in the possing rain, The Trust Trophy game we were in corner of main stand (not great) although I went behind enemy lines that day and was in the shed and had a great time, I digress... Last time a few weeks back we were jammed in the corner of the main stand again, biggest issue was Morton were selling tickets for WDE as well but on arrival section was closed for some reason and we were all diverted into the stand, not great.....surely you cannot sell tickets for WDE and then shut the sectionnl off.....
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10 hours ago, Rb123 said:
Since we let him go Baird seems to have been an absolute knob anytime he has played against us.
Clearly still bitter/holds a gripe against someone..
He nutted 2 of our players at the weekend and got away with it, seems he was up to his old tricks last night as well.
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For 30 minutes or so Airdrie were unplayable, they had Raith on a stick, nothing fancy just basic passing to an open teammate and moving the ball around, seems simple, but was very effective, The main difference between the sides and I have mentioned it before, Murray is a very predictable manager with a similar signing policy.. Airdrie played out from the back with Fordyce basically passing out by kicks all game, him, Watson, Ballantyne et al, comfortable with that proven philosophy, knowing that if they kept at it, the cumbersome Hamilton up top would struggle to close them down, flip that over to the Raith centre backs and full backs, they are all "siege" Murray type defenders the bigger and more physical the better, but are hopelessly uncomfortable with passing the ball around, add to that a committed high press by the Airdrie forwards, that gives opposing teams confidence, what's up with Dylan, a wonderful maverick player for Airdrie albeit in League 1, Championship is a massive step up as Falkirk will find also,
Raith are a good side as their league position shows, we still Have United to play yet at home in a couple of weeks, if we are in the playoffs , do we play our strongest team or play the boys at that time...
This is one crazy league and you have to love it..
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What can you say, maximising potential, punching above our weight, take your pick or both,
Preseason target achieved with 4 games to go , 6 clear in 4TH, with a massive game against our old friends Dunfermline coming up in 3 days, hopefully we can get a bigger home support, weirdly our home crowds seem to be very slightly on the dip, not much, 1799 I believe against Morton who brought a decent enough support.... Could be wrong it just seems that way when watching highlights on dtv.
One thing we must avoid this close season, is teams like Raith cherry picking our players, due to wages, We are making a helluva lot more prize money and gate money this season, we cannot be silly with it, but for the club to constantly move forward, we must keep our talent and that will cost money, PH has done a very good job so far, how far is he willing to go....
Onwards and upwards..
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1 hour ago, Salvo Montalbano said:
Even though we finished miles ahead of Airdire last season (and Falkirk, snigger), I actually thought Airdrie's style of play suited the Championship more than ours did. Our title winning run was built on a solid defence (and we were never going to keep as many clean sheets up against better forwards) and winning games by one (or more when part time teams tired). Airdrie were probably going to leave gaps at the back in a higher division but they also create a lot of space further forward with the movement of the front three so they were likely to have joy there. Obviously if we had a fully (or even close) to it squad then we may already be secure in the top four but it's no surprise to me that the Diamonds are doing so well. Still think if Raith win Tuesday we might pip them to 4th mind you...
Tend to agree , we need to pull off a big win against either Raith or United to get into 4th, Next Saturday will be crucial, really good end to the season for both clubs... 4th or 5th would be unbelievable for Airdrie, who are punching above their weight , crowd, finance wise....
For the record I still think Ayr will finish 9th
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1 hour ago, Adam Rendall said:
If we do slip into the play offs.
Does anyone know when the games would be? Can’t see anything on Spfl website
The 1 at leg Tuesday or Wednesday after the last game of the season. 2nd Leg on the saturday
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1 hour ago, Diamonds are Forever said:
Even 50% (or slightly less) of a home tie with Partick (crowd 6000+ I'd imagine) would still be a decent bonus for a club our size. But you're right not exactly a 'money spinner'. However the increase in prize money is the bigger thing, think I'm right that it increases quite significantly from 5th to 4th, nearly 100k? For us that's 2 or 3 good players next year.
Not counting any chickens etc, does all the playoff games money not get pooled and then split evenly after the League take their pound of flesh. I don't think it is just the game you play, could be wrong though..
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19 minutes ago, ShineOnYouCrazyDiamonds said:
Serious question (although maybe I’m getting carried away): who was the last player we had with the cult hero status amongst the fanbase that Todorov has at the moment?
Going back a few years, how about Jimmy Lister
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Congratulations Stenhousemuir, winning anything in Football at lower levels is very difficult, always an enjoyable day as an away supporter visiting Ochilview,
Hope big Nat and the rest of the ex diamonds have been doing well.
Enjoy
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Back to the football, Airdrie played some outstanding one touch attacking play and looked a right good side, Frizz and Telfer pulling the strings, flip that over and we always have a howler in us, I felt we got lucky today with the passing from the back especially Fordyce, very risky and needless most of the time....
Not too sure what way the wind was going most of the time, Morton have some very good players but mixed amongst it is Broad foot and Power who both are totally done, along with the constant leaving something on the opposition, doesn't do them any favours... Morton engineered the penalty box scrap, to try and intimidate Airdrie, but to be fair we held our own, we gave Morton a bit of a foothold with our triple substitution , never a fan of multiple subs unless of course you are well down in the game, Donnell is technically decent but very slow, Gall I still think is playing like he will be away, O Connor is improving but still very raw , Lyall can find himself unfortunate not to be playing another very good McCabe loan signing..
Big week (again) coming up Target has to be 4th,
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4 hours ago, Rhys McCabe Hype Train said:
Daft point here… how much better does black shorts look with the home kit!?
Personally not a big fan of black shorts, socks combo, not bad for a cameo like last night or of we play Falkirk..
Last seasons umbro kit was registered as black shorts and black socks although for some reason was rarely worn...
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Wasn't at the game, nervously following on the club twitter, gave up on the fire stick...
Rhys certainly knows his squad, on paper a risky starting line up, and outstanding 3 points and seems well deserved as well..
All you good Diamonds get up the road safe and kudos to every one of you.
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28 minutes ago, ++Ammo - Airdrie++ said:
Aye, defo this. A real shame and genuinely one of my favourite players to wear the diamond. An enigma sometimes, missing open goals from a yard, but then turning in goals like against Bohemians coming in from the wing, Overhead kick against Clyde or his worldie against Kelty. He's given us some incredible moments, at League 1 level mind you, but he done it in a diamond. He's still only 29/30 so still plenty time to become adored by another set of fans. I can see him ending up at a decent paying EK (if they get into L2), he can carry on his extra part time stuff, decent wage, 15 mins from Giffnock (I think that's round about where he stays??). Whatever he does, he'll go with nothing but best wishes from me anyway.
Calum Gallagher exactly as you say, my favourite goal of his, was his last minute headed winner at Falkirk and his celebration after it, a frustrating player most are to be fair, looking at his body language the last few weeks and even his muted celebration at winning the cup, suggests to me he has something else lined up
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46 minutes ago, No_Problemo said:
It was literally the definition of an utter shitebags tackle.
I have kept my council on this since the game,news there in person and it looked a 'good' yellow bordering on a red at the time, watching it back it was a shocker we don't need to see someone carted off just to justify it, it should have been a red, McMaster got away with it, as the game was live on TV (are us and Ayr big time) everything gets scrutinized, that's their job, do not have a problem with Stewart, Brown or any of the TV saps...
Are Airdrie fans getting a little precious, no one likes us we don't care, and I couldn't give a flying f*** what others think about us,
I am far more concerned about how easy a limited Ayr team have managed to take 12 points off us this season, as we get ready to go to another of our 'bogey' grounds as we continue our recent quest for the promotion playoffs..
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2 hours ago, Kenny_m said:
Megwa certainly had his poorest game to date in an Airdrie shirt to date but not sure I'd be dropping him with Ballantyne's fitness still a bit off although I'm a huge fan. Watson has been excellent recently at CB but always has an error in him no matter what position he plays.
Lyall is beginning to frustrate the life out of me, talented yes, but other than his performance against Arbroath he's not doing nearly enough. Absolutely anonymous in the 1st half last night and can't keep dipping in and out of games. With Telfer not having his performance either last night, no one else stepped up though.
Still early days for Hemfrey but clearly not as comfortable as Rae on the ball and I'm really concerned about him on cross balls, and not just the 2nd goal last night. I'm still prepared to put it down to lack of game time but I'm a tad worried.
An absolute certainty to me that McGill or McGregor will play against Arbroath on Tuesday, maybe even both in which all of sudden is our biggest game of the season.
On to today's matches and I will be keeping a big eye on Firhill. An Inverness win would tighten the league even more and heap pressure on everyone up to us especially as they have Arbroath at home the following week.
Hard to disagree with anything the league is still crazy and a bad week could have us in the mire, regarding the keeper I thought we was commited and dealt with everything pretty well, I actually thought it was a great cross and header for the second goal, should he have stayed on his line, possibly.... I don't know about Rae situation but I would be surprised is he is not back on the next 2 or 3 weeks, although season will be about done by then.
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40 minutes ago, moses1924 said:
Not really at it tonight, injuries catching up with us and thought we really felt Rae being absent tonight, we dont play it out from the back nearly as effectively without him in goals. Not panicking about league position as I think we'll be fine but would be good to get a win on Tuesday keep a bit between us and Inverness, especially if they dont win tomorow.
Don't know if you were at the game or not, but I felt at the game, Hemfreywas decent enough with a few decent saves don't think Rae would have done anything different, if you let teams fire crosses in all game , there will only be one winner...
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1 minute ago, The red diamond said:
This pie and bovril are going down a treat at half time. Great finish by Josh O'connor and should have been more. Scott Brown your getting sacked in the morning.
It looks like the reward for Brown making a pigs ear of Ayr is the Aberdeen job
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14 minutes ago, BukyOHare said:
Congratulations on a hard fought and ultimately deserved win. A really entertaing game, I dont think the second half got close to the tempo and quality from both teams in the first half and as time passed you always thought a setpiece or penalty would end up deciding it, stonewaller given by the ref, not sure why the defender needed to do it given O'Connor was running away from goal.
Congratulations on keeping the trophy in Scotland too, the spin some detractors might have put on it if it had gone to Wales could have been a huge annoyance.
McCabe has that team massively overachieving for the sum of its parts and he must be a huge target to a top flight team for his next move.
And if you could all keep buying the team celebrations drinks between now and Friday night, that'd be great as well. Cheers.
First half as you say very entertaining, TNS seemed to catch us for pace early on, no idea how Watson's challenge that led to a goal was not a free kick and a booking, our right side with Ballantyne literally just back from injury and young Gallagher who was playing out of position due to injuries etc, You could tell TNS were a front foot team, they had no centre halfs or organisation, Todorov had them all roads first half with McStravick in behind, first time we have really played that way, Second half was %football and over the 90minutes I thought we shaded it,
McCabe looks the next big thing or the next Ian Murray who was fast tracked after success at Dumbarton, Rhys has to be careful IMO, a bigger budgeted side in the championship is probably his natural progression,
Look at Goodwin at Dundee United a limited experienced manager who has put together a bigger bunch of mercenaries since the Expendables, Could Rhys sort that mess out with the attitudes and egos on show there, personally I don't think so...
He is on an upward trajectory, he will move soon enough I think Airdrie might or I hope have him again next season..
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There is a souvenir 68 page glossy programme on sale for the Cup final..
This is available through a website of Ignition Sports media, cost is £5 plus £3 postage.
No doubt will be on sale at the game as well, We dont get to many finals, one to get pulled out the drawer in 25 years..
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Airdrieonians 23/24 Championship Thread♦️
in Scottish Championship General Chatter
Posted
I would think we would try and sign the majority, to be fair I am not considering promotion, 3rd has to be our next target.. Niggling injuries are starting to mount up, not much time for recovery now that will cost us big time, if any of our big players are out, Telfer went off with a calf, Ballantyne looked like a thigh injury, Watson went off limping as well as Rhys recovering from his injury, we will habe to really rotate the squad, but the drop off is pretty noticeable in some positions,
The only players I think we will choose to move on at season end will be Gallagher, Dunlop, Cassidy and Fellows whether the rest of the players sign on again , we will have to wait and see because no doubt there will be interest..