mike rankine

Haven't seen anything on the Official Site yet, nor on here (if I've missed it...apologies) but I heard the sad news today that Robert Couper died earlier this week. Robert was stadium announcer for many years at Boghead and a true gentleman. He loved the Sons and still attended the occasional home match although he was increasingly frail. The funeral is at Cardross Crematorium on Tuesday morning. Hopefully the Club will mark his passing in some way.

I gather he was at fault for the equaliser but didn't he deny Alloa earlier in the game with a couple of cracking saves? That was the sense I got from the Radio Scotland "Open All Mics"

If that big Morton thug, Roddy Hutchison, hadn't effectively ended my career I might have! As fast as a whippet...probably the quickest player I've ever seen in a Son's shirt.

Bollocks...you've just blown up my 'Full of Your Own Self Importance Meter'. Otherwise..decent comeback!

You're welcome! Although, it was based on a worrying conversation with a well placed source so I thought it was relevant to throw into the mix. In future I'll run all posts passed you first.

Hopefully Stephen (or his mate) has misread the situation and it's just wishful thinking on his part!

That's exact what I said to the guy who told me...he's a close friend of Stephen. The reply was Stephen reckons it would be a straight fight between the two of them...just like season 2013/14! Strange, because I spoke briefly to Stephen at a recent testimonial event and he indicated he was signing for Beith Juniors.

Heard yesterday that Stephen Grindlay likes the new manager and may stay to fight for the No.1 jersey with Jamie Ewings! Without starting the whole goalkeeper debate again, I'd be happy with either Jamie or Stephen as a back-up but I hope Stevie Aitken has an alternative first choice keeper in his plans.

A brilliant acquisition. Is it a loan signing or permanent? He's lightning fast, reads the game well and strolls out of defense like Alan Hansen in his prime. He's only 18 so would benefit from being partnered with an experienced central defender. Easily one of the best prospects I've ever witnessed in a Sons shirt. If he keeps developing he could go all the way in the game.

The fact that fans of so many clubs have taken the time to post condolences here speaks volumes of the man. A man of integrity who spoke candidly without fear or favour. RIP

That's actually what I meant by "strange". I expected much more from him than we've seen. No complaints at all that he hasn't featured recently.

If the right opportunity arises then Murray will go this summer, with our good wishes and compensation in the bank. A full-time Premiership team such as St. Mirren or an English League One, struggling Championship team. Alternatively, he plays the long game and waits for the Hibernian vacancy. Although Stubbs has done relatively well...if Hibs fail to go up and have a poor start next season then he could be the guy in pole position. Lee Mair is a strange situation. The closest he has been to the squad in recent months was sitting with them at Stephen Grindlay's testimonial dinner!

On a side note, but similar theme, two coaches/managers receiving praise from Wotte (and others) are Jackie MacNamara & Robbie Neilson. Apparently, neither goes in for detailed team talks nor rants, but instead they take the time to speak to each individual player about their role and performance. Former Dundee United player, Mark Wilson, said it worked wonders for the confidence of the younger players breaking into the first team squad.

I don't think we're as far apart as our initial posts suggest, Moonster. Some middle way is required. Anyway, I was simply chucking Mark Wotte's philosophy into the mix given the thread had turned to analysing the poor win rate of our development squad.

Due to a family connection I've watched youth football in recent years (from age 5 up) and the 'win at all costs mentality' is alive and well in Scotland. I've personally witnessed parents / coaches screaming "take him out", aimed at a gifted 6 year old who was running rings around their boys. I also watched a local coach (with basic SFA qualifications) take a small squad of boys to an under-10, 7-aside tournament in Blackpool where he refused to give two of the boys a single minute on the pitch, so obsessed by his desire to play his strongest possible team throughout because he thought he had a chance of winning the competition. Finally, I've observed previously skilful boys resorting to punting the ball up the park or out of play, so terrified they had become of making a mistake and letting their team down. Some of these boys eventually became disillusioned and chucked the game altogether. Maybe you're correct, Moonster and Mark Wotte, with all his playing and coaching experience in the Netherlands and elsewhere, is wrong. Personally, I think 18-20 year olds should still be maturing physically and mentally, while being free to develop their skills, try things and learn from their mistakes, without the pressure to have a "winning mentality drummed into them".

Perhaps that proves Mark Wotte's theory. A relatively successful group of U19 players but not one of them made the step-up to perform consistently at first team level - even when we were a few divisions below our current position. Our development squad may only produce one "elite" player every couple of years.

Mark Wotte (former SFA Development Chief) was on Radio Scotland last night saying many of our country's development coaches were obsessed with winning games. He strongly argues that development squads should be about individual performance and progress, not team success. In the past, Scottish teams were relatively competitive at U16 to U21 level but failed to make the jump to full international success. Maybe we shouldn't fret too much about our U20s win rate. Let's see if any INDIVIDUALS eventually make the grade.

Can't agree with that. Garry Fleming challenges for every kick out within his area of play. He wins more than his fair share too.

Genuinely in tears (of laughter) reading that, hard on the heels of Dhenboy's "Kris Boyd" training regime post. Settling in for a fantastic night's entertainment following the various Sevco threads on P&B.

Ha ha...as well as following similar, obscure Glasgow bands and supporting the Sons, I recently discovered we have a mutual friend! A Burns loving local comedian who you invited up to do a turn at the Clyde Bar! It's a small world.

Yes, I'm one of the older fans. No, I'm not friends with any of the movers and shakers. I don't personally know Gilbert Lawrie or the Hosies. Lastly, I'm not defending Brabco. If you reread my first post tonight I talk about remaining vigilant and set out the circumstances under which I would support the move. Under no circumstances am I suggesting we have blind faith and simply accept what we're given. However, what I am speaking up against is the blind cynicism where certain Dumbarton fans are always looking for problems and conspiracies. I judge people by their actions and, as a long time supporter who has seen many charlatans come and go, I see our club being run relatively well at present by the Lawries, Hosies, Jardines and Findlays of this world. Until they do something to undermine that they will have my encouragement and support to explore relocation options in the long term interests of our club.

Soon after Brabco took over someone posted documentation from Companies House which clearly showed a Hosie was one of the key principals. Similar documents were included recently on this very thread. As to why they don't engage with supporters...would you, when you see the cynicism and abuse thrown around on here?! Earlier in this thread several people were congratulating Balloch Sons Fan for pestering Gilbert Lawrie so much at the open event that they thought he may explode! Some people are successful, have money and great ideas but lack interpersonal skills. Maybe, just maybe the Brabco people are like that and won't subject themselves to the abuse from certain supporters which inevitably comes at such public forums.