26th of foot

Incest is a game for all the family.

Speeding on what substance?

Sound and Scene. There is a consensus abroad reference last night's refereeing at Central Park. Simply, Craig Thomson had an appalling game. There were four incidents, and Craig got them all wrong. 1. A first half armed ball by the Cowdenbeath right back, no penalty awarded. 2. Start of second half challenge with minimal contact outside the box on Cowdenbeath forward, penalty awarded. 3. Second half kick on Rangers keeper, no foul awarded since Ref' was not up with play. 4. Last minute scissor challenge on Davis inside the box, no penalty awarded. Big Dick, Liam McLeod, and Billy Dodds on BBC Scotland Sportsound agreed with Thomson on incidents 2 and 4. Incident one was an elongated discussion that culminated with, "ah seen them given". The third incident was fortunate for Rangers, if the Cowdenbeath player had gone down, it was another penalty. The only show on TV that carries no credits, Sportscene was the usual trio. Incident one was a penalty, incident two was no penalty, incident three was still a lament for the player not going down, and incident three was a split decision. This week, the hate is stronger on sound. Continuing with sonic impact; Scrote, Chris Scrote, licensed to shill's sister, Connie McLaughlin was covering the match for BBC Five Live and she concluded, the scoreline flattered Rangers, "Cowdenbeath and David Cox bossed the second half". We chucked it during the second half, it was unprofessional; but Connie sure knows how to over egg a rancid pudding. Consult your 'inner buzz' Connie, how much do you hate Rangers?

Lafferty adds a third on the stroke of half-time.

Tonight's TV Guide lists Sportscene starting on BBC Scotland at 22.45hrs. The content description from PQ is thus : "Jonathan Sutherland introduces highlights from midweek Scottish Cup fixtures, including Kilmarnock v Rangers and Stenhousemuir v Aberdeen". Is PQ assuming Rangers have defeated Cowdenbeath? Is the anticipated relish at PQ such, that Cowdenbeath can be conveniently ignored and Rangers will change travel plans for Fife in favour of Ayrshire? Further, I hope PQ have informed Premier Sports, it would be quite embarrassing to have your outdoor broadcasting unit at Central Park, when they should be present at Rugby Park to satisfy PQ's preferred prejudice. Maybe, PQ continues their thrall with last Wednesday's result, they'll just show a repeat of last week's highlights? Actually, I do not think it's any of the above. The reality of PQ's 'couldnae give a flying fcuk' attitude to license fee paying Rangers supporters is right there in that particular TV listing. They've got Stenny/Aberdeen bang on, that's important. Doonhamers, the Dandies next opponents will be relieved and disappointed; they don't have to travel this evening to Pittodrie to satisfy current PQ rationale, and may not see Dobbie's hat-trick against Dundee last evening. Again, reference Rangers and Rangers supporters, piss-poor administration.

Didn't ra Sellik pay just over £1 million for German centre back, Marvin Compper this time last year. I believe he played against Morton in the Scottish Cup a week or so after signing? I don't think he has been seen since? When you're buying German, you're buying reliability.

Whether Michael's opinions are valid or not on this particular matter, we must remind ourselves that Michael led the revolt against the then successful Hibs boss, John Collins. I think Craig Levein has Stewart sussed, asking him for advice on either football or politics is a pointless exercise. I remember the Fettes College educated Aidan Smith interviewing him for the Hootsmon a couple of years past. Michael was at pains to paint a picture of Easter Road revolt, that saw him reluctantly accept leadership of a situation. Michael is a rational man, therefore a political man. He included Salmond persuading him to put himself forward as a prospective Parliamentary candidate for the SNP's effort in Edinburgh West. Hhmm, Salmond's powers of persuasion are legitimately up for discussion? As Steven Thompson says, Michael is right even when he's wrong.

There is a vacancy at Easter Road.

The river of bitterness continues to flow. Liam McLeod on Sportscene, "Ryan Jack's second fortuitous and lucky goal of the season". Whilst being reluctant to visit the sins of the brother ............................. Remember fifteen years past, when your brother, a then serving police officer was exposed because of the vile content reference the Ibrox Disaster on his social media account? Some would say, he was extremely fortuitous, luck even that he did not appear in court.

I like that, because it fcuks with their minds.

We need the second soonest. The last several minutes of the first half, we sat off and allowed Livi' to move the ball across the field. They were probing, and nearly got in on the last minute. Further, long balls from our defence are going mostly unchallenged; when they come back, Livi are picking up most of the second balls. I don't see anyone in the Livi midfield to front that will run away from our back line. Let's hold a higher line and squeeze the game in their last third. Our first thirty minutes, we had the ball flying across their box, let's get back to than and secure the win. Slight concern for McCrorie on that surface, already booked?

FTAO Buster, From accuracy comes objectivity. Thank-you.

Morelos is the Devil. I did not listen to BBC Radio Scotland on Wednesday night, I was emotionally involved in front of the TV. Like most Bears, I was looking to sooth my considerable frustration. I engaged with a few other Bears on formation, personnel, and management decisions. Well done to both Killie and Stevie Clarke, I suspect you saw us coming? It will come as no surprise on this forum that the talk at the PQ parish pump did not mirror Bears' concerns. No, we found out yesterday, the big spat was between Big Dick and Billy Dodds over Alfredo Morelos putting the ball into the Killie net, using both hands Big Dick wants him cautioned. I remember the incident, it was correctly ruled no goal and the game continued. I have checked Rangers supporters' forums, general Scottish football forums, and match reports; to no avail, there is hardly a written line. Big Dick has a BIG hard on for Alfredo, there is no hiding place. It grieves him that Morelos has managed 75 minutes of the 270 minutes played this season between Big Dick's beloved Dandies, and Rangers. Big Dick was unambiguous during the first game of the season, "Morelos kicked out, he deserves red". Similarly, at the end of last season, our visit to the Granite City saw the Ref' unjustly award Aberdeen a penalty. Clearly, Morelos kicked the ball and not the player, all other media outlets agreed; not PQ, Big Dick, Rob, Liam, Jonathon, Wullie, ........... etc were too busy cheering to concern themselves with the justice of the situation. Rangers appealed Alfredo's red and Big Dick was exasperated, the appeal was successful, and Big Dick has settled into bitter resentment. Wednesday night's unique umbrage is because we play Aberdeen at Pittodrie in ten days time. Clearly, Big Dick is intent in utilising the full amplification of the national broadcaster to ensure Morelos plays as little time as possible against the Dons. Last season, it was Ryan Jack who bore the burden of Big Dick's hate, he was reduced to reading out lists of incidents involving Jack, for the benefit of the Compliance Officer. I would caution Shinnie, if you decide to pitch up at Ibrox this coming summer, Big Dick will have the pitch fork out for you. Big Dick's mindset is not settled upon the horns of a dilemma, he was raised to hate Rangers, absolutely! Doctor, Doctor, give me the news? We must remember, DrStu' is not a Bute House Toadie but likes Donalda MacKinnon a lot. He is the epitome of pernicious nationalism. He is the arbiter of whom constitutes a national hero; where you live, your accent, your views on an emancipated Scotland, ..... etc Given his tertiary education, including PhD was conducted in England and most of his working life was in England, you would think the view from Dennistoun Drives would be kinder in eulogy of Hugh McIlvanney? No, DrStu' laments Hugh's inability to drive north to cover Dundee United's Euro run in the eighties, or covered Ferguson's Aberdeen. Always alert to criticism and ensuring he is NEVER isolated, as his four and half hour broadcasting day progressed, he readdressed his view, and sought the comfort of populism. He included the paucity of McIlvanney's reporting on Rangers nine-in-a-row, comparing it to the easier access to Old Trafford and Annfield. He finished off, taking it out on Spiers. McIlvanney had succeeded in working for both the Observer and Times, whereas an expectant Spiers had been ignored. I wonder if the graveled Hugh had ever condescended to pat DrStu' on the head? The drains at PQ are running with bitter resentment. Licensed to Shill. Remember that new BBC Scotland channel? It is being launched on the 24th of next month. James Cook is the Editor, and Scrote, James Scrote is the Sports Correspondent. Troubleshooting is the name of the game these days for the Shill. We have not seen/heard hide nor hair since early November, but yesterday he was first up on PQ, taking control of the Lennon story. Fifteen minutes later, the listeners were none the wiser. It was deliberate, "no one will ever know the details of Friday's events at Hibs' training ground". Amasingly, both Guidi and Keevins took the same line on Radio Snyde. Alison McConnell, former Sellik View cub reporter parrots that very same line in today's Sunday Herald. Whatever you say Chris will be echoed. We know Sellik supporters, particularly those in the media have a strong interest in the myth that is Neil Lennon. Taking immediate control of a story that they're telling us, we will never know the pertinent details of, is most strange. Still, the Shill has spoken. DrStu' who was Lennon's greatest advocate for managing Scotland, will no doubt raise Neil's standard again? He does not have a big hoose in Fulham like McLeish, but he is in a land deal in Ireland with Slab Murphy.

Apparently, it was an incident at yesterday's training that has seen Neil suspended, pending further investigation. Former Rangers season ticket holder and Hib's Chief Executive, Leeann Dempster flipped an unsuspecting Neil, then she ploughed his keester(sans lubrication) with her favourite wooden strap-on. Her west highland terrier, Hamish was also involved in the assault. Neil feels violated, and is currently receiving treatment for his phobia reference small white dogs. Pray for Neil.

It will be Rangers supporters' fault.

It's a legitimate transfer of emotions.

Comfortably, we put Killie out of the League Cup we scored three goals from crosses. We got in behind Killie continuously. Tonight, we decided to play without width, our fullbacks received the ball, looked up and saw nothing down the line. The ball went inside, funneled into the strongest part of the Killie side, the midfield.

We appear to have no width? Once, Kent has got done the side and sent a decent ball into the box. The right hand side lies fallow. We miss Candeias and his width, offensively and defensively.

Killie are starting Burke and Jones on either flank.

Team is : McGregor, Tavernier, McAuley, Worrall, Halliday, Jack, Kent, Davis, Arfield, Defoe, and Morelos.

I note reports that the aeroplane was owned by Scots Football Agent, Willie McKay.

I know there is another thread catering for Saturday's Scottish Cup tie at Parkhead, between ra Sellik and Airdrie; but the Evening Times coverage brings a surreal note to reporting events. The eighteen words in the headline tells you the degree of discomfort felt by the Sub-Editor. The story is credited to, 'the Evening Times online team'. The level of control exerted is indicative of an Orwellian dystopian novel. The Newspeak reads : 'A Glasgow football fan to stand trial for allegedly punching three police horses at Celtic vs Airdrie game'. The story below continues : Kevin McGuire, 35, is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to Nerston, Oban, and Glasgow on January 19 at Kinloch Street on his way to see Celtic play Airdrieonians at Parkhead. He is also accused of, whilst acting with others, behaving in a threatening and abusive manner by throwing missiles, including bottles, stones, and lit cigarettes at stewards and police. McGuire, from Cardonald, is charged with two police assaults, including allegedly trying to pull Sgt Mark Steinlet from his horse and punch him on his head and body. He is also accused of resisting, obstructing, and hindering an officer by running away, lashing out with his arms and struggling with him. McGuire appeared from custody where he pleaded not guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court through his lawyer, Kevin Brady. After ten minutes, there were twenty registered comments; then comments were disabled. I suspect the Evening Times are trying hard not to stray into sub judice? Further, I urge Gersnetters not to stray into this area too. McGuire and his actions are well known to many. Let's hope he is the recipient of a fair trial, for the sakes of Nerston, Oban, and Glasgow? You cannot make this up, it is the necessary result of compliant Journos and Editors adhering to dictats issued from ra Stade de Gadd.

With my big Kilmarnock bunnet? Ne'erday'68 was hugely exciting, Rangers new Manager, Davie White had the team playing open, expansive football. It was just as well, Rangers dismissal of Scot Symon the previous month had been controversial. Thirteen successful years were not enough, Jock Stein had arrived and his brand of winning football was perceived as modern. It was a stark dichotomy, Symon was blazer and flannels, Stein was strictly track suit; Symon blended players, Stein annotated blackboards and fitted players into his system. Rangers needed a modern manager to compete with Big Jock. White had coached Clyde to a third place finish the previous season, he had been appointed Rangers Assistant Manager just four months previous. After the Bells, Davie White's ten game tenure was brought to focus. Eight league games won, including a ten-2 demolition of Raith Rovers, and Cologne knocked out the Inter City Fairs Cup by a 6-1 aggregate. The day before, Rangers had journeyed to Pittodrie and won convincingly, 4-1. Goals were flowing, Our summer signing, (Sir) Alex Ferguson had notched nine in the period, Persson and Johnston achieved the same total between them. The next afternoon, Partick Thistle were battered 5-2, and the three games in four days culminated in a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park. Looking back, I blame my Uncle Eddie. He had been doing missionary work in Newmilns, Ayrshire for a dozen years. The deepest, darkest Lanarkshire/Ayrshire cross pollination downside, was having to listen to dear Eddie's Ne'erday interpretation of, 'My big Kilmarnock Bonnet'. Killie, under Wullie Waddell's tutelege, had won the League Championship two and half years before. Uncle Eddie was a convert. We would receive our comeuppance at Rugby Park at the penultimate game of the season. We traveled down to Ayrshire in sunshine. It was the last week of April and a New Year run of 14 games had seen 13 wins and a draw. We were level on points with Celtic, their goal average was better. The draw had occurred the previous midweek, a 3-3 draw at Cappielow, and Celtic were playing at the tail o' the bank whilst we took on Killie. Comparatively, the Rugby Park surface was deemed the best in the UK. The previous year, the then world cup holders, Brazil had based themselves in Troon, utilising the Juniors pitch in morning fitness sessions, but doing afternoon ball work at Rugby Park. I was excited, the pitch was akin to a bowling green, in those days Ibrox was a sand pit after Christmas. Primary school was finishing, and I knew I would begin Secondary supporting the Champions. Kilmarnock had a team of household names, King, Queen, McInally, McLean, McGrory, .... etc and 25,000 Bears had a quick intake of breath when Killie took the lead on the eleventh minute. Dave Smith and Andy Penman took control, both Henderson and Persson on either flank were seeing a lot of the ball. Our Swedish world cup semi-finalist scored a typical Orjan goal, working along the bye-line before shuffling the ball on to his weaker foot and slotting into the far corner. Drawing level before half time had everyone smiling, but Persson was clearly injured as he hobble off. The substitute was Alec Willoughby, cousin of Jim Forrest and a fine player. He scored the winner with a dozen minutes left to play. We turned our attention to the numerous Bears cradling large radios, 'what's the score at Cappielow'? It was 1-1 and remained so when the referee blew at Rugby Park. We were a point ahead with Aberdeen to play at Ibrox. We invaded the pitch, whooped in the sunshine for a few minutes; then news arrived that Lennox had scored a winner in injury time. The wailing began and continued the following Saturday when Rangers lost their only league game that season, the Dons winning 2-3. Uncle Eddie's party prophecy was wrong, we had triumphed in Kilmarnock. Another attendee at my parents' Hogmanay party was a near neighbour who played a significant part that day. The referee at Cappielow was John Paterson of Bothwell, he allowed a couple of injury time minutes and Lennox reportedly scored with the last kick of the ball. I suspect it is the fate of all ten year old lads to both whoop and wail within a few minutes, I cannot help but think a more timeous Mr Paterson should have possessed greater awareness? Celebrating a title win that never was, continues to live with you. I offer tomorrow night's game has the same importance? Our last game saw a first victory over the dominant Brendan Rodgers, the first in thirteen games. There is a momentum to be garnered, it's difficult because the fixture fates have Rangers visiting both Killie and Livi on two plastic pitches in the space of four days. Rugby Park's surface these days is arguably the worst in the top flight? We have had two players(Waghorn and Murphy) sustain long term injuries at the venue. We have to get on with it, we won handsomely in the league cup earlier in the season, courtesy of an Alfredo hat-trick. Tomorrow, we must take the game to them, right from the first whistle. Killie's offensive threat is diminished by the loss of Greg Stewart and Steve Clarke must be indecisive on playing Jordan Jones? Boyd and Burke might be obvious replacements, these days neither are going to run away from any defence. Thus, we must maintain a high press and line, do not allow them wide and the opportunity to throw the ball into our box. Clarke's success at Killie is well reported and much deserved; in the calendar year of 2018, he has accrued the most league points. I believe the foundation of Killie's continuing dominance lies with their midfield central pairing. Alan Power and Gary Dicker are real deal professionals. The Dublin born duo are the wrong side of thirty, but get around the pitch with purpose. They play on the legitimate side of legal, tough tackling, winning it, and feeding the ball wide. Opposition teams attacking, quickly have to find their defensive feet when hitting the Power and Dicker wall. Our team will probably mirror the starting eleven against Helsinki? The evidence was Morelos pushed wider, mostly left and Kent abdicating width for the front point of the diamond. Attacks broke down and two quick passes wide and back in, found Helsinki on the edge of our box. I would hope we go with a more recognisable system and team : McGregor, Tavernier, Worral, McAuley, Halliday, Jack, Davis, Kent, Arfield, Candeias, and Morelos. I would leave Defoe to the final 20-30 minutes. I prefer whooping to wailing, 3-1 to the Bears; another Morelos hat-trick(four goals) would suffice. We MUST win it.

Lancelot du Lac was from Brittany, he attended St Malo Academy. The French do not allow religious interference in public schools.

When we were in possession, the diamond looked to have a bit of width. Defoe was through the centre, Morelos was wider, mostly on the left. Both Kent and Arfield took turns at the point of the diamond. Jack was the sitter. Davis was mostly left to Arfield's right on the diamond. As the manager said, the acquisition of both Defoe and Davis allows him to tweak formations. In the first half, out of possession, the midfield diamond was narrow, and Helsinki played into out, often on the edge of our box after two passes. I think we lose the effectiveness of Alfredo the further wide he moves, Kent marginally less so. The back five will have to push further up, there are glaring gaps waiting to be exploited. In all my years, I cannot remember a whole team being replaced at half time? Helsinki finished several weeks past, winning the league by 16 points. It was a good work out, and I thought the Finn's number 22 was a stand out. Tall, slim, slight of build, but moved the ball quickly. His passes with either foot often saw Helsinki playing with their backs to our goal, on the front foot. He looked under 21 and a genuine prospect.