Inside the Box – Programme notes from Saturday’s game against Queen’s Park
Busy and exciting times since my last article! Two new signings, three contract and one loan deal extensions and a third win on the trot!
The new signings – Jordan McGregor and Max Ashmore – were top of Kevin’s wanted list and it’s a measure of his influence that both have agreed to come to Forthbank, for the remainder of the season, given the competition we faced from higher-level clubs for their signature.
Securing the services of Danny Jardine and Kyle Banner for next season is marvellous news and, added to Ross McGeachie and Cammy Thomson, sets down a real marker of intent as we edge past the halfway point of the current season. With Dundee agreeing to allow Calum Ferrie to extend his stay until May, there’s a real feelgood factor at the Club. We may not quite be done for the January window with at least one more new face being pursued and, if everything goes to plan, likely to be in place in time for today’s match.
The icing on the cake in the good news column, was Saturday’s backs-to-the-wall victory over fourth-placed Annan Athletic with a Peter MacDonald double enough to overcome a Jordan Allan howler and Dominic Docherty’s moment of madness! No league position gained but a considerable closing of the gap to four points off a play-off spot, with a game in hand.
This weekend sees us take on Queen’s Park but with the weather forecast pointing towards below freezing temperatures towards the end of the week, the match going ahead must be in some doubt. At the time of writing (Sunday 13th) we are looking into the possibility of getting covers in place. If you are reading this live at Forthbank – and the weather forecast is correct – you’ll know we’ve been successful!
Having heaped praise on Kevin, his backroom staff and the players in my previous Inside the Box, this week, I turn my attention to our supporters. I’ve long since been on record that our Official Supporters’ Club are simply the best but that doesn’t mean those that aren’t members (or frequent the Supporters’ Bar!) are any less appreciated or valued. Hearing the reaction when Peaso knocked home what proved to be the winner against Annan and again at full time is what makes the Board’s hard work behind the scenes worthwhile!
One polite request from me; by all means let the match officials know of your dissatisfaction with their decisions but please stop short of personal abuse. There’s a fine dividing line and some of the reaction at full-time last Saturday was extremely close to being on the wrong side of it. I’m not defending referees or their assistants; just asking that we concentrate of applauding the positives and be more tolerant of the negatives!
I close by extending the usual warm welcome to the officials, management, players and supporters of Queen’s Park. However, we’re due them one, following our last meeting at Forthbank which saw us exit the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle!
Enjoy the match!
Stuart Brown
SAFC Chairman
