March 2009 Archives

AS sad as it is to say, you won't find much optimism for Scotland's chances in Amsterdam in the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser office.

None of us reckon George Burley's men will score a goal, never mind achieve a positive result.

Myself and Gordon reckon Holland will win 2-0. John the boss and Tom our photographer think 3-0 to the hosts (at least) while Robbie thinks the Dutch will stick four past us.

Ian tried manfully to convince us that he believes it will be 0-0 - but eventually admitted he also predicts a 2-0 reverse for the Dark Blues.

After THAT goal for James McFadden in Paris against the French, it would be easy to let the heart rule the head and feel that anything is possible.

But it's just not going to happen, is it?

We've not played well at all in the World Cup qualifying campaign thus far, and have travelled to the land of clogs and tulips minus a host of key players.

If that's not enough to dampen the flames of expectation, looking at a Holland squad filled with talent like Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben most certainly is.

Boss Burley is right to say that tomorrow night isn't the big one for Scotland - our home clash with Iceland on Wednesday night falls into the category of 'only three points will do'.

But here's hoping our boys put on a good performance and give us encouragement for future adventures. Is that too much to ask?

WITH any luck, it will be the end of an era for Scottish rugby at Twickenham tomorrow.

No matter how Scotland perform in their Calcutta Cup match with England, head coach Frank Hadden should be in charge for the last time.

Once again, this Six Nations Championship campaign has been a failure and, for me, change is urgently required.

I wrote in my newspaper column before the tournament got underway of the need for Hadden to give us genuine hope for the future. But it has not happened.

From day one, the Scots have looked a team lacking in direction. Of course, a loss to Wales should be no disgrace; they are the reigning Grand Slam holders, after all.

But it was the manner of the defeat at Murrayfield which despaired me. A lack of desire and determination; physically outfought in the scrum and inept in attack. At no point were we ever going to win that match.

Hadden's team selection for that game? What more can be said when the best goal kicker in the business (Chris Paterson) and the Magners League's top try scorer (Thom Evans) are left out of the starting line-up?

To be fair, we were on the wrong end of some poor refereeing in the defeat to France and a professional display was enough to win against a disappointing Italian team.

However, the reverse at home to Ireland showed that we are in need of an overhaul. Hadden has been in control for four years and we don't look anything like a title-winning side.

What makes me even more dejected is that the 2009 crown could be won by another coach in his Six Nations debut season. Declan Kidney is on the brink of leading the Irish to glory just as Warren Gatland did for the Welsh last year.

Therefore, enough's enough. There are no more excuses left and we can't allow a win over England tomorrow - as unlikely as that prospect is - to cloud our judgement any more.

Frank's for the memories Hadden, you've given it your best shot.

But we need to move on - and in my view, the next coach is, rather convenientally, working in Edinburgh.

Andy Robinson, Scotland needs you.

BY ten to five tomorrow night it will, mercifully, all be over.

Airdrie United's first division home match with Queen of the South has been a game I have been looking forward to with trepidation for some weeks now.

You see, I'm a born-and-bred Doonhamer and been a Queens supporter for as long as I can remember. They are my team.

But having worked at the Advertiser since June last year, it goes without saying that I want to see Airdrie, Albion Rovers and all of Monklands' sporting teams and personalities do well.

So when one of your "professional" teams faces your "personal" team, it is fair to say the mind is plunged into turmoil. One side's success will naturally have a detrimental effect on the other's.

It won't be a pleasant afternoon for me, that's for sure. Airdrie lying bottom of the table cranks up the intensity that little bit more. This is not a game they can afford to lose if they harbour hopes of achieving eighth place before the season runs its course.

When I left Cappielow on Tuesday night after the Diamonds' 0-0 draw at Morton, I bumped into Airdrie secretary Ann Marie Ballantyne who asked if I enjoyed the game.

Endured it, I said was the better phrase to use.

At this stage of the season, given that every point is a prisoner in Airdrie's situation, that's all that can be done.

And if I am being truly honest, I'm hoping I will be "enduring" nothing worse than a draw tomorrow; as long as its entertaining, I will have no complaints.

HERE'S a prediction for you.

Stoke City will avoid relegation and survive in the Premiership this season.

And they will manage such a feat thanks to the most passionate set of supporters in England's top-flight.

Most observers had written off the unfashionable Potteries outfit before a ball had been kicked in anger, yet today, they sit in 15th position, two points clear of the drop zone.

That Tony Pulis' men go into the final weeks of the season still with a fighting chance of staying up is impressive enough. But when you see that it is purely down to their home form, it is even more eye-catching.

On the road, Stoke suffer dreadful travel sickness having claimed just four points from a possible 42. At home, however, they have won more games and lost fewer than any of their rivals in the bottom half of the Premiership.

And I have no doubt that this is because of the intimidating atmosphere created by their legions of fans who turn the stadium into a seething cauldron. The noise generated in support of their heroes is matched only by the hate dished out to the opposition.

A few weeks ago, they hosted moneybags Manchester City and had Rory Delap sent-off; a couple of minutes later, James Beattie headed Stoke in front. I turned to my better half (who had no interest in the match it must be said!) and told her that the home fans would turn up the decibel levels and urge the team, to victory. They did.

So if you are going to cheer on Airdrie United, Albion Rovers or whoever you support tomorrow, remember one thing.

Never underestimate the power of the 12th man.