Meister Jag

Cathkin Park is now an active cycle speedway track - one of only two in Scotland. There's a Glasgow CS page on Facebook.

Thanks for your post, my point (not made that clearly) perhaps says more about the state of the game in Scotland than anything. Nevertheless, I have watched us playing teams off the park to lose by narrow margins. My point is that we are more than capable of holding our own with most of the so-called 'better' teams in Scotland and, had we been able to convert a few more chances, would have been suffering a nose-bleed at the top of the pishy SPFL. The names that you mention are mostly known to me as I'm not that young myself, but we can't compare like with like. There's no comparison in my opinion. The OF for one were a different force and the game was just, well, different. Most clubs had stand out fans favourites who could have competed on anyone's starting line-up. All that said and respecting your opinion, I do believe we're on the up and, returning to my point above, should be better placed than we are. Let's face facts, we are basically without many fans, no money to spend and have a threadbare squad. But things could be a lot worse; and at least we don't have to endure punt 'n' chase football. Imagine that yesterday; it would have been like playing football with a beach ball. So in conclusion, not perfect but better than we can reasonably expect. Is that me being positive? Hope so...

We discussed that yesterday and the thinking was that he was right to drive it low and hard as ever other attempt had sailed harmlessly over the bar. Probably the wind.

Pretty much agree with all of the above. We are a finisher away from being a good, even great, team. (No criticism of Doolan who put in a great shift yesterday.) Fitness levels are the best I've seen in a while; although we struggle by having a limited number of subs who can maintain or change shape; especially towards the end of a game (thinking Accies and St M). Find a guy who can score a few goals and we'd have buried a few teams IMO. In terms of Stevenson; maybe sub's bench time will make him buck up his ideas; although it does hurt that he's quietly checking his bank balance. Maybe just a signing that didn't work out? All managers must have a few on their CV's. But from what I've seen, his style of play doesn't quite fit in with what the management are trying to achieve. But maybe for his sake there's still time. I close on my earlier point and that is that we are still a good team to watch. I no longer dread going to games; haven't in quite some time TBH. But more goals please...

Now there's a doctoral dissertation - into the aerodynamics of modern football bloomers - that I'd loved to have read. I know he was doing politics but think he had reason to head home early; so guessing he's not quite finished his PhD. If I hear anything I'll give you a shout. TBH, the emails are infrequent and appear when least expected; normally after we've been cuffed following a game we should have one. They are normally addressed to "Comrades" and are a call to remain strong, stay firm etc. Like a leader, or in Siego's case a kit man, in exile... Ignoring some of the more controversial, perhaps lost in translation, posts; he certainly brought some colour to the forum.

Name given to me by my kids years ago. Proudest moment was walking into a school parents meeting and being greeted by: "So you're the famous Meister Jag? We've heard so much about you!" Guy was also a Thistle fan. Never seen him at a game. Ever, like never!

Back in the day, who didn't have this suit. Bit with the glove about 6 mins in is quite funny. As are the Wheeltappers signs about offensive language etc. Fags and pints, them were the days. F***ing Scottish government caring for your health and well being!

F***, this took me back to the glory hole days of the board. There was also a belter about feminist porn (Comrade Nina Hartley and her "work"). But to get back on track and this is a serious discussion, my mate (name withhled as he frequents this board) has suggested that some of our players, and a goalkeeper in particular, "aren't very good" (his words remember), because they have small ar**s. It's all to do with modern training methods and the role a big posterior plays in helping you jump. So by this reckoning, a goalie with no ar** would have problems jumping to catch a ball. I hear this week in, week out... On the matter of SS00 - still banned from the forum for various crimes against decency and taste, he is still keeping an eye on Thistle's progress from his home in Japan and sends the occasional email to a few of us on the forum. Upon reading them it's as if he is still with us: complaining to the SFA about pitch sizes, new strips, helpfully suggesting that Hearts and Hibs should merge and so on. TBH, haven't heard from him in a few weeks, have told him that I can't post anything on his behalf (my posts are bad enough) and that he should keep knocking admin's door (we don't want to go back over all of that again!). Oh, and still collecting tops... Great thread, some happy memories.

Surprised it's only 500 (I know you'll have the stats); but could it be anything to do with fewer travelling fans from other teams: Accies, Ross C and Inverness don't exactly bring the travelling hordes. Indeed, are we missing the Edinburgh teams? We'd have played them by now and they, in fairness, always brought a decent number of fans. It would be interesting to see if the likes of Motherwell, St Mirren and even Killie have also noticed a drop Thinking that maybe more ICT and Ross C might travel to east coast venues; or maybe they just don't travel anywhere..

In the half-empty - they've lost more paying punters than us but don't like to talk about it - cauldron that is Parkhead, there would be good odds on Dan getting a red. I say this as a fan of his play (not the worst signing we've made in that position!) and I agree totally with others that when Seaborne plays we look more assured at the back; even calm. Until yesterday, other pairings just hadn't worked. So no reason to change it up and good to see that there's competition in a key area (as has been said already). Now to sort out our lack of goals; or shots on...

If this was a cup game it might go to extra time and pens. Think we could be in for a long afternoon; but always happy to be proved wrong.

You're never too old but just be careful. The guy who did these stunts is now in a wheelchair. Saw this a while back and thought WTF, he'll f*** that bike!

Hi G and sorry for the delay in responding. Put me down for x 2 for the 27th September & x 1 for the 4th October (wife is walking Great Glen Way). I thought the numbers would have been higher (J & G have still to confirm and another of our number has a court date pending!). Can arrange to pay tomorrow, will be in the S&G before the game and usual spot in NS if need to meet up.

I think kni makes an interesting point; but (if this makes sense) that was then and this is now. The SNP appears to have got rid of its rabid element and does appear to be a genuine liberal social-democratic party. Arguably this transformation was necessary for the 'project' to be able to be palatable to the electorate; basically to pick up disaffected Labour voters and few other stragglers. If they have extremists in their ranks, they keep them well hidden. But truth be told, I think they are the one trick pony that they claim to be. Independence at all costs... just another neo-liberal party making a pitch for power. Whoever gets in, we get a low-wage economy where big business gets to call the shots. I've said it before, but once the dust settles, there will be no additional money in the pay packets of those on the minimum wage, no increase in the £2.65 modern apprentice rate and no hint of widespread nationalisation. The foregoing is just for starters... Indeed, here we have two sides of an argument both presenting the electorate with policies that could have been formulated by Thatcher and her cronies. We have come a long way... a society were we worry about borders and national identity (nationalism) over providing a better life for all (internationalism). As a supposedly left-leaning nation, I think we've taken our eye off the game; or have we simply forgotten what the game was all about?

But as someone pointed out, Simon Cowell is even more powerful than Jesus, he can turn sh*te into money!

When making it, for you are the chosen one, remember to miss out the "Loyal" bit. "Kelvindale PTFC Supporters Club" would, I think, be acceptable

Is that a rap? Is Kelvindale still a ghetto? I've heard of D12, but not G12!

P.S. I respect your right to vote no. But WTF has a Northern Irish politician (now deceased) got to do with anything? I'm not dedicating my vote to anyone. It's my vote, my decision... And yes, being a no can leave you unpopular and swimming against the tide of public opinion; but you have a right to hold your views and opinions. But more importantly, I hope you are otherwise well and staying strong. Whatever the outcome of the referendum, get your arse to Firhill on Friday and forget all about politics for 90-mins (ideally longer!). Chill bro.

Getting childish... again!

With Lawless and Higgy both looking sharp last Saturday, do we need him? I know he can work magic and would get a few bums on seats; but how much would he be paid and is the game worth the candle and all that...

Lord Gaz comment aside - and I'm sure Alex can arrange it for services to the party and HM will gladly oblige by bestowing you with whatever bauble you wish to choose from the catalogue; but she stays. Like it or lump it. She will even appoint the First Minister and there will no doubt be an arrangement for her to appoint the cabinet (as at Westminster where they're her Privy Counsellors i.e. special advisers on defence, treasury, work and pensions [D.Q. does she need advice on that???] etc.). Indeed, so secret is the Privy Counsellors oath that it was once a criminal offence to disclose what was in it! Similar oaths of allegiance to the Crown are taken by MSPs and even by the police. Think of the money mate and join the club. You won't be the first or the last; plus free food and bevvy! In that vein, I also presume that there will still be the Lord Lieutenants of 'here there and everywhere' appointed to represent her interests in matters mundane and not very interesting. But fair play to Her Maj', she's kept out of the debate and can't be accused of trying to influence anyone.

I'm not allowed to post anymore likes; so thanks for the response. (Even the forum is governed by quotas!) That photograph - smiling with a red and yellow yes poster held in front of me - has caused me no end of grief on Facebook. The number of "we knew you'd come round" comments have been too much for me to bear... hours of endless fun putting them right though. (Then again, time I'll never get back!)

You surely mean to get some of the electorate to vote NO? That is vote no to save the union; or yes to get rid of the royal family (as some seem to think might happen). But constitutionally, we can't get rid of the royals. Whatever way you look at it, sorry, she stays: corgis, big house, castles, flunkies, lands, probably still owns all the fishing rights, patronage - will still dish out gongs etc etc. Business as usual with a rush to knight a few worthies and hand out peerages to stick in any new second chamber that will be needed. Lord Gaz of Cathcart sounds good to me... Gaz, you're one angry man; speak to me on Friday and I'll explain.

Thanks for the kind words. I take the CP line on this one. I see this as a bun fight between two neo-liberal factions with nothing new being on offer for the working man. Sorry, it's the way I see it. Old and cynical... but fear not; my frecking kids just cancelled out my vote! Both are happy to vote yes, have listened to my ramblings, I think see where I'm coming from, but want to give independence a go. I even posted their ballot papers for them... In terms of the press and what I believe. Very little actually... I was using this for illustrative purposes; but I've got to read something and I do like to make my own mind up; to add to the discussion and all that. Do I trust the SNP and the others in the yes campaign? No. Do I trust the yes no mob? No. Reasons as outlined. [sorry, just noticed my typo!]

Well, to put it simply, after the referendum she will still be the Queen, our sovereign, she has a right to be consulted on all matters of state. It might be pedantic, but I think there's also something about her having a "right to encourage" and "right to warn" "her" PM. We're not voting to become a republic; or have I missed something? The family business will still be about. Comrade Jaggy B of this very forum is a fan and can no doubt provide better analysis and comment. (He apparently has pictures aplenty. Laminated ones of Zara Phillips, but don't tell...) In case it helps, I think any new Scottish parliament would still be appointed to govern on behalf of HM - royal prerogative and all that. Not sure, but maybe the Scottish government would have to go to her to ask if it was okay to acknowledge a foreign state, declare war or annex foreign land (she did this when we nabbed Rockall for territorial boundary purposes - oil fields probably had something to do with it as well). But the serious point is that I don't think we say cheerio to the royals after Friday; or after any other day. Which poses yet another question: Will we still have to pay for her upkeep post-independence? She has a fair bit of land and a couple of braw hooses in Scotland.