McKennan

There's been a ground/'stadium' developed at Calderglen over the past couple of years that *I think* was to be home for an EK FC senior side. Perhaps that's where Clyde will play. Mind you, it's miles from rail and main roads. Showpark is stagger from the railway station, a moderate stagger from the bus station and a bottle's throw from the Monty.

It seems the new management team at Coventry is to be 'unveiled' this afternoon. Great use of the word unveiled - 'undouble-bagged' is a bit clumsy.

Continually, one would hope.

Caution, more than lack of enthusiasm.

What? He's Dunfermline minded, doncha know?

Of course, it helps if you have a worldwide fanbase of 500 million people and a demographic that's big on marching and alcohol-fuelled violence.

If there are 'too many' senior clubs in Scotland, which ones get to go? The seaside clubs with 500 people at the gate every other week but they're never in financial trouble, or the clubs like Dundee, Livingston, Airdrie ... and Thistle, whose necks haven't been off the chopping block in the past 20 years? If the herd needs thinning, cull the financial weaklings. The suggestion that clubs like Montrose, Brechin, Forfar and the rest are somehow leeching money away from poor wee waifs like Celtic is, frankly, hilarious. I assume this is not what's being suggested. The teams per head of population ratio is important how? Do we include Junior level teams in this as well? East of Scotland? The south? What if the panacea suggested in the OP came about and Scotland's senior leagues were 20 strong instead of 42? Would football suddenly improve? Would fans flood in? Would players of a higher calibre flood into the Scottish game? Wasn't this what the SPL was supposed to be about? Not been a boon for Thistle, has it?

Tradition, Jon. Unfortunately, fans don't get to move at half time and hound the visiting goalie.

The Moore for Hearts bandwagon is already rolling.

Bet you own a mandolin.

And a chunky knit sweater, cords and sandals with socks. Are you called 'Gavin' or 'Gareth'?

Much to my disappointment, I shall not make this game because of work commitments. On the upside, it's a big Thistle game against Morton at Cappielow. Had it been at Firhill, there'd be a screw-up. Three away points and a bloody nose for the 'champions elect' will do just fine, thank you.

Dearie me, between this 'tiny playing budget' and the 'playing in the SPL is crap actually' thread, a three-week lay-off and a rookie manager - are some of us getting spooked?

If our club was sitting in fifth or sixth right now I would be happy for Archie and Scott to learn their chops. Horses for courses. However, and it's a good however, we're five points away from promotion with two games in hand and a team that looks like it's getting up a good head of steam. If there's a chance that's going to be blown over the next three months, I do not want Alan and Scott being the ones to blow it.

Unfortunately, this is the elephant in the room for Thistle fans and every now and again we're required to turn around and look at it. Back on topic. Alex McLeish, anyone?

Very nice. I'll settle for someone who can take the lads to a promotion and consolidation as an SPL club.

Don't look for substance. We're having waaaaaaay too much fun to ask awkward questions of the shotcallers.

As I said elsewhere, my dislike for Billy Dodds as a footballer and media personality is one of the few things that outweigh my lifelong affection for Thistle right now. If he's appointed there'll be one fan less to moan about the coffee. Joking apart, what a horrible prospect.

Okay, that's ... interesting.

Truth is, we know very little about Alan as a coach. I'd hate to see him, being so green, lumped with trying to achieve a cup win, a league win and then sustain the side in the SPL. It'd be a hell of an achievement, though.

Who are the charlatans? The reporters or the people feeding them the bullshit?

There appears to have been a two-delay in the presser at Tannadice due to 'paperwork' issues. I wonder why. Jackie? Sid? A.N. Other?

Coaching job at some team whose name I have completely forgotten. Could certainly improve upon this year's disciplinary record. (Cough!)

I am led to believe that Craigan and Keith Lasley made a great mentoring combination at Motherwell. Regrettably, the latter signed a long-term deal last season. I'm struggling for excitement with the options in front of us.