The Scottish Clan 03/04 Netgame!

Rosco Van Nistelrooy · May 20, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Lambie's Lovechild:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rosco Van Beetroot

Bod u sign who you want, there will be only one winner and one looser. I dont sign anyone elses youths it not my perogative <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I dont sign anyones youth except yours Rosco. They all offer decent contracts to their kids, so i cant afford the compensation.

Think like a small club and youll end up a small club. Small Clubs sell their best players all the time <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wont be at a small club for ever Bod! The 'HOST' always has the final say

BelfastNiall · May 20, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

Why the prevarication over what is a simple rule to implement? If a player at a human club is under 17, then no other human manager may approach that player without first approaching the manager. Seems reasonable to me, whats people's motives for fluffing on this? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Cause the Scots like to fight even more so than the Irish.

John Paul Remington · May 20, 2004

Right,

feck your clan rules, I propose at the meet, we all just strip to the waste and beat the crap out of each other last man standing sets the rules

End of the day can we not propose a vote on this and ammend the rules ? As the new season has yet to begin. Failing that youth development will be scrapped as i'm not losing kids to you bams

anyway fight fight fight fight fight !!!!

Powlay · May 20, 2004

So it will be an Englishman setting the rules then i see!

Peacemaker7 · May 20, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by John Paul Remington:

Right,

feck your clan rules, I propose at the meet, we all just strip to the waste and beat the crap out of each other last man standing sets the rules

End of the day can we not propose a vote on this and ammend the rules ? As the new season has yet to begin. Failing that youth development will be scrapped as i'm not losing kids to you bams

anyway fight fight fight fight fight !!!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Rosco doesn't seem to want a vote. If it ends up in a free for all the people who will lose out are the ones who are already disadvantaged. The only ones to benefit will be the SPL clubs as they could effectively buy up anyone, and as you say whats the point in youth development just for a greedy feck like, say, Bod to come along and snap them up.

I dont often agree with Bod, its against my principles.

Rosco Van Nistelrooy · May 20, 2004

Hey lets get something straight, I dont bid on youths, i never have unless someone messes with mine. I am NOT for stealing young teams talent, its lame! We all know how hard it is to compete with llm Scottish teams, that is why it was generally felt that you could trim ur wage budget and make yer team competitive with the financial limitations.

Its laffable that Bod is the very one who is pushing for a rule when he wasnt even paying attention when we discussed this at the last meet and he is the one who has a track record of lizard activity in the past.

The less rules the better in my opinion, most guys play the game in a good spirit, theres always one guy that spoils the show

stevethedog · May 20, 2004

"track record of lizard activity"

Sy · May 20, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by John Paul Remington:

Right,

feck your clan rules, I propose at the meet, we all just strip to the waste and beat the crap out of each other last man standing sets the rules

End of the day can we not propose a vote on this and ammend the rules ? As the new season has yet to begin. Failing that youth development will be scrapped as i'm not losing kids to you bams

anyway fight fight fight fight fight !!!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Rosco doesn't seem to want a vote. If it ends up in a free for all the people who The only ones to benefit will be the SPL clubs as they could effectively buy up anyone will lose out are the ones who are already disadvantaged. , and as you say whats the point in youth development just for a greedy feck like, say, Bod to come along and snap them up.

I dont often agree with Bod, its against my principles. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sy · May 20, 2004

Where have i seen that before?????

Peacemaker7 · May 20, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rosco Van Nistelrooy:

Hey lets get something straight, I dont bid on youths, i never have unless someone messes with mine. I am NOT for stealing young teams talent, its lame! We all know how hard it is to compete with llm Scottish teams, that is why it was generally felt that you could trim ur wage budget and make yer team competitive with the financial limitations.

Its laffable that Bod is the very one who is pushing for a rule when he wasnt even paying attention when we discussed this at the last meet and he is the one who has a track record of lizard activity in the past.

The less rules the better in my opinion, most guys play the game in a good spirit, theres always one guy that spoils the show <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I never said you did. The less rules the better is just naivity, as you'll always get someone (in this case Bod), who'll try to take advantage, and then chaos ensures. But if you want a chaotic clan, fair enough.

$Lambie\'s Lovechild$ · May 20, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rosco Van Nistelrooy:

Hey lets get something straight, I dont bid on youths, i never have unless someone messes with mine. I am NOT for stealing young teams talent, its lame! We all know how hard it is to compete with llm Scottish teams, that is why it was generally felt that you could trim ur wage budget and make yer team competitive with the financial limitations.

Its laffable that Bod is the very one who is pushing for a rule when he wasnt even paying attention when we discussed this at the last meet and he is the one who has a track record of lizard activity in the past.

The less rules the better in my opinion, most guys play the game in a good spirit, theres always one guy that spoils the show <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I never said you did. The less rules the better is just naivity, as you'll always get someone (in this case Bod), who'll try to take advantage, and then chaos ensures. But if you want a chaotic clan, fair enough. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

For the record, the main reason i did this was because Turpie left himself wide open to it by abusing the wage system when every other clan manager was playing fair and offering proper contracts.

The fact i could get 8 fantastic players for less than Â£500k was a factor, but Rosco saying "Ill just steal off the clubs smaller than me and itll be all your fault" is baws. Itll be because you dont want to admit you made an error of judgement in forcing down contracts.

Its also a great change from "Its War Bod. Ill have your youths persecuted for the rest of the game".

And Iain , whit happened wi Alexis was a mistake. I apologise for it, but we didnt have a rule and theres never been a "Gentlemans Agreement" or any other kind mentioned in the SSC until that occurred.

Gary Toner · May 20, 2004

Motherwell's dreadful season comes to a climax, although since i have took over i have managed to restore some pride, not a lot but some.

I only had around 7 games to the end of the season and in that short time i managed to see enough to convince me that with a bit of luck and one or two major singings for next season then this club will be on the up.

As for next season well who knows but a club of this stature should not be in the 1st division and for every season they are it hurts them financially and in terms of fanbase, the club needs the SPL to survive and it is my job to put them back there in as little time as possible.

Results<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Fir Park - Motherwell 1 - 3 Forfar

Lasley 57 Murphy 8,23,40

Gayfield - Arbroath 0 - 2 Motherwell

Paulinho 31

Garbutt 37

Fir Park - Motherwell 0 - 1 Stenhousemuir

Banks 13

Fir Park - Motherwell 0 - 1 Clyde

McGammon 75

</pre>

$Lambie\'s Lovechild$ · May 20, 2004

Partick Thistle - SPL Champions 2005/06 - The Pre-Season Shopping Spree

With Champions League football secured, the board really opened the purse strings here, allowing a million pound budget, and a huge wage bill by Scottish Standards. This allowed for real movement in the transfer market and allowed Thistle to acquire some talent which would prove crucial in the season to come.

Players In

Youth Team

<LI>Neil Mackie

<LI>Dave McKenzie

<LI>Neil O'Neill

<LI>Dean Gallagher

<LI>Phil Richards

<LI>Chris Campbell

<LI>Karl Bell

<LI>Dean Hunter

<LI>Andy Rooney

<LI>Michael McAllister

<LI>Tony Alexander

<LI>Scott Clark

<LI>Mark campbell

<LI>Steve Lawrence

<LI>Nathan Bradley

<LI>Ryan Lukic

<LI>Daniel Burns

<LI>Gary Cameron

<LI>Mark Gregory

<LI>Adam Price

Those listed in Bold are players whos talent looks exceptional, and who i expect to be playing First Team Football within 12 months.

Players In - 1st Team

<LI>Simone Padoin - Â£900k - DM RLC - Vicenza

<LI>Igor - Â£150k - F C - Braga

<LI>Vampeta - Â£200k - DM C - Cruzeiro

<LI>Mads Torry - Bosman - S C - FC Copenhagen

<LI>Phil Smith - Â£14k - GK - Torquay

<LI>Ijah Anderson - P/Ex - D L - Bristol Rovers

The acquisition of exciting striker Igor , aggressive fullback Padoin , and World Cup Winning midfielder Vampeta has really got the fans tongues wagging, and the expectations are high at Firhill this season.

Players Out

<LI>Ben Parkinson - AM/F RL - Â£26k - Ross County

<LI>Alexis Nicolas - DM C - Â£95k P/Ex - Bristol Rovers

<LI>Stuart Bennett - S C - Â£0 plus Future Fees - Arbroath

<LI>Matthew Shields - F C - Â£0 plus future fees - Stone Dominoes

<LI>Derek Fraser - AM C - Â£575k - Zaragoza

<LI>Andy MacDonalds - D C - Â£0k plus Future Fees - Cowdenbeath

<LI>Kevin Gray - Released

<LI>Gary Vernon - S C - Â£700k - Blackburn

<LI>Ian Ross - AM LC - Free - Berwick

<LI>Tiago - AM L - Free - Berwick

The loss of Vernon and Fraser was a sore one for the fans to take, but the much needed cash helped the team develop, and under Bosman rules , Thistle will still receive a cut should either player ever be sold on.

And so to the season itself. With automatic qualification for the CHampions League Groups thanks to their 1st seeding as Champions of Scotland, Thistle earned a cool Â£2.7 mill straight off the bat, and the board allowed an excellent wage budget to make McGuinness' dreams of defending the title and winning in Europe look a little closer to reality.

Bank of Scotland SPL - Partick Thistle 4 - 1 Ayr United

A winning start was always going to be crucial , and Thistle got off to the best possible start. Goals from Beganskiy , Panther , Igor and Clark , with a lone response from Dickinson (attributable to a moment of madness from Postma), Thistle looked solid in midfield and deadly in attack , and almost impentrable at the back. Whether this will continue through the season remains to be seen , but the omens are good, with Beganskiy and Igor forming a fantastic understanding all through the game.

Peacemaker7 · May 20, 2004

Summer wasn't quite as busy a time as I had expected, as most of the new player arriving at the club would be in the youth team, and only three or four would have any chance of making the first team, at least at the start of the season.

Mark Peat (24), has been reasonable in goals, but he has too many off days and it was time he was replaced. In from Montrose came 21 year old Richard Brush and he could expect to be 1st choice, with 15 year old rookie Nick Charlton looking to get an outing now and then, but its tough for a keeper so young, even though this kid is the biz.

The defence looks unchanged, with 16 year old Kevin White having done well at left back, and he is backed up by 19 year old Ryan Lynch, and new youth signing, 17 year old Mark Young. At right back, 18 year old Neal Stuart holds his place, ably backed by 21 year old Michael Green, with 20 year old Stephen Murphy providing cover on both sides.

In the middle, Scott Craig, who has just turned 16 will be partnered again by Nick Jackson (18), and these two have formed what looks to be a solid partnership. Cover at the back is provided by 29 year old Greg Denham, who will be sold if a decent bid comes in, and varuous other players in the youth squad and as when needed.

On the left wing, Oliver Parker (23), has come on in leaps and bounds, and continues to keep his place after an excellent season. Over on the right, Jon Baker (18) will be looking to take over from positive veteran Mark Angel who is now 30 and has been a brilliant servant for the club. The middle holding role has been tough to fill. Youngster Benny Hill did play there, but we feel he hasnt developed as he should, and goes back to the reserves. Steven Cameron (18) will also be looking to play here, but to start with the role will be filled by the very promising Tony Griffiths (18), who moves back from the more attacking role he filled last season. New signing from Montrose, Liam McVey (24), 20 year old Kevin Struthers and 21 year old Paul Farquharson provide the cover.

In the 'hole' behind the strikers, another new signing Rodrigo, (21), who came in from Clyde, takes up that role, and one or two others can flit into here as needed. Ryan Green (17), showed last season that he has an eye for goal, and he starts up front, along with another new signing from Clyde, Weslem (21). Back up is provided by the very exciting prospect Peter Edwards (18), as well as Ryan Thompson , now 24, and 22 year old Craig Steins. Chances are that one of those two will be moving on soon though.

So with less than the number of new faces the fans might have expected, the season got underway with a trip to Stranaer. With Richard Brush out for two weeks, 15 year old Charlton started between the sticks, and played well to keep a clean sheet. Two goals from corners, finished off by Scott Craig and Nick Jackson, saw us into the next round, where we face Ross County.

In the League, we had a possible tough start in Perth, but Weslem shown his potential by hammering in four goals, Ryan Green added a 5th, and we ran out 5-1 winners in what was probably the best team performance in my time here. If we can keep that sort of standard up, then my visions of the SPL can be fulfilled. But if is a big word.....

May 21, 2004

topframe2%20copy.jpg

Well the transfers went as usual; Airdrie canâ€™t get the class that I really wanted mainly due to competition for them and the wages we can offer and the 500K+ figures bouncing around.

Anyway we can welcome a proven goal scorer to the club with Ruisinho from Clyde. This player was impressive against us last season and should give us more options up front.

We will continue to look at players over the season and will probably look to strengthen in the next window with us needing to start thinking about the youths which manager Robertson has thus far left alone. A class ATT CM and CD are still on the shopping list.

Raith Rovers H 2-1

With the start of the new season Airdrieâ€™s squad and first team looks just the same with the only exception being Ruisinho who was immediately called on to fill in as a few light injuries are being sorted. Raith Rovers caught us cold and took the lead with a good move and at this stage the team looked a bit off colour. It took to the second half before we got warmed up and begin to play the way we can, Ben Andrews brought the score level and Airdrie continued to press forward and again it took a truly excellent net buster from Elliot (M.O.M) to take full points and leave Raith with nothing.

Next up Raith in the Challenge Cup Away and with Ally I could actually play him 5-6 times this season with him in different Clubâ€™s.

It good to see Dogâ€™s back were he belongs in the Scots clan and giving the third Div much needed competition this season. And we can only speculate what that edit was to PM post if he was asked to do it

Peacemaker7 · May 21, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR> And we can only speculate what that edit was to PM post if he was asked to do it <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry to ruin the conspiracy theories, but it was only a little edit to image link

Powlay · May 21, 2004

â€œIts my idea that I will build Berwick into a bastion of invincibility had Napoleon had that idea he'd have conquered the bloody world.

My idea is to build Berwick up and up and up until eventually they would be untouchable. Everybody would have to submit. Give in.

Berwick is English and there is no way I will surrender our land, our players, our FREEDOM to the Scottish *******s."

Were the sharp words of new Berwick Rangers manager Christopher L. Powlay. Berwick, bottom of the Third Division and in dire trouble had called on the services of the experiences Englishman after he had left the English (Managers Association) game at the top with Manchester United. With 4 games of the season remaining at his arrival Powlay instantly wrote the games off as nothing more than an opportunity to see some players.

â€œI donâ€™t care whom the previous managers at Berwick were but all I can say about them is thy have dragged this club through the mud, some of the playing staff have the talent of a dead sheep! And for the coaching staff? Some of them cant even tie their own shoe laces, can only assume it was the same of the previous managers.

We will be looking to rectify the coaching problem straight away and the playing staff will be cut from the 50â€™s to the 30â€™s. We will be looking to clear out the dead wood, some of the players in the reserves are a waste of skin and are using valuable supplies of air that the hard working players need!â€

ALLOA (A) 0-2

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Bassinder 43, Oâ€™Donovan 75.</pre>

***TRANSFER TRAIL***

Leaving the club is Billy Gibson whom Powlay said, â€œHe is as strong as a wet newspaper that lad, why he was being paid to turn up and get ran over each week is beyond me.â€ Gibson has joined Kings Lynn on a free transfer.

New Zealand International Jonathan Perry has signed a pre contract agreement with Berwick, he will be joining in the summer from English side Leyton Orient and will offer a solid rock at the back.

Gretna have lost the services of the influential and versatile Carl Laurie after Powlay sneaked in with a bid of Â£12k. Laurie will join up with the Rangers in the summer as Powlay looks to build a side that will bring pride back to the English side.

Michael Hayward has signed on a free and will offer support to the left and right backs but isnâ€™t expected to be a regular first team player.

PETERHEAD (H) 0-1

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Robertson 45.</pre>

STRANRAER (A) 2-1

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Palmer 7.</pre>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Forrest 18, Miller 31.

Davies missed pen 36.</pre>

EAST FIFE (H) 1-1

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">McNiell 6.</pre>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">James 12.</pre>

Peacemaker7 · May 21, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR> Berwick is English and <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Berwick rightfully belongs to Scotland! FRRRRRRREEEEEEEDDDDDDDOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

Powlay · May 21, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR> Berwick is English and <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Berwick rightfully belongs to Scotland! FRRRRRRREEEEEEEDDDDDDDOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

sod of you scottish old man ITS ENGLISH! AND ITS MINE!

redsardonyx · May 21, 2004

SICK MANAGER PULLS HIMSELF OUT OF BED TO GET SOME FREES

Mr Gunn was ill on thursday but pulled himself out of bed to get some frees or Bod and Ally Shaw would have had the whole database of frees. Gunn snapped up a few youths that go straight into the youth team and a few that will do a job in the first team.After releasing 23 reserve players Gunn freed up alot of wages but ended up paying over 200k to release them leaving the club in debts of over 250k but Gunn dosnt want players that are not going to play and the board seem happy with the financial position as we make money everyweek.The board expects Gunn to achieve mid-table this year but Gunn hopes to go one better than last year and grab promotion but with Dogs,Iain and Powlay there will be good competition in the 3rd division this year.Pre Season went well for the Blue Toon with wins in all frendlies including a 3-0 win vs Hertha Berlin and a 3-1 win vs Dundee but getting the players fit was the main point and they look sharp for the new season.With only one experienced player coming in- Duncan Spedding from Ayr a defender left/centre-Gunn would be working with the same guys who had showed at the end of last year they can play ball.Gunn even showed his faith in Peterhead when he turned down 2nd division St Mirren who promised no money no team and no hope if he did join but Gunn declined while laughing hard.It will be hard to get promotion this year with 4 co favourites for the title in the start of season odds but Gunn will do his best and battle untill the last ball is kicked and the last whistle has blown to try and secure promotion even though the board only want mid table,that is not good enough for Gunn who believes his team are good enough to go up this year.Gunn said"We have a squad here who showed last year they can play well and after a full pre season together we should have what it takes to challenge for promotion,we showed some class at the end of last year and im expecting it to carry on through to this season as in my opinion we should get better and better."

Gunn was glad he made this session as the season kicked off with 2 games being played:-

QUEENS PARK 0 PETERHEAD 2CHALLENGE CUP 1st ROUND

The Blue Toon start there season with a game against 2nd division opponents but the Blue Toon show how far they have come beating last years winners in the first round a penalty from King and a header from Bavidge was enough to see them through against Andys Queens Park.

PETERHEAD 3 STRANRAER 0

A good Peterhead performance here,it all started early in the first half when McCondichie the Stranraer keeper threw the ball into his own net then Goodman and Green took chances to put the game beyond any doubt,its an encouraging start for the Blue Toon and Gunn hopes he can carry it on for the forseeable future.

With Tam,Powlay,Dogs and Deano to play away in the next 5 games next session should be a good one and should give the Blue Toon a better idea of where there season is going.

There has also been rumours on the internet that at the Berwick vs Peterhead game the Peterhead fans will leave Scotland flags all over Berwick and in their stadium and there will be a burning of English flags after the game.

Rosco Van Nistelrooy · May 21, 2004

ATTRACTIVE LOONS WIN 6 APPEEEEEEEEEEEEL!

Fans of Forfar Football club will be pleased to hear the current youth tapping scandal has been resolved in the ' wanted 6 appeal' as tits now known, have been brought down to earth and are set to have a bright future at this ambitious club. It says a lot for the quality of the youth team that such interest has been made in the last season. Boss Turps has pledged to fight off any 'larger' clubs and develop any young talent in the club, hopefully to 1st team action. The stringent wage structure is still in place however some of the promising starlets have been recognized and their loyalty and improvment rewarded with some better longterm contracts. Due to the 'small' nature of the Club, the Loons will always be a selling club and players will move on if an acceptable bid is in place.

This season the club are making history as they debut on the top league after earning the right last season. The board expect the players to battle bravely against relegation this season, but Boss Turps knows different, thinking the Loons can challenge the bigger clubs this season. The target is european qualification and to hopefully repeat last years great domestic Cup campaigns. The stadium needs upgraded so funds are being saved and generated to take the club to the next level. The two Division championships, two Cup wins and the foray into European football last season has left the club in a very healthy financial state. The finance's have also been boosted with some shrewd transfer dealing's, with some average players going out the door for descent money, and some talented prospects and experienced players coming in for half the value.

This season the 442 system will still be played. with some tweaks to cope with the harder and better opposition every week. Squad wise the team has developed well over the last 3 seasons and the young players at the start are no reaching their maximum potential. Key players Oskarsson and Byers are integral, and some more experienced heads have been added to cope with the step up in football the SPL brings. Winger's Veirinha and Jussi Pekka look immense and are set to make the step up to international football for sure. Our young Goal Keepers are developing well but this may be an area where experience is valuable. But for now the existing team will be given a chance along with about half a dozen youth players who have been promoted to the 1st team. Here is a list of whooz in and out the Loons revolving door for season 4.

PLAYERS OUT DURING PRE SEASON 4

<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>DC Gary Caldwell to Ipswich for Â£250k

<LI>Kenny Tawse to Motherwell for Â£20k

<LI>Joel Kitamirike to Rotherham for Â£500k

<LI>John Barclay to St Johnstone for Â£70k

<LI>Johan Porhallson to Rangers for Â£300k

*Johan Porhalsson's sale may come as a shock to Forfar fans but gaffer Turps is confident that a new foil for Osk will freshen up the attack*

PLAYERS IN DURING PRE SEASON 4

<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>DL Trong Erik Bertelsen form Haugesund for Â£75k

<LI>AMC Labinot Harbuzi from Feyenoord for Â£60k

<LI>FC Jami Puustinen from Man Utd (Free Transfer)

<LI>MR Keith Gillespie from Blackburn (Free Transfer)

<LI>DC Michael Duberry from leeds ((Free Transfer)

<LI>SC Stevie Crawford from Dunfermline for Â£35k

*Experienceed players Duberry,Gillespie & Crawford will hopefully help the young players develop and be able to handle the pressure of SPL football*

12 other youth players have been signed & some more signings may follow before window closes.

COME AND HAVE A GO IF YOU THINK YOU ARE HARD ENOUGH!

$Lambie\'s Lovechild$ · May 21, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rosco Van Nistelrooy:

_COME AND HAVE A GO IF YOU THINK YOU ARE HARD ENOUGH!_ <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We are.

Powlay · May 21, 2004

***POWLAY EXPECTS***

After watching his new side finish bottom of the Scottish football leagues new manager Christopher Powlay has spent the summer building a squad he believes can push up the table and give the English people of Berwick their pride back.

Powlay had commented when he took over that the squad size was to high and players would be sacrificed in a bid to cut costs and in a bid to clear out the crap.

***PLAYERS OUT***

<LI> Simon Parkin â€“ Hayes - Â£2k

<LI> Scott Gobson â€“ Kings Lynn - Â£0k

<LI> Andy Quinn â€“ Hayes - Â£2k

<LI> Steven McDonald â€“ Hill of Beath - Â£1k

<LI> Gary Grieve â€“ Arthurlie - Â£0k

<LI> Carlos Brown â€“ Oxford City - Â£0k

<LI> Robert Morgan â€“ Weymouth - Â£0k

<LI> Symon Scott â€“ Linlithgow Rose - Â£1k

<LI> Anthony McStea â€“ Ford Utd - Â£1k

<LI> Danny McQuaid â€“ Harlow - Â£0k

<LI> Ross Gordon â€“ Hornchurch - Â£2k

Along with these players out went some 20 free transfers mainly youths who couldnâ€™t cut their way out of a wet paper bag let alone cut it in the leagues of professional football.

***PLAYERS IN***

<LI> Gary Young â€“ Youth â€“ Free

<LI> Peter Winter â€“ Youth â€“ Free

<LI> Steve Hutchings â€“ Youth â€“ Free

<LI> Dominic Pearmain â€“ Dumbarton â€“ Free

<LI> Ian Ross â€“ Partick â€“ Free

<LI> Pat Gallagher â€“ Queens Park â€“ Free

<LI> Michael Sisson â€“ Free

Powlay has brought in some youngsters who will strengthen the squad and might even see some first team action this season. Hutchings and Winter are both right sided midfielders and Young is a talented forward who can pull deep and play on either wing. Their small wages means Powlay is willing to take a chance on them and if they donâ€™t work then they will find themselves where Powlay plucked them fromâ€¦the streets.

Pearmain is a player Powlay knows well, â€œhe isnâ€™t as quick as he used to be in the Leicester under 19 side but he will get that sharpness back and he will score goals in this divisionâ€¦I predict he will get 20+ in his first season if he stays injury free.â€

Ian Ross joins from Premiership winners Partick after becoming surplus to requirements, Powlay snapped him up and hopes to complete another signing in Brazilian Tiago.

After the shock retirement of Worboys without playing a game the front line was a little bare and Powlay snapped up Gallagher from Queens Park and hopes he will make an inpact.

***SEASON STARTS WITH A BANG!***

ELGIN (H) 5-0 Challenge Cup

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pearmain 23, 85.

Innes 30.

McCormick 56.

Pearson 90.</pre>

Berwick never looked like losing after debutant Dominic Pearmain tapped home from a Love rebound in the 23rd minute, his aggression and front running caused the Elgin defence problem all day but it was a day most Rangers shots were too hot to handle.

A wonder strike by Innes doubled the lead. It was a corner by Innes that was cleared back to him, he cut back inside about 20 yards from the goal before rifling a right footed belter into the top corner.

Good passing play between Love and Forrest set up McCormick for the 3rd of the day which went in from a narrow angle in the 56th minute. Then a late flurry, Laurie and Pearson combined well to set away Love, his shot was to hard to handle for the Elgin keeper and Pearmain was on hand for his second goal of the season both of which come within the 6 yard box.

Then it was Pearmains chance to set up the goal when his shot was parried and Chic Pearson on as a substitue for McCormick followed up into the empty net.

DUMBARTON (A) 1-0

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Forrest 50.</pre>

A single goal was all that separated the 2 sides in a titanic tussle in the league. The only goal of the game came in the 50th minute when the referee allowed an advantage to be played after Pearmain was hacked down after passing off to McCormick on the half way line. With Pearmain out cold on the ground McCormick continued his run down the left before looking up to see the hard running Forrest in the middle. A pin point cross enabled Forrest to head the ball through the keepers legs for a great break away goal. Pearmain was carried off and played no further part in the game and it is hoped he will make a speedy recovery.

Sy · May 21, 2004

Hi guys

Might not be online on Monday night, my PC is going for and upgrade and a tune up, if im not on ill be back in on thursday.

If someone could kindly make a note of my results and mail them to me or post online that would rock!

Cheers

AndyJ · May 24, 2004

After last season's successful league campaign it was important to strengthen the team if we were to have any chance of making it to Division 1 in our first attempt. The bookies have us down as relegation candidates but i am hoping for mid table at worst. The club isnt in the best financial state as we are in debt and not making much profit each month (if any) - a good cup run might be neceesary this season to balance the books after last seasons poor performance in the 2 bigger cup competitions.

Players In

Mark Saunders (16) SC

Paul McKenzie (16) FC

Lee Martin (15) DC

Peter Howell (17) GK

Darren Pearson (14) DMC

David Dyer (17) D/SC

Nick Adams (17) DMC

Chris Rogers (16) DLC

John Stevenson (14) GK

Danny Hay (31) DC

Mostly youth signings for Queems Park this pre-season due to lack of transfer funds. However, out of that lot Nick Adams, Paul McKenzie, Allan Young and Peter Howell will be in the first team squad for this season, mainly as backup. The bosman signing of Danny hay from Walsall will offer much needed experience in defence.

Latest Scores

Queens Park 0-2 Peterhead (Challenge Cup 1st round)

Queens park fell at the first hurdle in their bid to retain the Challenge Cup. Baz's Peterhead side took advantage of a poor first half performance from the Spiders. King scoring a penalty in 41 minutes and Bavidge adding another 3 minutes later. Despite creating a few more chances in the second half we were unable to scored, so it remained 2-0.

Queens Park 3-0 Alloa

Bit of a surprising result as Queens Park ran out easy winners, made easier by the fact that O'Donovan got sent off for Alloa after only 13 minutes. By that time we were already 1-0 up through Kristjansson (8), we continued to press and went 2-0 up just before half time Nick Adams with his first goal for the club (45). The Spiders continued were they left off after the break as Kristjansson scored again (49) to ensure a home win.

Overall I am pleased with the amount of youth players I was able to bring in as obviously there was a lot of competition. Hopefully more will follow before the window closes if anyone is left to sign. I will also be looking to bring in some players on loan.

Gary Toner · May 24, 2004

Another season dawns on us and it is a key season for everyone at Motherwell as we look to get back to the SPL, On the transfer front last season's loan star Ian MacSween made his move to the Well permantent in a Â£80k deal as he is joined by Icelandic duo Tryggvi Bjarnsson and Gunnar Hediar Porvaldsson.

Players In<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

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| 26.6.2006 | Tawse, Kenny | Forfar | Â£20K |

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| 27.6.2006 | MacSween, Ian | Falkirk | Â£80K |

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| 28.6.2006 | Ãžorvaldsson, Gunnar HeiÃ°ar | ÃBV | Â£90K |

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| 29.6.2006 | Bjarnason, Tryggvi | ÃBV | Â£50K |

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| | | | |

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| | Total | | Â£240K </pre>

Players Out<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Date | Person | To | Fee |

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| 6.6.2006 | Pearson, Stephen | Bolton | Â£2M |

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| 24.6.2006 | Clarke, David | Gretna | Â£0 |