Oldfellow

Is the academy all it's cracked up to be? A few years ago at a shareholders AGM I asked how the value of the academy was measured. I couldn't get a straight answer. I would suggest that one measurement would be cost of running it against what we get in for transfers. I don't know what those figures are but suspect they won't be encouraging. The only other measure could be feeding players into the first team on a long term basis. Again I'm not sure that looks particularly good either. People seem to be obsessed by giving youngsters their chance and that all will be well if we do that but in reality very few make the first team grade. In short it's nice that we have an academy but does it produce the goods? I have an open mind but I suspect it doesn't produce what is required. Hope I'm wrong.

The wee Ned's in black and balaclavas we're out in force again today as were their equally embarrassing Motherwell counterparts . There is also a smattering of what looks like adults in amongst them at least in a physical rather than mental sense. The club need to stop pandering to this mob. It's reminding me too much of the seventies problems then the casuals. W7 and W6 should be available for away support just like when the ground opened. We've plenty space for our home support, it might break this lot up and bring in more money without the problem of having the old firm behind both goals. I fear things are going to get a lot worse which really saddens me as I thought these times were behind us.

Yet the club gave these wee Ned's their own area of our stadium and treat them as if they are something special . They bully their way into whatever seats they want at away games and are generally an embarrassment to the club. Worrying thing is some of them are adults so have reached their own mental maturity .

I don't think winning a cup makes you a good manager or a good team.. Being in the top five in a top league probably does hence the ommission. Appreciate what you are saying and going by my ,no doubt , flawed logic , Ferguson ,Hendrie and Ross could be left out as well as, particularly the last two only did their good work in a lower league. I couldn't leave them out despite that. What I will say is that the best teams were those of Clunie and McFarlane

Remember him well. Never really got a chance to shine with a poor St Mirren side. Article in Cowdenbeath programme about him. Appears that under Willie Cunningham we were a shambles at the time. We have never really got out of that mode apart from Fergie/Clunie/McFarlane /Hendrie/Ross. Having written that on second thoughts it seems we have but it just seems like we are perennially rubbish. Wouldn't swap us for any other team

Loanees

Having a beer in the garden and just read yesterday's Cowdenbeath match Programme. A super and very interesting read. Possibly the best programme I've come across . Our own programme generally has a couple of decent articles but little else. I suppose fewer and fewer people are buying programmes but if I was a regular at Central park I'd go out of my way to get one every week. A steward at the gate let me into the ground to buy a programme as he didn't want them to be sold out before I got in ( I was waiting outside for my cousin who was running late). Only proviso was that I came back out after I bought it and paid to get in . I know that sort of thing can't happen at bigger clubs but it certainly impressed me. I'll be wanting them to do well in the awful Lowland league. Helps they also have two loaners from us as well.

I have usually calmed down the day after a poor result/performance but I'm really fearful for what this season holds for us. Yesterday's performance was dreadful and I don't care if the pitch was poor or if there was only one ball to play with. I've been at all the games and was really quite hopeful after the two Belfast games but we seem to be regressing as the season progresses. Deep down the manager must be concerned despite what he says. Yesterday was an opportunity to get enough goals to make a runner up qualification a possibility and we blew it big time.

No spark about him at all. Reminds me of Fraser Wishart in build and play. Hopefully once confidence rises he can assert himself more

We really were dreadful today. Normally drive but took the train today. Sitting in a bar at Haymarket before getting the Queen st train. Hopefully calm me down after that. I try not to be pessimistic but this has all the hallmarks of relegation..

I recall twice at home in the league cup ,winning both,but the first time we made very heavy weather of it

Thanks. I need to read things properly

Tried to buy my season ticket seat for the Edinburgh City game but the system won't let me . From what I can see no seats that are allocated for season ticket holders are available for sale to anyone including the person whose seat it is . I had no problem getting my seat for the Arbroath game. Is it just me being thick or is anyone else having a problem? Ticket office is closed all week so I can't ask them.

Unfortunately the song regarding the Pope and the Queen was belted out. It appears to be an attempt to show we are not sectarian but it's very wording is sectarian and just juvenile. A bit embarrassing but no doubt I'm in the minority thinking this.

Did you manage to get any accomodation and did you have to pay for it. This has got out of hand. My son and his young family were cancelled by BA from Heathrow on Friday night. Airlines couldn't care less .At least we don't have to travel to Europe this season

And Archie Gemmell suffered a broken leg I recall. Missed a good part of the season. Long time ago.

Security was near empty and plane was delayed so plenty time. Enough time for a couple of pints at £6.79 each.

Enjoyed the game. Played in a competitive way in a good stadium. Young players looked good. Can't wait for the real thing now

Run of the mill win. Side wasn't anything like it will be for league games. Lots of youth players in each half . Shaugnessy and Tanser strolled the second half . Good to see Peter Urminsky getting a chance. Don't think the crowd would be over 400 . A few saints fans there. Enjoyed the game as I've missed the football. Having a couple of beers before going back to the hotel which regrettably means I'll have to get up during the night. The joys of getting older

Lots of players I don't recognise

Thanks. Concerned now. As a 70 year old my days of sleeping in an airport are well behind me. Things I do for this football club

Should have. Hindsight s a wonderful thing

Regrettably it's Aldergrove and a taxi costs around £45 so I'm opting for the airport bus.

My flight is 7am on Saturday. I intend to be at airport around 5.30. More of a problem getting back.. I'm staying overnight tonight but can't on Saturday unless I'm prepared for mega abuse as it's my wedding anniversary on Sunday and my presence is required.. Getting 18.40 flight back on Saturday. I reckon I can get to Belfast airport by17.15. Just hoping that gives me enough time to get through security and on to the plane . Just looking forward to tonight and getting back to seeing St. Mirren

Security at Glasgow was no problem. Minimal wait. Back again on Saturday which I suspect will be busier