buddieup

A couple of Thistle fans reckon the stand holds 2,600 or thereabouts. I think that should be just about enough. We took 1500 for a standard league game earlier in the season, I see us taking 2200 or so for this. I can't wait.

Dundee are a far bigger club than us unfortunately. In fact there's a credible argument that Dundee are in fact a bigger club than Dundee United. In recent times they've been down on their luck, but in terms of hardcore support they probably just edge it I'd say. Motherwell and Killie are slightly bigger than us, we're slightly bigger than Thistle but significantly bigger than St Johnstone and ICT.

After keeping quiet on the subject for a whie, I think Lennon has to go. The board have to sit down and work out some sort of early redundancy package, the worst thing that can happen here is ignore contract extension talks while Lennon bumbles his way through keeping us in the league. Things got a bit ugly at Dundee United when Peter Houston knew he was leaving at the end of the season and that can't happen at St Mirren. We've missed out on Hartley and I genuinely can't think of who is good enough to come in. I think the board have done as much as they can up until now, but they have to act to get someone in to lift this side. The saving grace for Lennon is that he's built a very good side (for the most part) but doesn't know how to maximise their potential or know how to change things around. I so wanted him to succeed, he's a terrific guy who has arguably done more to encourage the Paisley public to support the club since Fergie. But much like towards the end of Gus' tenure, things have gotten stale and we need a new direction. Four years is more than enough time for a young manager to prove himself, and sadly Danny has run out of time.

I haven't read the thread at all, but would like to add that yesterday was a complete and utter shambles. After turning the corner with a set team, we reverted back to a line-up that yielded defeat after defeat. And quell surprise we got exactly that. That was the second worst performance of the season for me (after the 2-0 defeat at Easter Road). We were toothless, one-dimensional and uncreative. Having Harkins up front and McGowan in the deep role, not to mention McLean out left, killed us before kick off. Motherwell deserved the victory though, they were superb but we granted them far too much space to exert themselves. Kello and Mair stood out for me, and both kept the score down by some distance. Not to mention that we managed one, yes ONE, shot on target against a dodgy-looking keeper who has been kept out of the Dundee team by Kyle Letheren. Yes, Kyle Letheren. Tactically incompetent, woefully outplayed and sorely lacking in any sort of ideas. Four straight league matches without a goal with Dundee United visiting on Thursday. Deary deary me. On a personal note my back is killing me after having to sit on those non-seats yesterday. Awful football day out all round.

I'm not really sure what to make of yesterday. I think we were just beaten by a better football team in all honest, although we shot ourselves in the foot with both goals. We didn't play poorly, the conditions hampered the long balls to Thompson in the first half and things could have been so different with the offside goal. I really would have to see the highlights again as both passes to me looked onside but then again my seat was practically restricted view so who knows. The wind is the first cause of the opening goal. The ball over the top just gets caught up and thus the flight of the ball confuses Kello. That said he should have been off his line quicker or shouted to Cheesey to clear it. McAusland had a poor game yesterday but the blame lies with Kello for me. As it does with the second. He's completely caught out by the wind again. The wind was blowing into the "camera" side, and it just whips the ball into the far corner with the keeper stranded. I don't think he was impeeded. I'd need to see it again but he just doesn't have time to adjust to the change of direction and tries to spare his blushes by claiming a foul. Danny picked the best starting line up and made the right sub as well. McGinn was struggling a wee bit and Harkins added a bit of bite. He was unlucky to shoot wide and then weaved through a cluster of players but Langfield saved. I don't think Harkins should start but far too many have their mind made up about him. He has the ability to change a game and nearly did so yesterday. He still has plenty to offer. Just seen the goals on Goals on Sunday. No chance was Kello fouled, his positioning was very poor. Yesterday was just a blip, I think we'll keep the run going over the festive break.

I enjoyed the day out more than anything. Arrived far too early so I went into the Devorgilla to kill time and wait for the bus contingent to arrive. Pints at £2.50 (5th one for free if you buy 4 on matchday) was a superb deal, and got chatting to the locals who were a top bunch. The game started so well, and we were superb until McGowan's substitution. I was split whether Harkins or Reilly should've come on, however that was Reilly's chance to showcase what talent he has, and he was very poor unfortunately. I was desperate for Harkins to come on the second half to add a bit of flair and hold the ball up. Danny refused point blank to change what was a failed system and we seemed almost content to play for the replay which irked me. Train back up was a good laugh, loads of people in good spirits and got chatting to an Auchinleck Talbot fan for most of the journey. Topped off by a chippy and seeing Thommo and his resplendent tache on Sportscene. Michael Paton was my man of the match, the Greenock b*****d that he is, and I think we'll win the replay 3-0.

Well the Scottish Cup adventure begins. Setting off in a minute, hope every Buddie has a smashing day. I don't as yet have a ticket and I dare say plenty others won't either. Let's hope they open up the terracing! Come on you Saints.

I love....mug.

Were you there last night? I would wager that either you weren't there, or if you were you are seeing what you want to see. The players are completely shot of confidence and don't look like they know what they're supposed to be doing. There is a huge difference between that and not trying their best. When it's the former then they should be given the full backing of the support. The players know it's unnacceptable, it isn't news to them. Last night wasn't too bad actually, in terms of our support. They were generally quite positive and I didn't hear many calls for the managers head. Dingwall on the other hand was the real sickener for me. The personal abuse directed at the players and Danny Lennon was awful, and really gets you down when you realise you don't want to be associated with a cross-section of fellow Buddies.

Taken a couple of days off work to make this. I'm needing my head examined. It's unmissable though. Retaining our only League Cup trophy at a ground we never get to visit, in one of Scotland's favourite away day towns? I couldn't not go, regardless of current league form. I'm strangely, and dare I say rather masochistically, looking forward to the game. And what's more is that I think we will win. Never have I been more sure of losing a football game than our Scottish Cup replay at Dingwall in 2012. We won that 2-1 that night as everyone had completely written us off, much like tonight. I think we'll make extremely tough work of it, and it may go to extra time, but I think we'll do it. Just. I saw Queens play Dundee when Celtic reserves were off gallivanting in the victim derby in Dublin, and I was impressed with them. But they are beatable. I noticed a lot of gaps in their midfield and wide areas periodically, and we need to be diamond-sharp to exploit these. Their goalkeeper, Calum Antell, also looked shaky at every high ball, and practically threw two of those into the net in the late stages of that game. If we can get the ball to Teale (and hopefully Caprice if he plays), get crosses and other aerial balls into the area then we should do ok. Just a wee warning to Buddies travelling tonight, the seats at Palmerston haven't been cleaned in about three years. They are covered in muck and bird droppings, and are absolutely rank, so either bring tissues or leave your best Armani suit at home.

Really disappointed with Ross County on this one, especially after their kind gesture last season. I believe (do correct me if I'm wrong) that their prices last year were: Adults: £20 Concessions: £12 If you're comparing that to the "going rate" for top flight football then that's quite reasonable. I booked my transport on the presumption that those prices would not fluctuate by more than a pound or so. As someone has already pointed out that's a 20% increase for adults, similar to what Hearts did last year. Extremely poor from County but it will be my first trip with Saints and my first since their ground has been redeveloped so it's not the end of the world. Travel for me will top £30 (and that's after the use of a third-off railcard) and that'll be £24 for entry too. The things you do eh?

I would be raging if my team's quarterback was consistently shown up by his brother. Totally hearing you Div the whole build up has been great. Was delighted to hear about the banner in Houston, that not only Thommo saw but took a photo for Vanzy to put on Twitter. As I've said before the spirit in the area has been completely unprecedented. My only regret is that I've not been there to lap it up. Different story on Sunday though!

The differences in the run up to this final compared to 3 years ago are incredible. Not only have we sold 50% more tickets than last time, the buzz, spirit and noticeable St Mirren presence around the town is just wonderful to see. Saturday was the first time I'd been in Paisley in around a month and there were loads of banners around the town, good luck messages in windows, etc. Unrecognisable and certainly something I've never really seen before, which in the 20-odd years of being a Buddie is quite something. As much as it is warming, it's a wee bit saddening there wasn't this level of support when we played the former Rangers Football Club plc purely because our town is overrun with their support. There's a different energy about the place, a positivity that has been lacking for far too long. Sunday can't come quick enough. I'm getting butterflies every time I think about the teams walking out at Hampden.

It could be worse Stuart, you could've suggested that we build a running track instead.

Kick off 2.30. Strange kick-off time that. It's either the back of 12 or 3 O'Clock. They probably don't want to miss the start of Songs of Praise.

I'm sure everyone has their reasons for not going, which is fair enough. But after putting up with all the shite that comes with being a Buddie, a rare day out to Hampden makes it all worthwhile no? Yes we'll probably lose and might not score, but it's the excitement that stems from the build up of a big Hampden match that does it for me. 10 years ago I was watching us lose against Arbroath and Brechin. If you'd told me I'd see three major cup-semi finals and one final (two including the Bells' Cup) within a decade then I'd have pinched myself. Also 3 months is a long time. By the time tickets go on sale we may have turned the corner, and Celtic might have lost Wanyama et al. Who knows. But much like the 4-0 win over Celtic, if I was to miss this game and we'd somehow managed to beat them? I'd be delighted, yet forever gutted that I wasn't there to witness history. But each to their own. We have zero to lose and we're going to Hampden.

Somner9 strikes me as the type of guy who argues with his own shadow.

I can't wait to embrace the ferocity of the Paisley Pythons soccerball team. Mobile hot dog sellers, cheerleaders (more Rockettes than the Morton Chlamydia Crew) and a brass band, all happening at the McDonalds Arena. Go Pythons!

You know who I'd love...Farid El Alagui. He's quick, scores goals and would be a great dressing room addition as he gets on well with his team mates and supporters. I think we're missing a trick not going for him to be honest, he'd be great playing off Thompson.

Well that was a part time job when I was still at school so it's not quite as simple as that pal.

Absolutely. Whatever some may think of the CIC or Richard Atkinson, you certainly can't accuse them of a lack of transparency. The sheer contrast to Dundee's Mellville shambles. Just a couple of weeks before they went into administration, fans were reassured they were debt free, and had launched bids for a couple of players. A fortnight later Mellville had bolted, Dundee were in £2million in debt and staring into the abyss. We have our doubts but Richard Atkinson is being totally straight and up front with the fans, which is what a lot of supporters have been crying out for for years. The one thing we have to remember is any loans etc are burdened by 10,000 hours and not the club, not to mention the asset lock. This provides our club with a long term future whilst keeping snakes like Mellville and Massone from killing our great club. Let's see what happens eh!

I've read the document and yes it does look good. With the risk of sounding sceptical I'm going to wait a while before deciding on whether to participate. I would love to do so and £10 a month is a very reasonable amount, however £120 extra a year for a student is a fair whack, so I'm going to wait until further info comes out. I'd love to participate, but need to know how much value for money it is for me personally (selfish I know) and how it benefits me and the club. Once I'm working I will look to buy into the CIC regardless, but in the short term, I might have to just back the team the old fashioned way by paying at the turnstyles.

Morons always asked me if St Mirren were a Catholic or "Proddy" team. Did my tits in, had to tell them that we are neither, and along with every other team in Scotland bar the old scum, we pride ourselves on being FOOTBALL clubs. Then comes the response: "Aye but they've got 'saint' infront of their name..." I've heard nothing implying whether we are one or the other. We aren't. The only religion is St Mirren.

Not a problem buddi. Just hope you don't work in the medical profession! Yer a gem. Ta

Used up my quota for the day. You shall be rewarded whenever I'm allowed to dot folk again.