Ajja

I think that runners up spot gets in if OF win it but they are relegated to N4 position with N3 and N4 moving forward one place in terms of entry stage. In the event of an OF final I suspect that 5th place would then get entry behind N3 & 4

While I agree this is a possibility its not necessarily the case that this would happen automatically. There are other forces that operate in the Scottish game beyond Glasgow. Its also possible that you would have a media which became less interested in the OF competing with fairly pedestrian European sides in a pretty one dimensional league set up. This might actually lead to more focus, interest and resource being put on the more cut throat SPL that would emerge. For fans, following the OF would become very expensive and being a fan of either would provide very little in the way of connectivity with the rest of the Scottish footballing public. Despite what they say, OF fans love being top dogs in Scotland and their fans love the bragging rights, however 'uncompetitive' our game is. This might lead to less youngsters showing interest in teams who they can't quite connect with and choosing to support a local team in a league where honours could be won. It may be a little naive to think so but I don't think our game would die in the way you suggest.

Thats true there has been a tightening of capacity which can often lead to a better experience for anyone entering Helen Mirren's arena. The surface looks better too although it may bald quickly through winter.

No-one likes us, we don't pay our fares

For me, the thing to consider here is the balance between money going into football and money being taken out. It just doesn't add up. I'd be surprised if the TV money being thrown around these days lasts much longer to be honest. Media companies are not insulated from the global economic changes that are taking place. The huge resources that are being pumped into football are not sustainable in my opinion. There will be a major awakening for most major leagues in Europe coming within the next 3-5 years. Following that will be a sizemic shift in wages for players and the footballing landscape will be very very different. The Scottish league doesn't bring in enormous resource from TV anyway so will have a lot less distance to fall. We will inevitably find ourselves more lightly resourced but I'm not convinced that the OF are singlehandedly responsible for drawing that resource. I believe a more competitive league with a genuine success at the end of it that most clubs could realistically attain would see an enlivened SPL at least. Going to games reasonably regularly, I would say that I have grown used to (and probably enjoy more) the atmosphere at a game with between 6,000 and 15,000. The days out where you 'mingle' with 50,000 OF fans are ones I avoid and do not miss at all. I agree our league would have less international recognition and respect and would therefor slip off the world stage to an extent but are we not going that way anyway ? I'm not terribly interested in being considered a super-power in footballing terms if the cost of this is an oligopoly of the countries major trophy season after season. I'd honestly rather watch Aberdeen in a slightly less quality footballing environment with the chance to see us win titles and genuinely competing at the top of the game.

Might be more like 'nobody likes us, we're not there'

I'm thinking Helen Mirren would look better up top than down below. I'd hate to be in there trying to push your way up. Its always hard to get your way out of such a hole when resources have dried up and the stability around you has fallen away. One wrong move and you could easily see a major flop and then you are in danger of something giving way.

Quite happy for them to get it as I think we work better under the radar but I'd be a little wary of blowing Helen Mirren's trumpet too loudly

I think a flu outbreak might not be a bad thing. I have been pleasantly surprised by our football when we have been apparently weakened in recent seasons

I would say that having watched the highlights I agree that the red card was a bit harsh and if either of the players made any move (and it was very very slight) to 'headbutt' it was Miller. That said if your players are going to rampage around the park like wild animals and your club is going to take a combatitive stance on anything and everything then match officials are only going to view you one way. FOr sure, kicking doors in and swinging punches at wee boys in the tunnel are not going to change that view. Hearts are developing a persecution complex right now that Celtic fans would be proud of.

If Smith doesn't have the flu we might have to play him. Hopefully on Saturday we might see some of these promising youth players we are amassing with reckless abandon

Anyone any thoughts on drinking holes ?

Agreed. However, this thread is about our strikers and I'm still not convinced its anything other than a poor season for them again. Hope to see that turn around in January

Please don't tell me you think we are doing well here ? We are around 43% towards a tally that was a very poor target to start with and we are pretty much 50% of the way through the season unless we have a cup run......oh and did I metion that 4 of them were penalties

Agreed, end of Jan is a big ask with the OF both to play but we might have put ourselves in a good position and I have a feeling that we will see a bit of a gap opening up between the 3 sides and the rest (Hibs, Killie et al)

If the number was 22 then I couldn't agree more..........it's 13!...that's THIRTEEN

After 27/12/08 Defence 6 Midfield 7 Strikers 13 Considine 1 (bla bla) Diamond 1 (bla bla bla) Mulgrew 4 (bladdy bla bla) MacDonald 4 (bladdy bladdy bla) Young 1 (bla) Aluko 2 (bla bla bladdy bla) Maguire 1 (bla bla) Mackie 5 (bladdy-fucking-bla) Miller 7 (4 pens) Non-strikers 13 goals Strikers 13 goals Its level pegging going into the NY with the strikers nearing the half way point in JC's nostradamus-esque predictions. Only flaw is so are the rest of the team

I would worry most about Killie as well. I think we will take the hun without breaking sweat.

Gus will get it as he is unlikely to have another opportunity. Is that 4 wins in a row now ? Get in.

Someone on JKB saying Wallace called Brines a 'PRICK'.

Did Lee Wallace get a red card after the final whistle ? Apparently kicked the dressing room door in ?

In what way ? That it might be more long term.

Good chance they will take a bigger than usual crowd with it being within the festive drain and cash at gate. Nowhere near sell out though I agree With Aguiar and Driver supposedly 'injured' for this game tomorrow I wonder if that means they have been sold already and are being wrapped in cotton wool to make sure they aren't crocked before the handover.

Out of interest, what is his injury situation right now ? I'm still convinced at this stage we dodged a bullet with the million clams we took for Anderson.