We are now clinging to the hope Beggars. Not only that, but we recreate our own version of a 'Greek Tradegy' to ensure no foreign travel for the supporters come springtime.
Our dropped points in the CL have nearly all come as a result of a lack of concentration at vital moments. Admittedly, the league table never lies, but just how close were we to at least qualifying for the UEFA cup? Lets look at the evidence;
Man Utd. at Ibrox was a point missed, after conceding early to that prolific marksman, Phil Neville.
Stuttgart away was another point gone, after schoolboy defending with 40 seconds of the half remaining.
Panathinaikos at home was disastrous after taking the lead. To allow a team to immediately get back into the game after dominating the period was criminal.
Panathinaikos away though was, for me, the game that I thought would come back to haunt us, and so it proved. We were so much in command, giving one of our best away displays in Europe, that to suddenly change the way we were playing to compete against 10 men and then concede at the death, displayed niaivety at best, but more accurately a total lack ofconcentration.
We even lost at home to the Soapdodgers in the SPL by allowing Hartson to score right after half-time.
Its hard enough trying to keep pace with our quality opponents, in view of our inferior squad, without us committing suicide as well.
ALEX MCLEISH
I don't have the answer to the above problems, other than total focus and dedication from the players. I'm sure the 'Freckled One' is tearing out what little hair he has left. There is only so much a man can do when the quality at his disposal is piss poor. There seems, however, to be a growing and worrying trend starting to appear amongst fans, to castigate the boss.
When you consider his achievements since arriving, along with the way he's had to work with a depleted squad this season (finances ensuring that the spine of the team was sold) , in my opinion he merits congratulations, rather than the 'oh so familiar' calls for his head. Come on guys, get real. Open your eyes a little. I think you need look further up the chain of command to find the real culprit.
BARRY FERGUSON
The article in last Sunday's Herald caught my eye, not least because it was about one of my favourite players and someone who's spirit and fight is sadly lacking at the minute. We all know West coast journalists love to put a spin on stories regarding sectarianism, but if Barry has actually said what was quoted, then I'm afraid he's just placed himself in that ever increasing list of ex-players who seem content to bite the hand that once fed.
To even think that we the fans gave him pelters in his last days with us, just because he married a Catholic, is an insult to our intelligence. Fair enough, there are a minute number of our support who are stuck in the dark ages when it comes to sectarian attitudes, but you need to take a long hard look in the mirror Barry and examine your own failings before looking to shift the blame.
You decided that the EPL was a better place to be (and in a footballing sense you're right) , but it was the way you did it that rankled with the fans. So will you now either challenge the journalist who penned the article, or issue an apology to us fans who paid your wages. I wont hold my breath.
LOYALTY
It's a well known saying;'Cometh the hour, cometh the man'.
Well guys and gals, are you men or are you mice?
To all men I say sing loud and proud, offer all the encouragement you can. If you see or hear someone booing, let them know their actions are cancerous. Stay for 90 mins. Join the RST. Stand up for the club and be counted.
To all mice I say, take yourself and your mate next to you, and go back to whatever sport you were patronising when we weren't successful and don't come back.
Remember, we are and always will be The People.
LANKYLAD