The Lotw Diary- On The Fringe Of A Cup Final

So I’m not going to try and comment on a game I never saw. In fact I never even heard it. Radio Tuechter decided in their wisdom that they would broadcast one game and that was from the Granite City. Setanta decided that the game wisnny even worth showing highlights off after the main event, which was qualification for the privilege to get tanned from a team of Latvian minnows.

So I’m driving blind. Can only go wie what I have read. So here goes, end of season game, surprisingly entertaining, Barney looked guid, Grav can get a taxi the now to the lower reaches of the EPL, will the real Paul Hartley please stand up and we lack that killer instinct in the last third.

Lacking the killer instinct? Story of the season. Lack of pace in the midfield? Story of the season. So nae need to go over them. Team two won’t see another pre-season but they still have this season to finish off. And is anyone else worried that they may struggle? I for one are not counting ma chickens. In fact I’m worried that the fox may eat ma chickens before Saturday night.

So yesterday, GS gave the fringe players the chance. A chance to fight their way into the reckoning for a Cup Final spot. Aye right, I have always said that injuries apart GS knew his cup final 11. The players also knew this. So why did we maybe expect the players to pick up the baton and perform? The fringe ones, on the park, knew they would be either picking splinters oot their behinds on the bench or sitting in the stand suited and booted.

We have entered the same situation as was MON forte. GS has the ones he trusts and the others will maybe get the nod, here and there when injuries and suspensions hit. Maybe this has something to do wie the manager being let doon badly by some this season.

For a manager to expect players who huvnae been getting a game when the club has been freewheeling doonhill recently to pick themselves up for a meaningless match in the hoop of maybe, just maybe sneaking a cup final spot is just sheer folly.

Again, the players should have professional pride they should know that cup finals don't come round every year and passing up the chance to maybe starting in one, makes me question attitude. But professional pride should have kicked in to the mainstays over the last few weeks. It didnae. The mainstays have made us question them and hope for a successful end to the season rather than expect one.

Professional pride should have also kicked in when the fringe players realised that they weren’t just playing for a cup final jersey they were playing for their futures and some should be looking over their shoulders and be as anxious as I am regarding ma phone not ringing to give me cup final tickets. A taxi is a comin and it’s been upgraded to a seven seater.

So, from yesterday who were the fringe player’s wie hopes of maybe playing next week? And who are now packing their bags, IMO mind nae rumours or whispers only ma opinion, and looking at summer holidays packing boxes and moving hoose.

JJPD- The guy has done well recently. Done well without being spectacular. Likes a tackle and is comfortable on the baw. Expect him to be replaced by Caldwell for the CF before not getting a contract. A life in the fizzy pop league beckons.

JFK- Mair hope than anything here that he may have sneaked in instead of Elvis. Pre-season is massive for him as the CF has come to soon and GS’s insistence that Elvis is a player means that he gets the nod to add his “experience” to the CF line up. If only he could add talent.

The Grav- Hope he has rented accommodation wie a big plasma screen, as I think that’s the only way he will see the cup final. Estate agents doon sooth are probably being called today wie him looking to buy. Tommy it should have been great. Instead you have been more Tommy Cooper than Tommy Gravesan.

O’Dea- Never a left back but see JFK for the Elvis problem.

Barney- never really had any chance did he?

Beattie- never really had any chance did he? Maybe he should get used to Easter Road’s surroundings. After KM’s last ooting he is now shootie in for a starting 11 slot but only because The Beats performances or non-performances have made him the better option. If only Craig could stay on his feet long enough to shootie in. If only magic would wake up from his slumber.

Riordan- Scored, looks dangerous and compliments JVOH well. Probably booked his place on the bench and also probably ensured he will get game time. Strikers need to score. Derek does where others don’t. But does the future look guid when KM is above you in the pecking order?

So the cup final team picks it’s self. Those who didnae perform or turn up at Ibrox- 2nd half team- get the chance to redeem themselves. I will travel mair in hope than expectation. It’s been that sort of season.

Forza The Hoops