Just For Tommy,Steve and Oggy Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhMNWl6lprc

Merry Xmas from Everyone from Dens Park.

More Nemsadze's Magic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDKwa0GR6g0

Joe Strummer R.I.P

Remembering Joe Strummer today who died 4 years ago, I was lucky enough to see The Clash 4 times and The Mescaleros 3 times. Joe is the best front man I have seen and no one get's close. His music will live for ever.

Statement From The Club.

Following the disciplinary problems at Clyde FC on the 16th of December regarding our player Andy McLaren, the Club and the player have held frank and open discussions regarding the matter, and it has been mutually agreed to terminate Andy McLaren’s contract forthwith. Whilst the Club won’t condone such indiscipline, it does though respect the player’s willingness to accept that his actions have brought the Club into disrepute, and we sincerely wish him well for the future.

Clyde 2 Dundee 1, Broadwood, 16/Dec/06

In what was a vital game for both clubs, Dundee again lost away from home. In a tight first half Clyde scored on 35 minutes when poor defending let Arbuckle to score from 8 yards. Worse was to follow when Jay Shields gave away a penalty and it was 2-0 at the break.

Dundee tried hard to get back into the game in the second half, but like so many times this season we can't play the simple ball. We did get a wee lifeline with 5 minutes to go , Alex Rae was fouled in the box and Gavin Swankie made it 2-1. What was to follow was total madness from Andy McLaren, he first got booked when he tangled with the goalkeeper, then got send off after clashing with Eddie Malone, then got a second red card in the tunnel after the linesman spotted Andy punching a Clyde player when leaving the pitch. Then he got a third Red Card for kicking a hole in the Ref's door.

Andy might not play for the club again and he will get hammered by the league. Dundee will decide Andy's fate on Wednesday.

Boy Kill Boy

Going to Dundee tomorrow night to see Boy Kill Boy at Fat Sam's, should be a good gig for this up and coming band. And it's the last date of the tour, and it's sold out.

Rumors

Rumors have been circulating around Arbroath websites that Dundee are interested in signing Bryan Scott in the summer when he is a free agent. Bryan signed for Arbroath in the summer and before signing for Arbroath, he played for junior side, Scone Thistle. He is a striker and in his first game for Arbroath against Queen's Park at Hampden, he scored 2 and set up 1.
Bryan is quite tall, at a height of 5 foot 11 inches and has scored 5 goals for Arbroath so far this season and has also picked up 5 yellow cards.
He will be a free agent in the summer when it is understood Dundee intend to sign him. A couple of Arbroath sites have suggested this move may happen but only time can tell.

Perth and The Build-up for Clyde

Dundee lost 2-1 at Perth on Saturday, losing two soft goals in the first half. Gavin Swankie scored a good goal in between. We changed things in the second half and pushed the Saints back and Derek Lyle should have scored, after a great flowing move. Jay Shields played the second half and looked very much the part.
Czech trialist Ondrej Novotny scored on his debut for Dundee in a bounce game against city rivals Dundee United, we won the game 3-2 and Alex rae had 7 trialists in his squad. Gary McKenzie scored as well, the young defender is on his comeback after being injured for the last two and a half months.
Former Dundee midfielder Darren Magee has been found dead at his parents’ home in Glasgow. My thoughs are with his family.

Dundee's Tennent's Scottish Cup cup tie v Queen of the South will be played on Saturday 6 January 2007. Dundee United will play on the Sunday. Great I can have a beer now.
Brian McGinty will return to St.Mirren after his latest injury, the on loan striker has not been able to play enough games to really impress.

Novotny impresses in Dens trial

CZECH TRIALIST Ondrej Novotny made a promising initial impression on Dundee yesterday, scoring for them in a 3-2 win over neighbours Dundee United in a hastily arranged bounce game at Dens Park.
And the 18-year-old FK Jablonec front man last night revealed his hopes of following fellow countryman Jiri Jarosik and Libor Sionko into the SPL.
“I’ve watched Jiri Jarosik since he came to Scotland,” said Novotny, who hopes to join the Dark Blues on loan for the remainder of the season. “I saw him play very well against Man United in the Champions League when Celtic won and that tells me that Scotland is a very good place to come and play and, of course, I would like to.
“Jarosik is quite a big name in Czech football—maybe not as big as Pavel Nedved—but he’s still well known having played in the Premiership and now at a big club like Celtic.
“There is obviously Libor Sionko as well at Rangers who scored for them in their last game.
“What I’ve noticed about Scottish football is that it’s very fast, physical and there’s a lot of hard tackles.
“But I like that style of play. I think I could handle it and it would make me a bigger, stronger player.
“That was what struck me after watching the St Johnstone v Dundee game last weekend.
“I enjoyed the game against Dundee United. It was competitive like all derbies and that’s something I like.
“I’m here on trial until Sunday so we’ll wait and see what happens after that. It will be up to my club and Dundee if something is going to happen.”
The friendly was put together after United’s planned reserve fixture with St Mirren and a closed doors game the Dark Blues had organised at Stirling Albion fell victim of the weather.
Meanwhile, news that Steve Tosh is being released by Gretna has provoked interest at Dens

Eagles in Great Escape

Cupar Eagles entertained Six Regular Guys in their last game of the season needing to take at least a point and hoping Kemback would lose to escape relegation.
Eagles were well up for this and confidence was at an all time high with a three match unbeaten run going into this last fixure. Beachope was first to threaten the Regular Guys goal with a rasping shot that flew inches over the bar and Pryde was unlucky with a snap shot as Eagles came out of the traps quickest. The first goal duly arrived for the Eagles after interlinking play involving Pryde and Beachope before Halley swivelled inside the box where he unleashed an unstopable shot past the keeper. McLuckie came on for Mullen midway through the first half. Regular Guys equalised soon afterwards but the Eagles went back in front when McLuckie beat two defenders and laid the ball to Halley where he made no mistake from six yards out to regain the lead. Marshall came on for Syme but the Regular Guys replied swiftly before the break to level matters once again.
In the second half play was bogged down into a midfield battle and with the wind getting up chances for both teams were restricted. Eagles made their final substitution with Martin coming on for Pryde. A great ball out of defence by Syme and Marshall was on it like a flash were he quickly found the unmarked Halley with a delicate chip over the Regular Guys defence where the yougster brought the ball down and scored with a glorious lob over the stranded Regular Guys keeper to the delight of the Eagles following. Parity was restored when a Beachope pass back was intercepted and although McGregor got a hand to the ball it found its way into the back of the net as the game finished in a three all draw.
With Kemback beaten the realisation of the great escape from relegation soon became apparent with joyous scenes within the Eagles camp.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 3 Six Regular Guys 3
Eagles line up:
1. Roy McGregor
2. John Mullen
3. Ally Syme
4. Gary Pryde
5. Andrew Beachope
6. Craig Halley
Subs:
7. Greg McLuckie
8. Tommy Marshall
9. Walter Martin

Xmas Night Out

If you fancy something of a change, then head down to Ferraris, Dundee. For The Ferraris Dark Blues Xmas Rock Fest.
For just £5 it's the bargain of the season.

St.Johnstone Build-up.

Meanwhile Brian McGinty will miss Saturday's trip to Perth after injuring his hamstring again and Jon Boggan has went down with a unknown bug. Alex Rae is hoping Gavin Swankie and Brian Griffin will be fit.

Meanwhile, fellow centre-half Greg Strong is mulling over an offer to extend his stay at Dens.The former Livi man’s contract expires at the end of the year and the Dark Blues would like him to extend that deal until the end of the season.However, while Strong has admitted he is enjoying himself at the club, he has asked for a week to weigh up his options before giving an answer.

Gavin Swankie, Danny Griffin and Jon Boggan should be fit for this weekend, it's great that Alex Rae has just about a full squad to pick from.

Dundee's Callum McDonald has joined Peterhead on loan until middle of January. Coming to Dens on loan is Hibs youngster Jay Shields, his brother Dene plays for Gretna.

Dark Blues line up Czech duo

Dundee are to welcome two highly-rated young players from the Czech Republic to Dens next week with a view to possibly taking the pair on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Dark Blues chief executive Dave MacKinnon has struck a deal with Czech side Jablonec which will see striker Ondrej Novotny (18) and midfielder Pavel Patka (19) arrive at the club on Monday, along with a coach.
“They are coming over for a week to see what they think of us and we think of them and if everything is okay we’ll hopefully arrange to keep them here on loan for the rest of the season,’’ said MacKinnon.
“Both players are keen to come to Scotland because they believe that will assist their development and we feel this is definitely an avenue worth exploring.’’

Dundee 3 Ross County 1, Dens Park, 2-December-06

Dundee came back to beat Ross County on Saturday, in what was a game we should have won in the first half. It was well into the second half when Robertson put County ahead against the run of play. Robert Campbell did hit the post with a good strike.But in the final 15 minutes we scored 3 times, the first when player-boss Alex Rae finished with a well placed shot from the edge of the box, then a few minutes later Derek Lyle pounced on a mistake by County keeper Samson to put us 2-1 up. And then Andy McLaren scored the goal of the game running onto a long ball from our keeper Ludovic Roy taking a great first touch and cooly scoring with a classic strike. Kevin Mcdonald should have made it 4-1 right on time but put the ball over the bar from a great position.
A great 3 points and good as Gavin Swankie, Danny Griffin did not play.

Cupar Eagles Latest Match Report

Cupar Eagles fresh from their friendly 6 v 3 victory at the weekend over The Seagulls, took to the pitch against the champions elect Elvado. With the 8 v 1 defeat fresh in the minds of manager Marshall the last time these two teams met, it was with relief that he was able to field his strongest possible starting line up. Eagles started the brighter of the two teams with some slick passing play in evidence with the ball zipping from left to right as the Eagles went in seach of the opener. A shot from a fine angle from Halley almost produced dividends for the Eagles but the opposition keeper was alert and palmed the ball out for a corner. A move straight from the training ground saw a Pryde shot deflected onto the post and the chance was gone. A sad sight for the Eagles supporters was their Captain Mullen forced to leave the field through injury to be replaced by McLuckie after only 10 mins. It was against the run of play that Elvado took the lead, a speculative long ball was headed away by Syme only as far as the edge of the box where the Elvado striker lurked and a fortuitous shot just sneaked in at McGregors far post. The injuries continued for Eagles as Syme who had been strapped up to play succumb to his calf injury to be replaced by Marshall. Eagles pressed on for the equaliser and although chances came the Elvado keeper was in fine form and the half -time score read Eagles 1 v Elvado 0. The second half started as the first ended with more pressing from the Eagles, Marshall continued to dictate play from defence and this finally paid off, a ball out of defence was helped on its way by Halley to Pryde who burst through the Elvado defence to despatch the ball past the keeper for his first goal of the season. Eagles now had their wings spread and the game was there for the taking, then as so often this season, the killer blow, Elvado had the break of the ball from a McLuckie run, the ball zipped out to the right winger who then cut the ball back and suddenly the Eagles were behind. Marshall then made his final substitution, on came Martin, who although carrying a knee injury instantly made himself the hero as the big target man held the ball up long enough for Halley to arrive and then carve out the chance for Beauchop, who finished with gay aplomb. Chances continued by Elvado hung on for the draw. This season is now going the same as last with the Eagles finding form too late to match a significant tilt at the championship, and their supporters left to wonder of what might have been. Man of the Match Beauchop, next up for Eagles their final league fixture of this campaign against Six Regular Guys.Eagles:Roy McGregor, Ally Syme, John Mullen, Gary Pryde, Andrew Beauchop, Craig Halley.Subs:Greg McLuckie, Tommy Marshall, Walter Martin, Colin Clive

Ross County Build-up

Ludovic Roy missed training yesterday but only because it was indoors. Derek Lyle has a stiff neck but should be okay for Saturday's game.Meanwhile Alex Rae will be in England tomorrow night to watch transfer targets for the January window.
Dundee hope to announce good news in two weeks time about the future of the club, in the first time in a decade we are set to break even this season. The debt will likely be around £8 million, they say it won't affect football matters.
Also Alex Rae says that midfielder Jon Boggan will get his chance in the next few weeks, it's about time he was given a chance.

Brian McGinty will likely miss the the game, but Danny Griffin and Ludovic Roy should be fit.

Brian McGinty and Ross Harris have been added to the squad for this weekend's game, only Andy McLaren will miss out.

Dundee 1 Airdrie 0, Dens Park, 25/Nov/06

Dundee won 1-0 on Saturday, thanks to a 37th minutes debut goal from Gary Smith, he headed home after a Gavin Swankie corner which was headed on by Bobby Mann.In what was a poor first half we could have scored just after when Derek Lyle put one over the ball from 3 yards out. Into the second half we played quite well but we could not add with Robert Campbell missing a sitter from 6 yards. Airdrie did have chances as well and hit the bar twice. But we must be happy with the result and it keeps us close to the top.

Eagles Stop Rot

Cupar Eagles entertained Kemback with a full strength team welcoming back Youth Academy starlet Gary Pryde after missing last week through work commitments. After a disappointing league campaign of six defeats in seven matches morale was low but Manager Marshall gave a inspired motovational speech prior to kick-off. Eagles came out of the blocks quickest and only a desperate clearance from the Kemback defence prevented McLuckie putting the Eagles one up. Eagles were pushing the ball about well and it was no surprise when Halley broke clear after a ball over the top from Beauchope and slotted the ball home for the opening goal. Kemback were on the back foot for much of the half but McGregor had to be alert to push a fine effort over for a corner. Eagles then went two up after a slick passing manoeuvre featuring Marshall and Pryde which sent Halley away where he brushed of a defender before coolly despatching the ball past the stranded Kemback keeper. Kemback were rattled but rallied to score just before half-time despite the heroic efforts from Mullen and Syme in defence.
Marshall came close with a twenty yard pile-driver which just flew over the bar as the Eagles closed in for victory. Martin was next and after a Cruyff like turn his effort was scrambled away for a corner. With time running out Kemback pushed forward but with Mullen and Syme in commanding form at the back chances were restricted and with a minute to go when they were beaten McGregor produced a wonder save diving full length to prevent a Kemback equaliser.
Full time: Cuapar Eagles 2 Kemback 1
Eagles line-up:
1. Roy McGregor
2. John Mullen
3. Ally Syme
4. Andrew Beauchope
5. Craig Halley
6. Gary Pryde
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Walter Martin
9. Colin Clive
10. Greg McLuckie

Airdrie Build Up

Gary McKenzie played for 1 hour for the reserves on Monday night, it will be two weeks before Gary can get his match fitness up.Brian McGinty and Ross Harris will both miss tomorrow's game due to injuries, Gary Smith is poised to start his first game he came on as a sub last week at Dumfries.
Legend 1970's striker Billy Pirie will make the draw at half-time as part of ' the Ure Dundee ' there is prizes for people who donated to the fund. Which now stands at £152,000.
Bobby Mann says we have to be positive for tomorrow's game and close the gap at the top of the league which stands at 10 points.

Queen of the South 2 Dundee 0, League, 18/Nov/06

Left Cupar on the 09:52 Virgin train to Carlisle getting there at 12:10, got the connection for Dumfries at 12:18 arriving at 12:55. So everything so far is on time at a cost of £36.60 I would hope so. Made my way to The Spread Eagle pub for a few prematch pints, there is a few Dundee fans in and times goes quickly. I meet up with Neil and Russell and we head for the game.
Dundee start brightly in the first 10 minutes, but we can't find that cutting edge and we look to be control when we give away a soft penalty, Greg Strong letting Weir get past him and Ludovic Roy brought him down, John O'Neil scored with ease, into the second half and after just 3 minutes Alex Rae made a mess of a pass and Weir ran onto it and played in O'Neil to cooly beat Roy to get his second goal.
After that Gary Smith came on in place of Strong, and later on Mclaren and deasley both came on, but we can't play our way back into it. The final whistle sounds and it's another 3 points lost on the road. My man of the match goes to Scott Robertson who put in a lot of effort today.
We head back to The Spread Eagle pub to get final scores ect, with St.Johnstone getting beat it makes the result even worse, we then head off to have a pint in The Hole in Wall and The Globe pubs. We get the 18:30 train back to Glasgow Central arriving at 20:27, then I get the 21:00 train to Edinburgh then finally the 22:38 train back to Cupar at 23:35.
A long day with all the travelling I just hope we can start getting some results to reward the loyal dundee away fans.

Masters teach Eagles lesson

Cupar Eagles lined up for the game against the Drunken Masters without Youth Academy starlet Gary Pryce but Halley rose from his sick bed after a bout of food poisoning to make the starting six.
Eagles started brightly and only a succession of fine saves from the opposion keeper prevented an early Eagles counter. After this Masters seemed to settle better in the wind swept conditions and pushed the ball about to greater effect. The opening goal arrived midway through the first half for the Masters when McGregor was beaten from close range and a second and third was lost before half time.
Eagles regrouped for the second half and Martin came close with a rasping twenty yard effort. Beauchope then spurned a great opportunity when played in by Marshall. Masters scored a fourth late on as the Eagles legs tired and a fifth was conceded right at the death as the Eagles heads were now firmly down.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 0 Drunken Masters 5
Cupar Eagles line-up:
1. Roy McGregor
2. John Mullen
3. Ally Syme
4. Craig Halley
5. Greg McLuckie
6. Andy Beauchope
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Walter Martin
9. Colin Clive

The View,The View on Fire!

Article in The Courier today about the Dundee Band and a cry for help from their bass player :UNITED Tannoy now belts out the young Dundonian band’s latest single Superstar Tradesman instead of usual song Love Is In The Air. Drummer Steve Morrison, known to the band’s fans as Crazy Mo, is a lifelong United supporter and is thrilled they have decided to use the song.However, bass player Kieran Webster, who actually wrote the track, is now living in fear of his grandmother Mary Clarke. He groaned, “I am actually a Dundee fan so I’m dreading what some of my mates are going to make of this. They’ll probably want to kill me. If they don’t do it my gran will because she is a diehard Dundee supporter.“Now I will have to get in touch with someone at Dens to see if they will play one of our other songs!”Quite funny, is that not just typical for a Dee, your a Dee fan and write a top 10 hit and it ends up becoming Utds main song and now your Granny is going to beat you up :) I suppose thats what you get for letting Arabs into your band.Can anyone at Dens help this young talented Dee out. I belive the Dens DJ has played their songs a few times pre match.

Dundee Sign Gary Smith

Chief Executive Dave Mackinnon confirmed this afternoon that experienced former Aberdeen and Hibs defender Gary Smith will arrive at Dens on a loan deal until January. Gary is currently with Cowdenbeath who he joined after leaving Hibs at the end of last season.
He will certainly help our squad and he can play right across the back four, he might make his debut at Queen of the South this Saturday.

Eagles drained after tea-bags win

Eagles lined up in a confident mood after intensive training sessions seemed to eradicate fundamental errors on the pitch. However this was not be the case as tea-bags raced into a two goal lead inside the first five minutes. Stunned by this disastrous start Eagles slowly began to settle and chances were made with Halley going close with a blistering strike and Pryde fully testing the keeper with a shot from just outside the box. Failure to take these chances was crucial as the Eagles lost there way and conceded another two goals before half-time.
In the second-half Eagles made a few changes where Marshall and Martin were introduced to the action. However a fifth goal was lost before Martin pulled a goal back when a Halley strike was spilled by the keeper to slot home. With the Eagles now chasing the game holes appeared in defence where another two goals were shipped before full time.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 1 Tetley Tea-Bags 7
Cupar Eagles line-up:
1. Roy McGregor
2. Ally Syme
3. John Mullen
4. Greg McLucky
5. Gary Pryde
6. Craig Halley
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Walter Martin
9. Colin Clive

Livingston 2 Dundee 3, 11/Nov/06

Dundee beat Livi 3-2 in what was our first ever win at Almondale, Gavin Swankie scored in 16 minutes to give us the lead with a low shot.That was the half-time score Livingston got level in 48 minutes when Ross Harris scored a own goal, but he made up for his mistake in 63 minutes setting up Derek Lyle put us ahead.Gavin Swankie scored to make it 3-1 with a volley, Livi did score in injury time when Liam Fox netted.
It was a debut for young Craig Forsyth who filled in for paul Dixon and done well for someone so young, his dad Stewart played for Dundee in the 1980's.

Dundee 1 Gretna 3, 04/Nov/06

Dundee lost 3-1 to Gretna on Saturday, we took the lead when Brian McGinty scored his first goal for the club with a good finish to a flowing move. Then Gretna got a soft looking penalty the refs are not giving us much this season so far! Into the second half and we start to gain the upper hand, but Andy McLaren got himself sent off getting booked twice for dissent. He should know better and Gretna scored two late goals to win the game. Kevin McDonald got a broken nose and Paul Dixon took a hard tackle but hopefully both will be fit for Saturday's game at Livingston.

Memories From Perugia (Dundee Fan's)

From Chico 62: Just a wee gem from the Perugia trip which still makes me smile. I travelled with my father, amongst many others (from the Perth 62 Club), and had a great time, despite the score.The day after the match we travelled back to Rome and thought we should do the tourist sights before flying back. So, we got the bus trip around the sights and stopped off at the Colloseum where we were approached by some guy trying to flog us guided tours which we were not interested in. His efforts to engage us in conversation included him spotting the Dundee shirts and scarves and saying, "Ah, you football fans ?" To which we replied, "Aye, Dundee." His response was, "Ah, Dundee United - good team." Now, after watching our beloved Dark Blues get beat (the dream was over), and being very tired having been up drinking till late, this was not something we were too keen to continue. So, my father's response ? "No, DUNDEE, now F*** OFF !"Absolutely brilliant ! Even into his 70s, you can't take the Dee out of a True Dee !

From Stoo: My trip to Italy was a bit of a nightmare. I lived in Dublin at the time and so travelled alone to Italy, flying via Stansted to Pisa (I wasn't aware Ryanair flew to Ancona, which is closer) then getting the train to Perugia and planning on meeting up with my cousin the next day. I will always remember the sheer number of Dees in Stansted airport, including a thought of how unwise some people were to wear a t-shirt that said "peh eating, arab hating, dee til eh deh" on the back.I got to Pisa and with my pidgin italian managed to get directions to the Tower, then I made my way by bus to the train station and got shouted at by my angry bus driver. After getting on the wrong train, thanks to communication problems with the advisor on the platform, I changed in Firenze and continued on to Perugia, being fined on the train for not stamping my ticket in those little orange box thingies. After queuing ages for a taxi at the station I got fleeced by the taxi driver before arriving at my hotel, where we received a more-than-friendly welcome, only to realise that I'd forgotten to buy an adaptor so I could recharge my phone, and it was almost completely dead. I had something to eat in the hotel and went to bed, thankful for getting to my hotel after the journey from hell.The day of the game was only marginally better. As my phone was dead I managed to leave a message for my cousin to this effect and that I was likely to be incommunicado. Once in town I followed the singing to the city square, sorry, piazza, where I saw a few familiar faces. We got our bus tickets for the trip out to the game and I bumped into my cousin before enjoying a few pre-match pints with him and his friends before taking a rather entertaining journey out to the stadium. Once there I was glad I brought my fleece, although I made the mistake of lending it to my cousin who hogged it for the entire match leaving me to freeze with only a wafer thin saltire to wrap around myself. We were subsequently locked in the stadium for a bit before being allowed to board our buses back to the city centre, only to find that all public transport ceased at 8.30PM and I was stranded (my hotel was on the outskirts of the city). So, I started walking, and after what seemed like an eternity later hung around outside a hotel for a while before flagging down one of the 30 or so (reportedly) taxis within Perugia. That taxi driver must've thought it was his birthday as he got a big fat tip because I was so relieved to get home.The next day I travelled to Rome to spend 2 nights there, and had another nightmare journey, before enjoying a full day whizzing around the place and seeing all the sights of Rome using the excellent Metro system. I flew back to Dublin the next day and was never so glad to get back there.Saying that, I wouldn't have changed it for the world, as I got to see my beloved team play on foreign soil in the UEFA Cup against a Serie A side. Happy days. I remember little about the game other than the fact that we got beat 1-0 (3-1 on agg) and it wasn't much of a spectacle. I've still got my intact spare ticket for the game as I ended up with two. It might be worth soi was in Perugia to see the Dees and had a brilliant time. we made it into a holiday actually, think we were there for about a week. stayed in a cottage about an hour outside of Perugia, think it was called Matingnania or something. the town nearby was weird hardly anything there and was alwyas pretty quiet.we went up to Perugia most days to checl things out. i met Fabritzio Ravenelli and Gio De Stefano, got my photo takin with Ravenelli still got it on my comuter and show it to anyone who comes round. day before the game we went to the stadium and because i had Dundee top on two reporters from the local press came and spoke to us. asked us prediction for the score and who our favourite players was etc( at the time i believe i had N.Novo on the back of my top) next day we bought the paper (called il GIORNALE dell' UMBRIA) and there we were on page 40 wth the headline La vacabza-ultra dei Campbell which i think means something like the ultimate vacation for the Campbells. was quite a big article and had us telling them all about our holiday, the teams and how Italians are mental drivers.still think we could have beaten Perugia that night, if we had taken our chances who knows. was absolutly freezing that night so a goal would have been good so we could have jumped around a bit to ehat up.doesn't feel like 3 years ago and its sad to see how much times have changed for the dees, hopefully one day we can get back to the standard of football that got us into the Uefa Cup.mething some day.

From Hill4life:i was in Perugia to see the Dees and had a brilliant time. we made it into a holiday actually, think we were there for about a week. stayed in a cottage about an hour outside of Perugia, think it was called Matingnania or something. the town nearby was weird hardly anything there and was alwyas pretty quiet.we went up to Perugia most days to checl things out. i met Fabritzio Ravenelli and Gio De Stefano, got my photo takin with Ravenelli still got it on my comuter and show it to anyone who comes round. day before the game we went to the stadium and because i had Dundee top on two reporters from the local press came and spoke to us. asked us prediction for the score and who our favourite players was etc( at the time i believe i had N.Novo on the back of my top) next day we bought the paper (called il GIORNALE dell' UMBRIA) and there we were on page 40 wth the headline La vacabza-ultra dei Campbell which i think means something like the ultimate vacation for the Campbells. was quite a big article and had us telling them all about our holiday, the teams and how Italians are mental drivers.still think we could have beaten Perugia that night, if we had taken our chances who knows. was absolutly freezing that night so a goal would have been good so we could have jumped around a bit to ehat up.doesn't feel like 3 years ago and its sad to see how much times have changed for the dees, hopefully one day we can get back to the standard of football that got us into the Uefa Cup.

FromTayzurri:My memories,back early from Majorca family holiday to Prestwick,Stansted cold floors, gun totting copsflight to PisaLeaning Tower of Pisa,Dodgy Mini bus to Perugia arranged by Helen ??? Irish womanHotelPizza, Peroni, ****ing in closeys, pipersMarching, singing on buses,queing, baltic crap terracing, singing our hearts out too early,giant aussie keeper & sara fighting,riot police, waiting for burning terracing at home end to go outRun back to station, hotel, beer, bus to PisaLeaning Tower of Pisa (again)Stansted,PrestwickHome knackered after 48 hours with about 4 hours sleep - brilliant.Great memories - would love to it again.RegardsTayzurri

From tilly_dee:Woman with child in buggy was on my bus, god knows how she managed it.My trip with my father & son started at Prestwick, flying to Rome. Car was hired from there, drove to Perugia (nightmare !!! Dad thought he would have to change his underpants half way there, as we converged with a huge lorry at one of the tolls) Arrived in Perugia, on the day of the game with no hotel booked, but luckily first one we tried managed to accomodate us.Walked up to town, met the Dundee hordes sang with Gio outside the teams hotel. Went to game on those buses, remember being frozen even with fleece. Back to hotel to drown sorrows, realised there were many more supporters booked in, drank the bar dry.Back to Rome follwing morning, done the sigtseeing bit with the tour on the bus and back to Stanstead that evening. Stayed in Travelodge and flew back to Prestwick following morning.Would not have missed my first venture oversea's with Dundee F.C for anything. Oh for these times again.

Gretna at Dens on Saturday

Dundee might give new signing Jon Boggan a start place for Saturday's vital home game against Gretna, in a game we must win after last Saturday's setback at Firhill. Jon done well on Tuesday's night closed door friendly against Stirling Albion the game ended 3-3.
Hopefully Ludovic Roy will be fit to play, he trained on Thursday, which hopefully is a good sign.

Eagles Win in the Rain

Cupar Eagles fielded a strong team against Six Regular Guys including new signing Gary Pryde, another product from the Eagles Youth Academy but Manager Marshall was out through injury. Played in atrocious weather conditions with the rain teaming down, a lot of passes went astray. Eagles seemed to conquer the conditions better and raced into a early lead with Halley holding of a defender before coolly despatching the ball past the Regular Guys stranded keeper. Number two followed with Beauchope racing clear and he made no mistake from twelve yards out. Back though came the Regular Guys and McGregor was beaten just before half-time.
With a torrential downpour at the start of the second-half mistimed tackles were flying in and there was some heated exchanges between some of the players as the match threatened to boil over. Regular Guys snatched an equaliser from a defensive error with ten minutes to go. Eagles heads never went down and as they battled to the end Halley scored the decisive goal that their overall play merited, with two minutes remaining amidst ecstatic scenes from the large contingent of Eagles supporters to secure the first three points of the season.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 3 Six Regular Guys 2
1. Roy McGregor
2. Ally Syme
3. John Mullen
4. Gary Pryde
5. Craig Halley
6. Andrew Beauchope
Subs
7. Greg McLucky
8. Walter Martin

Partick Th 3 Dundee 1, Firhill, 28/Oct/06

Got the 10:19 train to Glasgow, getting there at 12:00. Then got the underground up to St Georges Cross and made my way to Munn's Vaults where I had a few pints with the Glasgow Dee's. Time passed quickly and it was time to go to the game. I met Vic and Nicky in the ground they had been shopping and left Dundee at 07:30.
To the game and we start well and we could have taken the lead, but against the run of play and Thistle took the lead with a well taken goal. Poor from our point of veiw as we did not close them down quick enough. The Alex Rae got booked for dissent. Then not long after that Alex Rae made a great run and from 18 yards he levelled the game at 1-1. Then after celebrating too much the ref booked Alex again and off he went. Then just before half time Thistle scored from a corner, but it did look like a corner and again poor marking.
Into the second half and we again look good and in control and only a great save from the Thistle keeper stopped Andy McLaren from scoring with a clever lob. But with about 20 minutes to go and the ref gave Partick a soft looking penalty and that was the end of the game for us.
Bryan Deasley came on and at least he got a run out.
After the game I went back to Munn's Vault and had a few beers with the Glasgow Dees and a few from the Aberdeen Branch. A good day out and the only down point was the score.I left Maryhill around 19:30 getting home to Cupar at 21:30.

Ian Rae's View on Vllaznia

I set off on Wednesday morning from home & parked in my office car park in Edinburgh Park. A pre-ordered taxi turned up to take me to the airport. The taxi driver – who claimed to be a Hearts fan – didn’t recognise my Magners top & thought I was off to watch Celtic play! I’d have thought the kilt would have made him realise that I was following a Scottish (not Irish) team. Still I was in too good a humour to mention 1986 and all that!

On arrival at the airport, there were a few TV cameras – who I coolly tried to ignore as I collected my ticket – from Dave (come on the Dens) the tour operator. I have to admit that the whole airport thing was a bit weird. For example, I’d decided that a good breakfast was a sound plan (with all the beers likely to be getting drunk soon), so I approached the checkout with a plate of food – only to be passed by Jim Duffy. “Morning boss” was all I could think of!

Through departures I met up with some more dees – the web site editor, Kenny (I think) from the Aberdeen Dark Blues – who’s writing a book on the championship season – and more. It was a pleasant surprise to order a pint of Caledonian 80 at the bar for £1.65 or something – do they really sell beer that cheep in Edinburgh Airport departures all the time?

Then to the plane. We were slightly behind schedule at this time – I think the plane was a little late turning up – but we all got on. Out came the bar first – which was quickly emptied. The players – up at the front of the plane – were first to be server – with a tray of chilled water. Quite right too – we were drinking for them!

Immigration at Tirana airport was pretty straight-forward (compared to some places I’ve been). Whilst in the queue for passport control – I heard a shout from behind – and turned around to see Deeko – the other Glasgow Dee who’d made the trip. Deeko had travelled over with his brother (Colin) via Heathrow and Budapest. His impeccable sense of timing meant that he got to share the bus back to the Sheraton with the rest of us. Meanwhile the team bus had headed up to be closer to the Shkodra, apparently they’d hired some villa close to the ground. Which, considering the journey up there, was a very good idea.

The Sheraton, however, was an excellent base. Excellent outdoor pool, with beer on service, and a relaxing bar inside. However, I reckoned the beer was probably more expensive than outside. So after a quick couple in the Sheraton, Deeko, Colin, Billy (Ferrari’s, Cupar Fife) and Gary (Cupar Angus, Perth 62) and I headed out into town.

It was sunset at this time, though as will later be explained, it was all I really saw of Tirana by foot in daylight! The central area – right next to Deeko’s hotel – was pretty busy during the day, but thee appeared to be no traffic lights or give way. Basically the rule seemed to seemed to be whichever vehicle or person got into that place of road had “right of way”.

Deeko and Colin hung their scarves out of their window – “claiming” another hotel for the dark blues. And off we went in search of food, after another beer, of course. We ended up eating around the corner, in a place just off the main street. The food was pretty good, and most waiters understood English (“beer”) or German or Italian. Here we were reminded of the fact that local kids are always trying to sell you cigarettes. We were sitting outside, right next to the pavement, and the kids could just walk up and offer fags. Colin decided that he wanted some cigarette papers (skins) so we tried to ask the kids, miming rolling a cigarette. We thought we were not making any progress, as they seemed to disappear. It was a complete surprise when they re-appeared holding what seemed to be 20-40 big fat joints (you know, the cone shaped kind. Call me an old square – but I did not fancy trying one to find out what it was.

It’s worth also mentioning that the people were super friendly, and the local ladies just as beautiful as you might find in Glasgow, Dundee or Nice! (Says he trying to be politically correct!).

The rest of the night we spent wandering around. There was the bar where the student from London wouldn’t serenade us with her fiddle. The nightclub that switched the music on when we arrived and I had an apologetic conversation with the staff in terrible German. There was the huge out-door bar with a video screen playing the Fashion Channel (I think) or something like that!

Around the area from the main square back to the Sheraton were a lot of ministry buildings. Apparently this part of town, which also contained the biggest villas, used to be a closed area private to Communist Party members. Anyway, the ministry buildings seemed to be very important, and most were guarded by the military (complete with guns). However the guards were very friendly and directed us towards bars and nightclubs. I think we maybe even got a photo with one of them. Throughout this “pub crawl”, of course, we were always bumping into one bunch of Dundee fans or another.

And so it came that we ended up in the Cowboy bar. When we arrived there were a bunch of dees sitting outside, and more in-side singing. We tried to sing outside, but being a residential area, we were ushered in side where we could make as much noise as we wanted. The DJ helped out by playing as many good songs as he could (Oasis, Hey Jude, etc). When he played songs that we couldn’t sing along to we typically would drown out the music with a quick chorus of “Cheer up, Ian McCall”.

I’d lost track of time at this point – I suspect that it was close to 1 when we arrived, but is was around 4:30 before I got to my bed, so I’ve no idea how many beers I had in the Cowboy bar. I do remember some Tequila appearing & participating in a round. Probably a bad idea looking back on it.

And so it was to prove the next morning., I got up in time for breakfast (10:30) but just kind of looked at it. The good news was that we didn’t have to check out until the bus came at 1. So back to bed I went until it was time for the bus.
This was a rough bus journey & I’m not talking about the road. It was only eventually, after maybe an hour and a half on the bus, that I started to recover. Funnily enough shortly after when the road took a turn for the worst. Eventually we stopped for a break that meant that I got some much-needed fresh air. Being a football bus, we also stopped at this pub – the owner must have thought it was his lucky day – and the kilts were getting a lot of respect from the passing locals.

There was supposed to be a police escort in, but it took too long for the boys in the pub to get back in the bus, so the police left with the other bus. We were dropped right at the ground and tickets were handed out.

At this point, having not had breakfast, Gary and myself set out to find something to eat. We sat at the most likely place and asked for something to eat. With some difficulty we realised “yes, what do you want” was the reply. No menu. So was asked in hope for pizza, chips, and the guy seemed to indicate that he had some meat. Reluctantly (and hungrily) we agreed. The meat was a kind of soup – well meat cooked in a pot with some stock cubes. Still another waiter (in Liverpool) top came out and chatted to us, so we also got a plate of chips & the guy at the next table bought us beer! Not that we needed the money.

On the way back to the ground we met up with a crowd of Dundee fans and sat serenading the locals on their way to the ground. We set off in good time for the game (maybe in around 40 minutes before kick-off). The plan was to have time to hang up the flags. However, we were in a small part of the ground – with no open terrace nearby. There were already a few flags flying behind the goal – so I tried to get to the front, to climb over – no go. Around the back – again the police weren’t letting me past. So again I tried down the front, desperately trying to explain what I wanted and was told to go around the back (that’s right out the gate, & around the outside). Which I did: explaining my self all the way. I had to stop another police dude to knock on the back door of the ground to let me in to hang up the flag. All while the team warmed up. And the way back was not easy either – even at the gate when, thankfully, one of the stewards recognised me as having passed out 5 minutes earlier.

Just to complete the story of the flag. At the end of the game, when we were kept in for 20 minutes, or so, this troop carrier – standing behind the goal – turned away from in front of the flags and headed as if to leave. It stopped and one of the soldiers climbed out of the cab and un-tied our flag. We thought this was more helpful Albanian hospitality (maybe he’ll bring it over) until the soldier folded it up and made for the cab. We all, of course, yelled “no” (loudly) and the soldier dropped the flag & then drove off. A few other guys made for their flags at this time, and since the stadium was empty, the police let us climb over the fence to collect their flags – which I dully did, though very carefully, since I had a £400 kilt on!
The game itself you’ve probably all heard about. Since most of you have seen the second leg by now, it’s fair to say that Vllaznia were not the strongest of opposition, still the team put in a most credible and professional performance to effectively kill the tie off in the first leg.
And so we headed for home. Not before stocking up with beer for the bus home. Which was pretty easy – there was one bar behind the stand we were allocated to & another around the corner stand. Once we’d all been served, the bar was dry. Nothing left apart from water. I don’t think the guy knew what had hit him!

We got a police escort pretty much al the way to the airport, and we were rushed through the airport check-in and on the flight home pretty sharpish. I’d booked an over-night in a travel lodge in Edinburgh, so after getting to bed at around 4:30, I was up 4 or 5 hours later for a day in the office. Still at least I got to beam at the Arabs in the office & show off the flag (of course).

Here’s to the next one!

Dundee Sign Boggan

Dundee have signed midfielder Jon Boggan on a deal until January, he played for Liverpool youths and spend the last two months of last season with Accrington Stanley. Before that the 25 year old was out for 3 years with a knee injury.

A few Beers in Germany!

It was a lifetime ambition to visit the legendary Munich Beer Festival in Bavaria. Properly known as the Octoberfest it runs annually for 21 days from mid September into early October. It was decided many years ago to start the festival earlier than October due to the better weather conditions but the festival would still be known as the Octoberfest.
I had planned for a crew of between six and ten to take over but in the end it was down to Harry and myself. The flights were reasonably priced at £160 which would take us via Schippol Airport in Amsterdam. After boarding a train from Cupar to Edinburgh we waited outside Haymarket for a bus to the Airport. After paying the driver we sat back thinking so far so good. The journey seemed to be taking an age also we didn't recognise our surroundings and the Airport never seemed to be coming into focus. A little bit concerned we asked the driver if we were getting close to which he answered that we were already past it and now we had arrived in Kirkliston about 4 miles past the Airport. This was not a good start and with the weather very hot it was an unpleasent walk which took us well over an hour to reach our destination. We had plenty time though as i usually plan against any unexpected delay and after arriving covered in sweat we eventually boarded our plane to take us to Amsterdam.
The plane arrived in time and as we had a 4 hour wait till the flight to Munich we had a few Amstel beers which incidently is the official beer of the Champions League. Unfortunately this flight would be delayed but as a kiosk inside the departure lounge served alcohol this was no great problem. There was a mixure of nationalities waiting about for this flight to Munich and they all seemed to be heading for the Octoberfest. We had a drink with a group of Swedes who were great fun until we finally got underway where we arrived at Munich Airport about Midnight.
After checking out we hailed a taxi and give him directions to our hotel. When we arrived the owner although agreeing we had the correct reservation details said bafflingly that he had a phone call to state we weren't coming. This seemed incredulous and as he made a few phone calls to places nearby to fix us up with accommodation the penny dropped, he had thought we weren't coming and gave our room away. This was more evident when he paid for the taxi to take us to another hotel which we didn't have to pay for. Next morning we had to find our other hotel which i had booked for 3 nights. The plan was to take a tram or bus to this hotel which is situated in Underscheisen (northern Munich). After walking and asking people which public transport to use and where to go for it for about 2 hours to which one local nutter shouted loudly "ah this is Munchen Munchen Munchen" we just gave up and got a taxi. Once we checked in (and no problem here) the receptionist sold us a rail ticket and gave us simple instructions to get the train where the platform is only 2 minutes away to take us to the Ocktoberfest. This we did and although we were on the wrong side of the platform originally we corrected this and successfully reached our goal.
The Octoberfest is staggering in terms of size and people. The first day it attracted 1.9 million a fair size bigger than many major European Cities. The sheer scale of it is mind boggling and the locals take it very seriously. There are 14 tents and each tent has a capacity of around 9000 and a lot are completely packed out each day at noon. There is a massive fairground featuring hundreds of stalls serving typical German food including bratt wurst sausages and saurkraut to standard Brittish and American food. On the way into the festival there are many horse and carts that line the street with everyone in a period time Octoberfest costume creating a nostalic and magical type atmosphere. The first tent we frequented was the Hippodrome with a seated indoor capacity of 6500 and outside 2500. We arrived about 12 noon and as you cant get served without a seat we endeavoured to find one. Walking along the front with all seats seemingly taken a big mighty roar greeted us and looking around perplexed we wondered (what the hell is this!). It was not reserved for us though but for the band who were walking right towards us on the way to the main stage where they are treated like real heroes with everyone acclaiming their presence. Told unceremoniously to get out of the way to let their idols past we eventually found two seats at the back where we were served by a gorgeous fraulein who took our order. The waitresses in general there were stunning all dressesd up in sexy uniforms and with a eagerness to please unlike many back home with a lucklusture couldn't careless attitude. This whole experience was like a culture shock to us as we began drinking from the heavy one litre stein glasses. Our first beer was Spartenbrau which was okay but a bit fruity on the palate before we ventured out to another tent. We met some Canadians in the next one where we drank Lowenbrau and we all marvelled at the frauleins who all seemed to be able to carry ten full steins of beer to thirsty customers awaiting their order. We checked out another tent but by this time they were all jam packed now with large queues forming outside waiting for people to leave to get in. In the search for more drink we spotted a revolving bar that slowly moved round just like a merry go round where we consumed numerous schnappes. We then decided to have a go on some of the fairground rides which included the roller coaster where my hat fell off and the slowest big wheel i have ever witnessed before finally spotting seats in another tent where we duly sat down and ordered some beer which was Hacker Porche. Harry had bought earlier a souvenir which he named Dick his beer mascot and he brought it out onto the table we were sharing with some young freindly locals. We swapped stories and helped smoke the large cigar that was being passed round as well as having more to drink. At closing time both of us were worse for wear and as i made my way back from the toilet to our seats Harry had vanished into the night and as hard as i tried i had no success in finding him. For situations like this a mobile phone is a godsend amongst thousands of people unfortunately Harry's phone had no credit left and everytime i tried to ring it went on answer machine mode. I ended up at some pub with people i had spoken too then got a taxi back to hotel.
The next morning and still no sign of Harry with his phone still off. This was the Saturday and we had tickets for the Bayern Munich game at the Alliance Arena v Alemenia Aachen. I decided to catch the train to the entrance of the Octoberfest in a forlorn hope that Harry might be there but he wasn't so i asked people the public transport i needed to get to the game. Most people i spoke to had a very limited knowledge of English and i really struggled but managed to get there in the end by getting of a train to Marionplatz before using the underground to the stadium. I then received a phone call from a German taxi driver telling me he had Harry and he wanted to know the hotel we were staying at so he could take him there. Harry had been walking the streets all night with no idea of what our hotel was called or even the area it was situated in. In a state of panic as all his belongings were in the hotel including match ticket, passport etc and with his phone out of credit he tried the Police Station where they told him abruptly that this was no hotel. Eventually about noon next day after explaining his predicament to a taxi driver they went to a phone box (he tried earlier to use one but couldn't understand it) and dialled my mobile. After the taxi dropped him off Harry got his match ticket and it was to be another taxi to the stadium where i would eventually meet him at kick-off time 3.30pm.
The Alliance Areana is a newly built super Stadium built for the World Cup just past and what a glorious sight it beholds. The locals have dubbed it rubber dingy as it resembles a boat from afar. Been to many a great stadium over the years including the Amsterdam Arena, Old Trafford, Selhurst Park, Ibrox and the Millennium in Cardiff with this right up there with the best. The atmosphere was excellent where a near capacity crowd witnessed a 2-1 victory for the hosts despite losing the first goal with well taken goals from Pizero and Van Bommel. The visiting team and their supporters did themselves proud by playing attacking football and singing throughout the whole game. After the match we hoped on the underground that took us back to Marionplatz which seems to be the focal point of the city with towering ancient buildings, littered with bars, shops and festival activities. We spotted an international bank where we took this opportunity to use our bank cards to withdraw much needed Euros to our already dwindling supply. After the previous excesses of the night before none of us were really in the mood for serious drinking so we only had a couple of Furstenburg beers and walked round the Ocktoberfest site which i would say is ten times bigger than the Links Market before getting a train back to our hotel. Although we stood at the right platform heading back up north to our accommodation i soon realised after a while we were not on the right train. The train system can be confusing especially with everything in Gerrman (well to us at least) where the trains are on specific routes (S1 to S8). Once i understood it was no bother very much like the London underground so we had to vacate our train at the next platform and wait till the next one came in to take us back South before we were able to go North again but on the correct route which in this instance was S8.
On Sunday we were up early and headed down for the beer fest again. Just like the World Cup people of all nationalities come along for this truly spectacular festival in which the Germans are extremely proud and their kind hospitality to foreigners is exceptional. Although the Germans can be perceived as arrogant and abnoxious (this can be true towards the English or the Dutch) they made us feel very welcome to share in their magnificent party. After many steins later it was my turn to get lost and after trying to find Harry discovered he had taken a taxi back to the hotel. Not like me to do anything stupid but when i was approached by someone wanting to use my mobile i duly obliged then watched stunned as he sprinted away with it.
Next day we made our way to the Airport but as we were checking out our hotel we got billed for 52 Euros from our room bar which is extortionate considering we only drank 2 bottles of soft drinks each. I think they must have billed us for the contents of the whole fridge which is i guess is a salutary lesson for the future because if you take 1 drink then you might as well take the whole bloody lot as you will still be billed for it. Not at our most mentally alert with it being early and probably with a few less brain cells, destroyed by the over indulgence of alcohol over the previous 3 days we proceeded to be searched up at the departure lounge before we had even checked in to receive our boarding pass. We then got lost inside the airport and wandered aimlessly about to get back to the check in desk where we even stumbled into a prohibited access area. Still we got there in the end but after arriving back in Edinburgh our luggage seemed to be missing (signal the alarm bells). We then realised there were two conveyor belts with luggage going through and we were waiting for the stuff from Spain. With our luggage safely located we thought we would get the duty-free but alas we were too late and another of our plans was up in smoke. Then to make matters worse we couldn't find the exit and had to ask a rather bewildered member of staff who pointed us in the right direction. Back into the centre of Edinburgh i bought an updated version of my stolen phone where i could still keep the same number which seemed a bit strange but was assured by the salesman that it was fine. We then finished of the journey with the train back to Cupar to end our eventful but enjoyable (apart from losing the phone) trip to the Munich Beer Festival.

Partick Thistle Build Up

A young Dundee side lost 1-0 at McDiarmid Park last night, Owen Coyle scored the only goal with twenty minutes to go. It was a Forfarshire Cup Tie. Included in the Dundee side were Brian McGinty, Bryan Deasley and Ross Harris.
At Dens there was a Question and Answer session with George Knight,Dave McKinnon and Alex Rae which lasted two hours, it went well by reports on the Dundee FC website.

Ludovic Roy and Alex Rae has slight knocks, but should be fit for Saturday.

Dundee 1 Hamilton 1, Dens Park, 21/10/06

Dundee drew 1-1 with Hamilton at Dens on Saturday, Brian McGinty made his debut and will need a few games to get his match fitness up. Hamilton scored first after sloppy play in our midfield lead to a cross being headed on and McLeod headed past Ludovic Roy. Dundee should have scored when the ball fell to Paul Dixon, but somehow he hit bar from close range. Into the second half and we started very well and the ball will just not break. But after a Andy McLaren header was dropped by the Hamilton keeper Greg Strong scored his first goal from 6 yards. We then pushed forward for the winner, but Hamilton had a couple of chances and one of them Roy made a great save. Near the end and Andy McLaren shot home from 6 yards, but it hit a defender on the line and came back out. So in the end we had to settle for a draw.

Eagles Torn Apart..................

Cupar Eagles faced the league leaders Elevado with confidence at a low point after suffering defeat in the opening three matches of the season. Elevado threatened immediately and McGregor had push away a right foot volley onto the crossbar. It came as no surprise when Elevado opened the scoring soon afterwards and a second shortly followed. Marshall took three players out with a defence splitting pass to free Halley who tucked the ball home to put the Eagles back in it. Elevado upped the presure and scored another two goals before the break. Martin took over in goals in the second half but with a badly bruised knee restricting his movement an other couple of goals were quickly conceeded before Hood replaced him. Eagles kept on pushing forward but were caught out with two more well taken goals before the final whistle sounded.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 1 Elevado 8
Eagles line-up:
1. Roy McGregor
2. John Mullen
3. Tommy Marshall
4. Greg McLuckie
5. Craig Halley
6. Ally Syme
Subs:
7. Walter Martin
8. Harry Hood

Palace Adventure No 27

Three of us set off from Cupar to the hallowed turf of Selhurst Park. I made myself logistical manager as there were complex and precise timings involved to reach our destination and back. Harry and Dougie were my companions on the long road down covering a total of a thousand miles. It was an early start at 5am for the first leg of the journey where a Partick Thistle fan named Stuart would be waiting at my house to take us to the airport. Harry would be late in driving to my house blaming the fog and the mist from St Monans located in the East Neuk of Fife on his late arrival, leaving Dougie slightly anxious to our whereabouts as he diligently waited outside the now defunct Cupar Nightclub called Jordans. Anyway ten minutes later than planned we were off and arrived at Edinburgh Airport with plenty time to spare after booking in. This of course was the cue to get the first alcoholic beverage down our throats with the time at 0640. Our flight was in time and after a short free bus ride from Luton Airport to the railway station we boarded the Thameslink to East Croyden for our accommodation at Jurrys Inn. Harry and myself had planned the trip well in advance sorting our tickets, accomodationn and flights but Dougie had left it to the last few days costing double for the airfare and he still had a ticket to buy so we headed by taxi to Selhurst Park about 3 miles away. Plenty tickets were left and Harry and myself purchased a new Palace top, a matchday programme and i bought a Dougie Freedman mug. We were now ready for a few pre-match pints cue the Selhurst Arms. Inside we mingled with the locals and discussed our travel arrangments down to this mecca where the general response was surprise and bewilderment at such dedication to the Eagles cause whereupon we were rewarded with folk buying us pints. Our good friend Bob who we met at the Spread Eagle pub in Croyden after a home game v Wolves last season eventually turned up and after a another pint we were ready for the 10 min walk to the Stadium. Unfortunately we lost Dougie at this point and despite our best attempts to find him, we gave up and walked to the ground where we heard a lot of cheering. Yes we had missed a goal after 75 seconds and worse it was 1 nil to Cardiff. Upon finding our seats we sang along with the vociferous home crowd and rejoiced when Stuart Green raced past the Scottish Internationalist Goalkeeper Neil Alexander and slotted the ball home for the equaliser just before half-time. We used the the 15 minute interval to cure our craving thirst by consuming more alcohol.
In the second half the match could have went either way and with a draw looking likely our visitors took advantage of sloppy play and scored what proved to be the winner 6 mins from time. A bitter pill to swallow and as we left the ground to walk to a pub the mood amonst the Eagles faithful was one of gloom and despondency. We arrived at the Cherry Trees and as we discussed the whereabouts of Dougie the man himself appeared out of nowhere. Dougie then proceeded to tell us that he witnessed a mass brawl involving both sets of supporters as he left the ground featuring about 200 people. After the Cherry Trees we headed down the street to a pub called the Ship and again we lost Dougie. Harry by this stage was fairly inebriated and was starting to slur his words. He decided it was time to leave the premises to go to a shop as his cigarrete supply had plummeted down to the wire. After a long period of time he phoned my mobile trying to find his way back but it was very difficult to understand what he was saying as the alcohol had seeemingly destroyed a few of his brain cells. Twenty minutes later he re-learned the name of the pub he had been in and with guidence from the company i was in he found his way back to which a huge cheer greeted him on his re-emergence as well as another pint. Resembling a zombie from the movie Shaun of the dead he shuffled towards the bar area and that was the last time i saw him until he returned to the hotel at 6am. This was not quite going to plan, although i did not envisage a clockwork operation, now i had lost both my friends. It was a forlorn hope but i tried to retreive the situation by frequenting a few of the bars that we had passed on the way up hoping i would bump into Harry or Dougie. There was to be no joy and i eventually caught a bus to take me back to East Croyden where i then had a pint back at the hotel with no sign of my pals.
I was woken by Harry entering the hotel at 6am in a rather foul mood and it was then that i noticed Dougie had made it back too. Harry told us about his night, how he had walked for miles probably round in a circle, got nearly arrested, lost his mobile, matchday programme, baseball hat, packet of cigarettes and a lighter. Questioned by us how he had lost all these possessions he replied that he didn't have a scooby and sat and slept on a chair from 0620 to 1000. Dougie and myself enjoyed the full English breakfast but Harry was not in the mood.
On the return journey we were a bit fortunate to make our return flight. We checked in with loads of time but after spending too long a period at the bar we left it very tight to be searched as a long queue had developed and we had only about 20 minutes left before the flight took off. This was to prove academic as the plane was subliquently delayed and our fears were thus nullified.
We made it back to Cupar at about 8.30pm where Oggy met us from the railway station platform. Tired and dishevelled Harry decided to head straight back to St Monans and Dougie was partied out as well as he too headed home. As i was of work Monday i had one or two pints in the Imperial then the walker before calling it a night reflecting on another Palace adventure where things certainly do not go according to plan.

Hamilton Buildup...........................

Dundee today signed St Mirren striker Brian McGinty on loan until January. McGinty will be in the squad for the visit of Hamilton Academical to Dens on Saturday. The six foot one inch tall, 29 year old, scored 16 league goals in 90 starts for the Paisley club. And Kevin McDonald will be fit to play.

Should be a good open game as both teams look to put the pressure on the league leaders.

Ross County 1 Dundee 0, 14/October/06

I stayed at Dave Cooper's on Friday night for the early start for the trip up to Dingwall, up at 06:30 got ready and left at 07:05 to walk down to Doc Stewarts. The Doc Azzurri's bus is leaving at 07:30. My mate Dougie Laing did not make it sleeping in. So I was glad Karen and Susan are on the bus.
We left just after half seven and the plan is to stop at Newton Stewart for breakfast, in which was really good bacon and egg roll was just what we needed. Next stop was Conan Bridge getting there at 12:00 just in time to watch Celtic beat Dundee United 4-1. The pub is called The Duck and they put on food which is first class, plus the weather is also very nice.
We leave for Dingwall at 14:30 and it's only 3 miles away. We have to buy a ticket for the game from a portacabin. At least the £12 is good value.
On to the game now and we struggle for the whole first half and we are lucky just to be only 1 nil down. We are a wee bit better in the second half, but the ball won't break for us and the games runs away from us.
I also met Alex Benvie at the game and it's the first time I've seen him in a few years. Alex used to have the programme shop at Dens in the 1980's.
We leave and the journey is quite quick and we stop off at Dunkeld for one hour for a drink and something out of the chip shop. We get back to Dundee just after 9pm. It's been a good day out, only the result was the only downpoint.

Eagles Slump to Defeat

Eagles started brightly and almost took the lead when Halley found Mcluckie in space down the left wing and after weaving past two defenders his shot was tipped over for a corner. Marshall was only inches away after powering down a header from the resultant corner. Eagles were to pay for that miss as the Masters went ahead from a ball over the top of the Eagles defence that was cooly despatched past Hood.
As the Eagles chased the game in the second half gaps started to appear in defence and another goal was lost. Halley and Mcluckie were combining well in the middle of the park and it was the latter who opened his Eagles scoring account when he volleyed home a spectacular effort to give the Eagles hope. Immediately the Masters went back up the field to score to make it 3-1 and two minutes later Hood was beaten again. Bauchope found the net after a good interchanging move involving Marshall and Halley. Another mistake in defence led to a fifth goal being conceded and then the roof started to fall in as another three goals were shipped before Martin restored a bit of pride rifling in a right foot shot that gave the keeper no chance.


Final score: Cupar Eagles 3 Drunken Masters 8
Team line up:
Harry Hood
Ally Syme
John Mullen
Craig Halley
Gregg Mcluckie
Andrew Bauchope
Subs
Tommy Marshall
Colin Clive
Walter Martin

Warning Eagles Trip Coming Up!

Just to let let you all know that Tommy,Harry and Dougie are heading for London to watch the home game against Cardiff City this Saturday.

Watch this space for more mayhem!

Above: Tommy,Harry and Ian last season on one of their famous trips down South!

Young Scot's Win

Kevin McDonald fired Scotland into the elite group stage of the UEFA European Under 19 Championship at the Falkirk Stadium this afternoon, the Dens kid striking twice early in the second half to break the deadlock after a dour first period. Playing as a second striker alongside David Goodwillie Kevin was perfectly placed twice to net from close range and ensure qualification as Germany beat Bosnia in the afternoon's other group match.
The match eventually finished 4-0 with the scoring being completed with goals from Hibs Darren McCormack and Rangers' Steven Lennon. Keeper Scott Murray had to make do with a place on the bench, but given the commanding performances in both group games of Motherwell's Alan Martin that's understandable. Now the Scots head into the massive challenge of Germany on Tuesday evening with the comfort of knowing that they are already through to the next stage of the tournament.

Airdrie and St.Johnstone

I missed the Airdrie game due to Calum's stag weekend in Cork, but the 1 nil victory was a great result for the club. If you did not know Derek Lyle scored the winner from the penalty spot after Gavin Swankie was fouled in the box.
Last Saturday we drew 1-1 with St.Johnstone at Dens we started the game very well, but Derek Lyle got sent off after the linesman flagged, it seemed a bit harsh. Perth saints scored midway through the half and it looked that we would struggle. But the fighting qualities that the club has just now pulled us through. In the second half we took the game to our hosts and it was no surprise when after good play by Gavin Swankie, who passed to Andy McLaren who shot home. A good draw for us and great performances from Andy McLaren and Paul Dixon.
Dundee have Cameroon striker Issac Mopi on trial this week, Alex Rae has said he has done well and will play in a bounce game next week. Ross Harris should be fit for the trip to Dingwall a week on Saturday, it's a bonus as many thought he had broken his leg on Saturday.

Eagles Lose

Cupar Eagles opened their new league campaign with a defeat going down by four goals to one against Tetley Tea Bags. Eagles secured the services of youngster Greig Mclucky in the close season and after impressing the management team in training sessions he gained a starting position.
Eagles started brightly and in confident mood but were stunned when against the run of play Tetley Tea Bags scored to take a rather undeserved lead. Player of the previous season Halley levelled the match with a crisp and composed finish after being put through by Mclucky. Lack of discipline during the second half in the Eagles defence, with failure to properly man mark, was to prove costly, as three goals were quickly conceded. The game finally petered out much to the disappointment in the Eagles camp after a confident and inspired start.

Final score: Cupar Eagles 1 Tetley Tea Bags 4
Team line up:
Harry Hood
Ally Syme
Tommy Marshall
Craig Halley
Greig Mclucky
Andrew Bauchope
Subs
Colin Clive
Walter Martin

Cupar Eagles Escape the Drop

Cupar Eagles lined up in their last game of the season against Monkeys in the knowledge that they had to take a point to avoid relegation.
Eagles made a nervous start and individual errors nearly cost the team an early goal. However this pressure was weathered and an excellent through ball by Halley set Martin clear on goal and he made no mistake to fire the Eagles ahead to the delight of the Eagles support, who came out in numbers for this crucial encounter. Monkeys though, raised their game and an equaliser was conceded despite the heroic efforts from Hood, who was recalled back in goal. Halley put the Cupar side back in front before the break with a composed finish after a defence splitting pass from Marshall. Clive came close in the second half and Marshall nearly found the net as the Eagles set about finishing the game. Monkeys though were not giving up and after numerous chances, Hood was eventually beaten after slack play in the Cupar defence. Dramatic last gasp defending by the Eagles kept the dream of the escape alive and when the final whistle blew an outpouring of emotional relief was apparent in the Cupar Eagles camp. There was ecstatic scenes of celebrations at the end, in the realisation "We have done it!". We had acheived the near impossible, taking 8 points in the last 6 games, after taking nothing from the first 8 games.
1. Harry Hood
2. Dave Mailings
3. Colin Clive
4. Tommy Marshall
5. Walter Martin
6. Andrew Beuchope

Eagles Slump to Defeat

Billy another match report in our battle against relegation.
Cupar Eagles were in buoyant mood approaching their match v Anthropos with an unprecidented two wins on the spin following back to back wins in the league in our resilient battle to avoid relegation.
Out was Syme due to work commitments but Hood returned to the subs bench from his self imposed break. It was a tentative start from both teams but Eagles made the breakthrough from Halley who charged into the box before unleashing a shot low into the left hand bottom corner. The lead however was short lived as the visitors capitalised on poor defending to level the match before racing into a 2-1 scoreline at half-time.
Eagles pushed forward into the second half and were nearly awarded when Bauchope hit the upright of the bar. With gaps now appearing at the back the Cupar side were then picked off, soon it was 3 and then 4-1. With their never say die attitude the Eagles fought back with Halley finding the top corner after interlinking play from Marshall. Another Halley strike followed after Bauchope put him through on goal where the ball was confidently despatched over the keeper. Time ran out unfortunately and the points were lost. With one remaining fixure the relegation issue goes straight to the wire.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 3 Anthropos 4
Cupar Eagles line-up
1. Roy McGregor
2. John Mullen
3. Walter Martin
4. Tommy Marshall
5. Andrew Bauchope
6. Craig Halley
Subs
7. Colin Clive
8. Harry Hood

Gretna Build Up

Can't wait until Saturday, so that we can gain revenge for that awful Scottish Cup Semi-Final performance on 1st of April. It's pay back time most people will think we have no chance, but we will bust coupons this week.
I even finish work on Saturday at 06:30, so it's no sleep for me as the bus leaves Dundee at 10:00..........so bring it on.

Cupar Eagles Win Again!

Yes Billy the Cupar Eagles have won once again back to back triumphs. I have e-mailed the Herald again with another match report and this is it below: I got your attachment from the dee Utd game. Utd are a changed team with more belief now much similar to the Cupar Eagles in that respect.
Hello Graeme
I have another match report for the Cupar Eagles 6 a-side football team.

Fresh from our success last week the Cupar Eagles lined-up in confident mood against Splorintina. This match had been built as a relegation dogfight (a real 6 pointer)with the 2 clubs occupying the bottom positions in the league. Back in came McGregor who was absent last week through injury who took over from Martin in goals.
After 7 mins Eagles take the lead with a fine passing manoeuvre which results in Halley slotting the ball home from a tight angle. Back came the visitors though with a quick fire double to stun the Eagles to which we entered the interval a goal down.
Half-Time: Eagles 1 Splorintina 2
Heads were slightly down at the break but we had the belief and the hunger that we could come back and take something tangible from this encounter. Bauchope fired home midway through the second half and then a spectacular goal from Marshall on the half volley after fine work from Syme had the Eagles ahead. However slackness in defence resulted in the visitors equalising for a second time and with time running out a draw seemed inevitable especially when Martin and Bauchope contrived to hit the woodwork from excellent positions in the dying minutes. Man of the match last week Halley had other ideas and with a fine interchanging move involving 4 players our academy starlet's crisp finish from the edge of the box sealed another memorable victory and another 3 points moving us to joint second bottom in our pursuit of avoiding relegation.


This was the triumphant Cupar Eagles line-up for Monday, Sep 4
1. Roy McGregor
2. Ally Syme
3. John Mullen
4. Tommy Marshall
5. Andrew Bauchope
6. Craig Halley
Subs:
7. Walter Martin
8. Colin Clive

This is access to the Cupar Eagles Website:
http://palacescotland.tripod.com/id2.html

This is to the University of St Andrews result and league table service:
http://www.fixs.co.uk/view/compview.asp?DivisionID=5468

Final Result: Cupar Eagles 4 Splorintina 3
Goalscorers: Halley 2, Marshall 1, Bauchope 1
Man of the match award: McGregor

Next match: Away to Anthropes
Venue: University of St Andrews, Sports Centre
Date/Time: Monday,Sep 11, 1800 Hours
All support welcome

Perugia 2003

I left Cupar on the Sunday afternoon to stay at Mike's, Dougie Laing picked me up. The Donnas were supposed to play but the tour was cancelled. So we just had a few drinks round the pubs in Broxburn. On the Monday I got my hair cut and final shopping done before we leave for Italy early morning, there is 13 of us going in total. Morning arrives and Andy and Gordan pick us up to take us to the Airport, Karen, Nathan, Susan, Natasha, Colin, Alan and Damian all arrive about the same time and we all get checked in for the 06:30 flight to Stanstead. A quick flight down and we arrive on time, we have 4 hours to wait before the Rome flight. So we get checked in and went for a look about the airport, loads of Dundee fans are milling around and there seems to be a few Newcastle Und fans in the bars. John arrived from Spain so it's off to the departure lounge now and a few bottles of beer before the flight, which leaves at 12:30. Time goes quick and before we know it we are stepping onto the Ryanair plane heading for Rome, a very quick flight and we touch down on time. We are getting picked up to take us down to Perugia; it will take 3 to 4 hours. We set off and it's a long enough journey, we stopped once for a break and we arrive at our Hotel The Sangallo Palace, it looks very nice and has a swimming pool and is very central.
We all get checked in and after getting freshened up we head for the city square. I can't believe the escalators up through caves and finally getting to the top, it looks a very medieval city and we reach the Fountain, where there is a few bars. We head for the Shamrock where the place is jumping with Dundee fans, a few pints in there and we go to the next bar where l meet Billy Finnegan who is here for 6 nights and some of the Edinburgh lads. The bars runs out of beer and have to get more delivered, the locals are very friendly and everybody is in high sprits, then some thugs start throwing bottles about, it turned out it was some Leicester fans looking for trouble, we just head back to our Hotel it's around 1am.Next morning I realise it's not my adidas bag, l remember Phil Kirk at Rome airport with the same kind of bag. Tonight's ref and linesmen are staying at our hotel and Karen and Susan tried their best to bribe them, after breakfast we head off to get Perugia top ect and after about 2 hours shopping we head for the Shamrock for something to eat and a dinner time pint. Great news for myself when Phil Kirk came in and it turns out he's got my bag, the only problem is his hotel is outside Perugia. So we get a taxi to swap over bags, we pass the ground on the way. It's quickly done and it's back to the square for a few more pints before we head for the game. There are now about 2,000 fans in Perugia and the place is buzzing with even Ravanelli out to meet the fans.
It's time to head for the game now, so it's down to the bus station to get transport: the council are laying on the buses. There are loads of Dundee fans and some will struggle to get out,as it's very busy. We are now all singing and hoping Dundee can get a result tonight, we manage to get on maybe the tenth bus so off to the Renato Curi Stadio we go. It takes around 10 minutes, we quickly get into the ground and most of the Dundee fans are in already,the Perugia fans are very noisy and colourful, the toilets are just a hole in the ground. The players come out to warmup and it's not long now to kick-off.
Dundee start the game very poorly, with Caballero back hopes of a good start.But it did not happen, Perugia started to come into the game and missed a sitter after a mistake from Lee Wilkie, but thankfully Ze Maria put his effort over the bar. Dundee's best chance came just before half time when nacho Novo put his shot wide of the post. Then Perugia miss the best chance of the game so far, the ball falls to the back post and Margiotta seemed certain to score but Spearoni makes a great save. At least we are still in the tie but have to force our way back in, as Perugia's four midfielders are over running us.
Into the second half now and some good play by Gavin Rae put's Novo through with a half chance but the keeper makes a good save. Then the move of the game Caballero to Sara then on to Rae who has just the keeper to beat, but alas the keeper saves. Then in the next move Sara goes down in the box, shouts for a penalty are in vain. A minute later all hell breaks loose after a reckless tackle from Sara has the keeper losing the plot and all of a sudden 15 players are jostling at each other. Dundee send on Carranza and Duncan McLean in a last bid to save the tie.But minute's later Perugia score with a quick break away, Spearoni saves but the ball breaks to Margiotta who knocks it into the empty net despite Lee Wilkie's effort on the line. The time goes quickly now and as the final whistle goes the big Dundee support clapped Perugia off the park. We can be proud of our efforts, but Perugia just proved too strong over the two ties.
Back to the Hotel after the game, as the bars are shut at 11pm because of the trouble last night. an early night was the best idea as we head back to Rome after breakfast. I feel a we bit hungover and the bus journey was a nightmare, with one stop and some Dundee fans were taken out to the airport. Back to Rome we finally arrive at our hotel at 14:20.
After getting booked in and a much needed shower we hit the bar outside. After a few bottles of Peroni Dougie,Gordan and myself went out to see the Colosseum, which is very impressive. Back by the underground train into the centre we got something to eat before landing into a Cuban Bar a bit dodgy to say the least! Later on we meet up with the rest of the party Colin, Andy and John had not even left the street. They caused a riot (friendly) in a Polish bar. Mike,Karen, Susan and Natasha went out to see the Trevi Fountain, which we did not have time to see. After a few more beers it was time to hit our beds, as we leave for home in the morning. After breakfast it's time to get packed up and head for the Ryanair bus to take us out to the Airport for the flight to Stanstead. Time to do some duty free shopping and before we know it we are at Stanstead. We all go for something to eat and a few beers and it's time for the Easyjet flight, it's running late but we get back into Edinburgh at 6pm.
We all say our goodbyes Gordan gives me a lift back to Dundee via Perth. After a quick pint in the rail bar I get the 20:30 train back to Cupar. Very tired it's been a long day, a very enjoyable trip. Bring on the next one.

Cupar Eagles Are Back...........

Cupar Eagles victorious
The waiting is finally over
Yes Cupar Eagles finally got that first win of the season in spectacular fashion. Cabana Utd were the opponnents and turned up with a vociferous backing from their own support behind the goals. They looked assured and quietly confident within themselves before kick-off thinking the Eagles would give a bit of stubborn resistence but the realisation being they would turn us over with a bit to spare given our rather paltry points total.
This is the Cupar Eagles line-up that faced Cabana Utd Monday August 28
1. Walter the Fridge
2. Ally the Rock
3. John the Captain
4. Tommy the Powerhouse
5. Andrew the Wippet
6. Craig Scholsey
Subs:
7. Harry the Cat
8. Colin Oggy
On the face of things this line-up didn't look particularly strong. Our new signings the McGregors were absent through injury but we were bolstered by the return of the Rock in Ally Syme. After a tactical and motivational speech from myself and John (the management team) we were ready.
5 mins in the game Scholsey scores to put the Eagles 1 up after a delightful through ball from Capatain John. Another great start but we tend to score first these days and then be soundly beaten by the finish.
7 mins and Cabana equalise the Rock dithered in defence and although the Fridge tried valiently to rescue the situation we paid the price 1-1
12 mins Eagles back in front this time an exquisite finish from out top marksman Scholsey his 6th this season
15 mins Another equaliser sloppy defending to blame
17 mins Eagles restore their advantage with another well taken goal from Scholsey
Half-time: Cabana 2 Eagles 3
Into the second half and with the talk at half time about defending tightly it fell on deaf ears as the Rock was caught out again and its back to square 1 at 3 a piece
27 mins A magnificent counter attacking move leads to us having the lead once again at 4-3 Scholsey finishes of a move that even the mighty Palace would be proud of.
33 mins and its back in the balance Cabana take advantage of tired legs to level it for the fourth time.
As we moved to the close of the match and with tiredness now playing a part. We could have brought fresh legs on with Oggy and the Cat eagerly awaiting their introduction but I decided to leave it be in the belief that it would disrupt our rhythm. This was to prove the masterstroke as with our 6 players performing at unprecedented levels in their Cupar Eagles career with possibly the Rock being the week link in the chain we finished of with with a glorious winner (Scholsey again) with only a minute to go. With perfection last ditch tackles by myself to deny 2 goal scoring opportunities we hung on as full time whistle went amidst ecstatic scenes of celebration in the realisation that we had done it. After a long journey with morale sometimes at a alarmingly low ebb this made it all worthwhile. The Cupar Eagles had conquered their Everest. With 5 goals man of the match without question was given to Scholsey who was given a perfect 10 by two of his team mates for the award within our post match analysis.
Final Score: Cabana Utd 4 Cupar Eagles 5
Goalscorers: Scholsey 5
Now bring on the Splorintina next Monday!
The Cupar Eagles are back!

Snow Patrol and Dundee

Reports will follow soon.

Snow Patrol and Cupar Eagles Lose...............

Going to see Snow Patrol in Edinburgh tomorrow, support comes from The Kooks and The Hazey Janes who are from Dundee. Should be a good day out as part of the Fringe. I will report later how is went.
The Cupar Eagles lost 8-1 on Monday, I will be back on Monday night to add pressure on manager Tommy Marshall's team selection!

Yes they are Totally Bonkers......................

Tommy and Harry star in Palace Adventure No 26

Having never been to St Andrews before and i mean the home of Birmingham City football stadium not the golf town in Fife, myself and Harry decided we would embark on another Palace supporting venture to the home of the promotion favourites. The plan was simple get train down to the midlands watch the footy and then return back to Cupar the same night. Unfortunately my voyages mostly do not go according to plan and inevitably we end up lost or lose each other and basically something untoward generally happens.

Saturday morning i was up with the larks at 0615 whereupon i then left my house at 0630 to collect the former Cupar Eagles number 1 goalkeeper the Harry "The Cat" Hood at his house 4 miles away arriving at the pre-arranged time of 0645. Harry though forgot to get up and getting a little anxious i tooted the car horn a few times to try to wake him. This did the trick but i think i woke up most of the Polish students in the caravans next door. Anyway after a bit of a delay we set of back to Cupar. After leaving the car back at the house we set of to the railway station arriving 0720 for the 0730 train to Edinburgh. The train was late (typical Brittish Rail) not getting there till 0752 and it was looking like touch and go whether we would get the connection for B/ham at 0856. We did however make it and upon arriving Harry walked straight out of the station past the barrier guards thinking this was the way to the correct platform for our next train. Once outside in the fresh air he realised this was the wrong route and he cursed me for following him out (I thought he wanted to buy a paper or something) and the guards looked a bit baffled when we immediately came back in. We made our connection though by a few minutes and we congratulated ourselves as our travel plans (although not quite running to clockwork) where sufficiently good enough for the first leg of our journey. Sitting back in the safe knowledge we would make the game (although we didn't have the match tickets as they never arrived by post but that was okay as i would pick them up at the box office later) we started on our carry out which consisted of 2 cans of San Miguel and 2 cans of Holsten Pills each.
The train arrived on time at 1300 found a taxi to take us to the ground and collected the match tickets from the box office without a hitch. After consuming 2 or 3 pints within the stadium and soaking in the pre-match atmosphere we were ready for the main event the Blues v the Eagles.
Palace started the better team and soon had B/ham on the ropes and after splendid interchanging moves involving Kennedy and McAnuff the later scored although it took a slight deflection but the Palace contingent went mental. 1 up inside 11 mins what a start but the Blues started to get their act together and soon equalised and it finished 1-1 at the interval. Another pint was in order.
In the 2nd half it was pretty even chances at both ends but just when we thought we had earned a point a last gasp winner was scored by B/ham who replaced us at the top of the league (what a absolute sickner).
As we shuffled out the ground in a rather despondent mood on the way back to railway station (our train was leaving at 1800) we kept our eyes on a off license to take back on the train which hopefully would ease our suffering and lighten our moods. Unfortunately we couldn't spot one and proceeded to get lost. By the time we found the station we had missed the train and were thus stranded in B/ham. In situations like this i try not to panic and thought the best way to handle this is to get inside a pub wherupon we could gather our thoughts and plan a new strategy. After a few pints we had the answer get back to the station and jump on a train heading towards Scotland. This we did at about 2300 but after half an hour we came to the end of the line in a place called Redditch. We tried to sample a few of their local hostelries but disappointingly our alcohol levels were considered to high and the bar staff refused to serve us. Stuck in this backwater place and with no accommodation we tried to sleep on the bench outside the station. Using a pizza box which i had eaten earlier (not the box but the contents) as a pillow (sometimes you have to improvise) i attempted to get some much needed sleep. After a hour or so we got restless and proceeded to walk the streets to fill in the boredom unfortunately we got lost again and had to ask a policeman for the directions back to the station with the time about 0300. A very tedious night was had and when we realised we had to go back to B/ham in the morning to then get the train back home our moods were not exactly happy. Eventually morning came and at 0930 we got train back to B/ham then a little waiting for the Newcastle train where we would get off at York before continuing back to Edinburgh. Things did start to go better we never paid anymore for the journey (well except £3.70 from Redditch) and we eventually arrived back in Cupar just before 1800. Tired and rough Harry decided he had enough and ordered a taxi so he could get back for his dog. I had a few pints in the Imperial telling stories about our eventful journey to Nick (Ipswich fan) and Ian Rollo who is into bees before a pint in Shelleys where we witnissed a talking parrot (couldn't get it to say Eagles though). I then finished off with a visit to the Parsonage where Billy (the sad Dundee supporter) and Stevie Coll (supports the sheep shaggers) listened intently to my Palace adventure.

Next game i am attending is Cardiff at Selhurst Oct 14 with Harry.
Tommy the Eagle

Dundee 3 Clyde 0, 20/August/06

Dundee beat Hamilton 3-0 on Sunday at Dens Park, Ross Harris scored the first with a 25 yards drive, the second came from the penalty spot after new striker Derek Lyle was tripped in the box, Lyle netted from the spot, the third just after half-time when a great turn and finish from Gavin Swankie.
We should have scored a few more, but could have lost a couple of goals, overall a good performance and lets hope we can keep it up in the coming weeks.New signings Derek Lyle and Callum Reidford both done well and Ross Harris was alot better in the middle of the park. My man of the match was Gavin Swankie who could have had a hat-trick.

Cupar Eagles Draw.......

Cupar Eagles drew 3-3 with Monkey B Team at St.Andrews on Monday night, goal scorers were Craig Halley, Andy Bauchope and super sub and Manager Tommy Marshall.

Hamilton 1 Dundee 0, 12/August/06

Left Cupar by train at 09:52 and had to stand all the way to Edinburgh, good value at £19.50 return. Changed trains at Haymarket for Glasgow, then train to Hamilton West arriving at 12:30, had a few pints in the Bay Horse which was very busy for last year's Scottish Cup Tie, but not this time. After that made my way up to the Hamilton social club and met Dave MacKay and his son Stuart at the car park had a quick chat, then headed for the club, first people l seen were Arnie and the two Billy's from Inverness. So l got myself a drink and joined their company. A few well known Dundee fans were in as well.
To the game and we struggled to get going, Calum McDonald was getting a hardtime from their tricky winger, and Hamilton missed a few chances. We missed two good chances as well both falling to Bryan Deasley who missed them maybe on another day they go in. Alex Rae hit the post as well. Halftime and the Accies groundsman waters the touch line, they done it before the game as well. Hamilton took the lead when a good cross was headed home, trialist keeper Chad Harpor got a hand on it but failed to keep it out. We then take Gavin Swankie off for the french trialist, when maybe Deasley needs a rest. Anyway the game fades away and another three points are gone.
I got a lift home to Cupar from Dave MacKay and the excitement of the game must have been too much for young Stuart who fell asleep!