Testing times for Annan
Each time I log on to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ website I often see the advertisement for Gavin Strachan's blog and I clicked on it this week to read how amazed he was at the talent on show at the Emirates at the weekend.
I was about to organise my things for tonight's trip to East Stirling when I flicked the TV channels over and realised the Arsenal-Wigan game was live.
At that point I wondered if Gavin was watching the same game because I'm sure he would have been equally impressed at the way Arsenal comfortably defeated a very experienced Premier League side.
As I looked up at the TV screen, in between ironing my club tracksuit, I couldn't believe that some of these players were as young as 16 years old.
If, for some reason, you didn't know any Arsenal players, you would have thought you were watching the first team - they were that good!
They had an average age of 19 and I was amazed at their technical ability, movement and how comfortable they were in possession of the ball.
It was also great to see players like Fabregas and Adebayor up on their feet supporting the young team.
I had a wee chuckle to myself at the thought of Harry (Cairney) calling Mr Wenger to set up possible loan deals - what, surely they can spare one or two?
We have two players back in the picture for the East Stirlingshire game in Mike Jack and Kevin Neilson and I would fully expect them both to come right back in to the starting 11.
Unfortunately, Jack might be replacing Jardine.
I've already said I've been disappointed with my overall performances this season and that, combined with the fact I am missing the Elgin game next Saturday, could mean I am set for a spell on the sidelines.
If it happens, I'll bounce back, though. Ryan McGuffie told me so yesterday afternoon so it must be true!
We were angry and disappointed to lose another three points on Saturday and we are facing a really big 10 days, with three games in that time.
As I've said, it's away to East Stirlingshire tonight and I hope you'll agree that the performances in the last two league matches have at least improved.
Against both Cowdenbeath and Montrose we felt a little hard done by and with a little bit of luck might have picked up at least a point from each of those games.
The table doesn't lie though and we are three points off the bottom of the league because we deserve to be.
Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying the column and remember I'll have the Amsterdam version in a couple of weeks, so fingers crossed I'll have some good stories for you by then!
No pressure, eh?
Hi there, I'm Chris Jardine, midfielder with Scottish Third Division side Annan Athletic. I hope, throughout the season, I can give you a good insight into life at the newest Scottish League club and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
Comment number 1.
At 12th Nov 2008, wigtaz wrote:Good column Jards honest as ever pal. Don't worry about sitting on that bench pal i had some of my best games from there never let ma head go down either and thats with Andy Cooke playing infront of me hahah only joking.
Are you having a testimonial this year? If so i will be expecting a place on the bench for that game.
All the best pal
The Wigster
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Comment number 2.
At 13th Nov 2008, Everholmone wrote:Great article as always Jardie. Good to see Lee back after injury and as predicted has made a difference to the midfield - here's hoping he scores regularly.
Still lacking something up front although with a bit of luck confidence will grow.
No doubt fans were getting carried away with the good start and we need to be realistic of what we can expect to achieve this year with calls for Harry's head pathetic to say the least.
That said losing some fans after the honeymoon at least lets us all see who are committed to the team and who are simply here to support a winning team.
The players need to concentrate on one game at a time and the fans should be supporting them no matter what.
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Comment number 3.
At 14th Nov 2008, GretnaPat wrote:Good luck for Saturday's trip to Coatbridge. Surely you've got to start picking up points sometime soon?
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Comment number 4.
At 14th Nov 2008, Leo oh oh wrote:"Good luck for Saturday's trip to Coatbridge."
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Aye, I hope the changing room doors have locks on them!
Along with Gavin Strachan's blog yours is the only one I read regularly Chris. It's great to have such an insight into the lower leagues, especially up here in Scotland.
Shame you lost again on Wednesday but at least you kept your place in the team.
A quick question; what does the home & away single player sponsorship entail? Extra advertisements on the strips? Added work for the player?
Good luck for tomorrow!
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Comment number 5.
At 18th Nov 2008, Chris Jardine wrote:Thanks for the comments again everyone - they are much appreciated!
In response to Leo oh oh - the sponsorships for players are obviously a way of getting extra funds for the club. The company pays a certain amount and in return they get advertising in the match day programmes as well as the website. They also receive a signed strip at the end of the season.
The players would also be obliged to make a public appearance at any functions the sponsors requested.
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