Weary legs at Annan Athletic
Our play-off dreams were ended on Saturday with .
We all had a good chat after the game and there was nothing but disappointment in that away dressing room.
I think all of us would hold our hands up and say that our and Saturday was no different.
We are a fairly fit team and I wouldn't say that was our problem, but over the last few games I think the players have certainly looked tired.
In my opinion we are now seeing how much more demanding the Third Division is compared to the East of Scotland.
Performances and work rate need to be at the maximum level in every game; this wasn't always the case in the EOS.
I read recently that were using the facilities at Cameron House for a bit of relaxation during the title run-in.
I'm not sure about other teams but we have kept our training at the same level since the start of the season.
We have a hard night every Tuesday and a short and sharp session on a Thursday. Some of the boys, including myself, have been playing on a Wednesday night also.
This may not sound a lot but when you're playing at the level we are there is only a certain level of fitness you can reach.
I think we all expected the intensity of the training to have dropped by now but the manager obviously thought this approach would be of benefit to us all.
After our chat on Saturday this may be something that is looked at for next season. The head tennis was certainly a welcome release last night.
Our final league fixture sees us come up against the best team in the league this weekend.
Dumbarton will be presented with the league trophy after a thrilling end to the season.
It's never nice seeing teams celebrate on your own patch but I for one will be applauding them as I think they are a fantastic side and thoroughly deserve the title and the promotion that comes with it.
If they can keep the majority of their team together next season then they will more than hold their own in Division Two.
Our aim is now to finish as high as possible and we hope to spoil Dumbarton's party on Saturday. We have now dropped to sixth in the table and by Saturday tea-time we want that to be fifth.
The league table never lies and you finish where you deserve but it would be a real disappointment for us now if we finished as low as seventh.
The pressure is now off and we really should be able to go out and enjoy ourselves. It's set up very nicely for us to finish the season on a real high and give the supporters a performance to thank them for their support this season.
My wishes came true on Sunday when with only minutes to spare.
I spoke to after the game and he was as high as a kite. It looks like Barry has came back from injury just at the right time and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him that he plays his part in helping his side into the Premiership in his first season in England.
I can't help but feel sorry for Cardiff, though, and their supporters must be wondering if they will ever make the big league after the late collapse.
I've been overdue a testimonial for a couple of seasons now and if I'm still at the club next year it's my aim to get a big club to Annan.
After hearing Sir Alex Ferguson's comments last week I've finally settled on Manchester United.
and how there should be certain regulations put in place regarding space.
How I would love to see his face and those of the superstars from Old Trafford as they try to cram themselves into the tiny facilities at Galabank!
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 6th May 2009, Rabster wrote:To be fair Chris, I think Annan have done well to get so close to a play-off place but I understand your disappointment.
It could be that next season will be a bigger challenge, the so-called "second season syndrome." I would be interested to know how the community of Annan has responded to your promotion from the EoSL to the SFL.
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Comment number 2.
At 6th May 2009, Howler010 wrote:"Performances and work rate need to be at the maximum level in every game; this wasn't always the case in the EOS."
As someone who played in the East of Scotland the same year as yourself before Annan were somehow put into the 3rd division don't you think this comment is not entirely accurate seeing as your team managed to finish in a mighty 7th position that year?
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Comment number 3.
At 6th May 2009, Boshorange wrote:Chris.
No doubt intensive training throughout the season has an effect on you, mentally if not physically. Ive been playing four times a week, one of them 6-a-side games, as well as being put through paces at the gym and the swimming pool. I dont doubt ive benefited from it, but im glad the end of season is here and can have a break.
Also, if you arent doing this blog next season, good luck! this has been a really interesting blog to read, especially compared to some of the garbage on here. I now keep an eye out for Annans fortunes on saturdays!
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Comment number 4.
At 7th May 2009, ApacheArmy wrote:Chris,
I think every fan of the Third Division fully expected Annan to finish last this season, even though it became evident very early on that wouldn't happen it is still a massive achievement for the club & puts them on a good platform for next year.
Dumbarton fans were hoping we'd be heading down there on Saturday for a double party, us winning the league & you getting a playoff place but hopefully your fans will still turn out, we're bringing 6 bus loads down (in t-shirts & shades regardless of the weather) to celebrate our first trophy in 17 years. Our last two results (4-0 v Forfar, 6-0 v Elgin) have been impressive but we expect a much tougher game because of the reputation of the team as fighters & the pitch
Last week we broke the all-time record for minutes without conceeding (which now stands at 680 minutes) & I'm sure our team want to keep that going & our manager has come out and said he wont accept anything but a win.
So here's hoping the Annan fans & players enjoy the occasion & party with us & hopefully give you a little taster of what you'll be getting next year :-)
See ye Saturday!
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Comment number 5.
At 7th May 2009, Chris Jardine wrote:Rabster - i think when we look back we will realise what a great first season we have had and that we have exceeded all expectations. At the moment it's disappointment. As for the community, they have been great. I haven't looked at the stats for the season but we can't be far away from having the best attendances in the division - if not the best.
Howler010 - I was fully expecting this comment after what I said regarding the EOS. We did have a poor finish in our last season in the EOS league. What I was trying to say was that the quality of opposition means you have to be at your best in every single game for 90 minutes. Although we were poor last season, there were still games when you could win a game without playing at the same tempo as we are having to do now.
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Comment number 6.
At 7th May 2009, Chris Jardine wrote:Boshorange - thanks for the comments and you definately sound as if you deserve your rest at the end of the season!
I'm not sure about the future in terms of the blog but by the looks of things I will be continuing throughout the close season as well as giving you an insight into pre-season training at the club.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity and hope to continue for as long as possible.
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Comment number 7.
At 7th May 2009, Chris Jardine wrote:ApacheArmy - congratulations on your title win, I certainly feel it was fully deserved. Our 4-1 defeat earlier on in the season was one of the longest days I've had in football! I'm sure you will have a great day when you're down and it will be nice that you can relax without worrying about the result - although obviously you will still be looking for a win.
Give me a wee shout when I'm warming up on Saturday - if I'm make the bench of course!
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Comment number 8.
At 7th May 2009, ApacheArmy wrote:aye cheers, I'll be the only sober fan! The one in the flourescent bib!
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Comment number 9.
At 7th May 2009, Howler010 wrote:Ok Chris I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. have enjoyed reading your column though this year...maybe a small bit of jealousy creeping through that you guys have got there and done so well. Good luck for next season anyway :)
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Comment number 10.
At 7th May 2009, brian wrote:looking from the outside i would say a good first season gives you an idea of the standard your up against,better taking things season by season giving you the chance to get the whole club ready for promotion to a higher league
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