No ice-cold beer as Annan remain in cold storage
After the late call-off of our weekend game with Albion Rovers, we were looking forward to our re-arranged home fixture against Forfar on Wednesday night. Surprise, surprise, my phone has just went off and it was always going to be our manager telling us once again that the match has .
If we're being honest, we were never that confident that the game would go ahead. We trained on Monday night and the pitch was still completely frozen.
Although there was an improvement on Tuesday, as soon as I walked out the house at 0630 in the morning, unfortunately the decision was only going to go one way.
Saturday was a big disappointment for us as it's been so long since we played at . The decision was left as late as possible and, as far as I'm aware, were happy with this in the hope that the referee would give the game the go ahead.
While the Rovers players enjoyed the refreshments of the Annan Social Club, we did a bit of training. Our manager took a bit of stick after rumours spread that Albion boss had very generously handed his players £100 to have a beer together before heading back up the road.
There were a few suggestions that would do something similar, but he was having none of it. The players even offered to chip in and give him £100 so we could do the same, but needless to say he never budged.
Harry had a very good point when he said that Albion had played Saturday, Monday and Wednesday - whereas we'd played once in seven weeks - so they deserved it just a wee bit more than us.
Anyway, reluctantly, we got the gear on and had a decent training session with some running and ball work and a wee bit of a carry on with each other. After training, we enjoyed Jeff Stelling on before a few of us attended a speakers' night in the town that was organised by the club to raise some funds.
I'm sure it wasn't only us players that had a very enjoyable night and if anyone gets the opportunity to see former referee then they won't be disappointed. Some of the stories he told were incredible, although I'm sure you'll understand I couldn't possibly repeat them on here!
I gave our captain, , a wee bit of stick a couple of weeks ago due to the fact that he missed our reserve game at to take his girlfriend, Kate, out for dinner for her birthday. I should maybe have kept my big mouth shut. I've cleared it with the manager, but I will be missing training this weekend because I'm taking my partner, Laura, away to for a few days.
I've hired a cottage for three nights as its Laura's birthday next Wednesday. I can guarantee that I wouldn't have dreamt of missing a game for a trip away (apologies Laura), but I'm prepared to accept a bit of stick back from the big man in return for dishing a wee bit out myself.
The transfer window has now closed for the season, so it looks like we will be going with what we have for the remainder of the season.
have made two great signings in and and they will both add great experience along with quality to an already terrific squad.
There have been a couple of rumours of late regarding ourselves and possible players coming in and there might be a possibility that we could still do something in terms of a loan deal.
The chairman and manager have both spoken about their attempts to get another striker in, but it could be at the other end of pitch where something is done. Watch this space!
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 3rd Feb 2010, Tom Halstead wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 2.
At 3rd Feb 2010, The-pen-is-mightier wrote:A bit harsh Tom, whilst no Gavin Strachan (where did his blog go), it sets out what it was supposed to: "...a good insight into life at the newest Scottish League club and maybe even a few laughs along the way."
Stick at it Chris, I thought the bit about Albion Robers was good, not so sure about the girlfriend bit.
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Comment number 3.
At 3rd Feb 2010, RoverElliot wrote:Sorry mate but are you actually being forced to sit down and read the blog? If u haven't got anything good to say don't say anything. Idiot!
I was glad to read the start of your blog about getting the inevitable text from the manager saying games are off... It's somehow comforting to hear that players in the SFL feel the same misery that I do every weekend.
Shame about the missed beer too. Next time you play 3 games in a week definately remind your manager of his words about Albion deserving it after their hectic schedule
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Comment number 4.
At 3rd Feb 2010, Feel MaDullTie wrote:I hope you're not getting paid to write such drivel either Tom Halstead as no-one would even give you a penny chew (half eaten) for your comments. There's 1 minute of my life I won't get back.
Ignore the idiot, Chris, and keep up the blogs!
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Comment number 5.
At 3rd Feb 2010, richard130558 wrote:i have registered specially to say that for anyone interested in football.chris your blog is very interesting and gives a good insight into the life of a part time footballer.keep up the good work,next time i hope you have a match to write about and enjoy your trip away.as far as mr halstead is concerned,you may be better looking at the front and back pages of the tabloids at the moment.is that the type of football writing you enjoy ?
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Comment number 6.
At 3rd Feb 2010, Seanny_Bhoy wrote:Tom,
If you don't like it don't read it. Perhaps if you'd cared to read the blog thoroughly, then you'd have noticed that Annan have only "played once in seven weeks", therefore I imagine that the Chris's thoughts and comments on recent games will be in short supply.
Chris's blog gives a insight into life at a small Scottish club. I'd rather read Chris observations about life at Annan, than read about the latest misdemeanours which have been (allegedly) by arrogant, overpaid and out of touch Premiership players. Oh and take your patronising comment regarding Scottish football with you.
Chris - keep up the good work, both on and off the pitch.
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Comment number 7.
At 3rd Feb 2010, Rabster wrote:To Tom Halstead,
You can hardly blame Chris if the weather has prevented his team from playing recently. You clearly have a disdain for Scottish football so why bother reading and making nasty comments in the first place?
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Comment number 8.
At 4th Feb 2010, axe wrote:Didn't get the chance to read Mr Halstead's comments as they had been removed before I got here. From my point of view, I'm English, support Watford and love Scottish football particularly the lower leagues as they are real unlike our Premiership. This blog is a great insight into a player's life at that level of football and much more interesting than reading about John Terry's latest money making scheme. Keep going Chris. Great blog.
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Comment number 9.
At 4th Feb 2010, Alen wrote:Thought that was an interesting piece Chris - well done and look forward to your next blog!
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Comment number 10.
At 4th Feb 2010, AidenMcGeadysBigToe wrote:Keep up the blog lad...just found it today and it's way better than reading some bigger league players boring drivel...and Mr Halstead...You don't like it, don't read it again...
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Comment number 11.
At 4th Feb 2010, piorek wrote:Enjoy reading the blog Chris like the others.
Don't know if you've covered it before but do most of the players come from the Dumfries area ? Just wondering how they manage to get to training .
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Comment number 12.
At 9th Feb 2010, Chris Jardine wrote:Apologies for the late reply to the comments everyone but I've been away on my holidays and that's me just back for the Berwick game tonight. Unfortunately I didn't get to see the first post so I can't comment on that one but I'd like to thank those of you that have taken the time to post a comment.
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Comment number 13.
At 9th Feb 2010, Chris Jardine wrote:#5 - In all honesty I prefer to talk about things at Annan and the third division but the odd time I will touch on things at the top level. There is obviously a slight description at the top of the page so I figure that the people looking in want to hear about exactly that?!
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Comment number 14.
At 9th Feb 2010, Chris Jardine wrote:#11 - that majority of our squad live fairly local; Annan, Dumfries and Carlisle; but there is a car load from the Lanarkshire area that travel down twice a week for training and fair play to them for that!
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