Winter break brings the chance of Christmas beer
I don't think I've ever been this organised for Christmas before in my life.
Once I finish my work on Wednesday afternoon I'll have two full days in which to grab a couple of last-minute stocking fillers for my girlfriend Laura and then relax.
It's unheard of for me as I'm normally racing around on Christmas Eve just starting out on the wish-list.
It's definitely a welcome change and one of only two benefits I've had with the "winter shutdown" that's been forced upon us. The other bonus being that I've been able to take my time getting back to fitness from my recent injury with a bounce match against Threave Rovers all that I've missed.
Once again there was no surprise that our game at Albion Rovers was called off at the weekend and we actually found out as early as Thursday.
We had a scheduled training session as a replacement but that was also cancelled on Saturday morning as the snow returned down our way.
Finding a place to train has been difficult for Annan Athletic
We're currently in a situation similar to last year in that we're scrambling around trying to find alternative training venues that will allow us to keep ticking over during the next fortnight.
Realistically, we're looking at the Stranraer game at home on 2 January as our earliest chance at getting a game on.
Our Boxing Day fixture at home has next to no chance of going ahead and I don't expect the once again rescheduled Scottish Cup replay to fair much better. So unless there is some dramatic change in the weather it's looking like at least six weeks between matches.
The chances of the Stranraer game being played are increased as I believe the clubs are trying to get permission to change the venue should Galabank remain unplayable.
Stranraer are among a couple of clubs that have managed to get some games played while the rest of us have been predominantly idle.
Although results have been fairly kind to us, a bit of a gap has formed at the top of the division and we are hopeful that doesn't increase before we have the opportunity to play again.
I've said before it's all very well talking about going second by winning your games in hand but I'd much rather have the points on the board thank you very much.
We were in a similar position earlier in the season with games in hand to go top; we ended up not winning any of them.
I took a call from a reporter on Monday doing a piece on our Boxing Day match against Berwick Rangers. Although it's unlikely it will make the paper if there's an early call off I enjoyed the interview and he asked some interesting questions.
The guy was asking about what training we have managed and was keen to find out if the players had extra responsibility on themselves because there are no games being played.
My answer was that there is always extra responsibility on the players, not just because of the situation just now. I know that most of the boys at the club do extra work themselves on top of our two weekly training sessions.
It's important for where we want to be at the end of the season that we look after ourselves and nothing changes because of the cold weather.
We had a chat after the interview, hopefully off the record, when he asked if I would be hoping for an early cancellation of the game. I'm used to getting a wee message from the manager on Christmas Day wishing us all a Merry Christmas and I must admit that if the game is to be off this weekend I'll be hoping that's included in the text.
I've got it in my mind now that I'll be able to enjoy a glass of wine with my dinner as well as a few beers at night when I meet up with all the family. Surely he won't leave us hanging until the morning of the 26th!
Have a great Christmas.
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 22nd Dec 2010, KingOfFM wrote:firstly a good christmas to you and your family chris. with all this time without a game, when you get back to playing it will surely feel like you are starting pre season friendlies again!!! not going to be easy for any players to be at their best after such a long time without a proper fixture, so i think i would sooner have the points on the board than games in hand.
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Comment number 2.
At 22nd Dec 2010, Frustrated_Buddie wrote:I think the message that you are puting out here Chris is that we need to look at either a winter break or realign the season calender. We should be looking at changing the season to go from March/April to September/October. This would minimise the amount cancelations.
I read a small article by Dick Campbell saying that Forfar haven't played in 6 weeks and the club is in dire straights financially because of it. We need to take a leaf out the Scandinavians book and seriously look at this. Fans are fed up with the way the whole situation gets handled by the footballing authorities aswell and i think these things need to be considered.
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Comment number 3.
At 22nd Dec 2010, PabloPiatti wrote:It's crazy how the weather has thrown the whole country out of sink! I read this blog suggesting youth football should be played in the summer! Have a read and see what you think!
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Comment number 4.
At 22nd Dec 2010, piorek wrote:Merry Christmas Chris
I see the Highland League are talking about changing to summer football, March to Nov. Are you surprised South Scotland League and the East Scotland League aren't also having discussions. Did they ever consider it when Annan played there ?
Also what is it that League clubs are so against having 2 months off in winter and playing May/June ?
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Comment number 5.
At 22nd Dec 2010, jpannan wrote:Seasons greetings Chris
It appears that football in general is going soft as a result of the namby pampy state we live in. Premier league games (both North and South of the Border called off because of the winter conditions), well done to everyone at Ipswich re the game with Leicester , including the referee for getting on with the game.
One of the reasons that games are called off is that players cannot grip with the blades on their fanciful boots - time to use some commonsense and the referees to insist on studs in these instances and more games would survive.
I am very concerned about the thought of switching our home fixture with Stranraer with you out of action at present unless you have managed some sparring and shadow boxing in the gym Monsier Armand Oné will be waiting for you - better send in the troops a big guy like Jack Steel will stand a good chance with A.O.
Keep up the good blogs in 2011
Kind regards
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Comment number 6.
At 23rd Dec 2010, JoC wrote:Merry Christmas Chris
Some interesting comments made about 'changing to summer football'..I don't agree with it at all though. What with moving the WC to Jan in 2022 because it's too hot - there's a sudden fixation with the weather..although the two combined could help the national team I suppose?
What would footie fans do in the winter without a game to cheer them up?
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Comment number 7.
At 23rd Dec 2010, MrHighway wrote:Merry Christmas Chris.
The South of Scotland League have discussed the possibility of Summer Football on many occasions,but each time it has been voted against by the Clubs. Personally i dont fancy Summer Football mainly as im a traditionalist, but i dont think you can write off the possibility of it never happening due to the large amount of games being postponed.
Hopefully your game will be on against Stranraer.
Keep up the great posts.
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Comment number 8.
At 2nd Jan 2010, IntheshadowofEric wrote:Just catching up after the holidays. Guid blog as well. Maybe December off is the answer for the Scottish League below the Scottish Premier League. Most of the Scottish League teams miss 4 matches due to inclement weather at the least.
Any rate, best wishes for the New Year and may the strength of your heart go to your boots.
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