THE supporters have their say on the 2008/2009 season.
ST MIRRENSeason highlight?
Beating both halves of the Old Firm: Rangers 1-0 in the league in October and Celtic by the same scoreline in the Scottish Cup in March. It's rare that you get to see your team beat one of them in a
season, let alone both of them.
Season lowlight?
In general terms, the league form in 2009. Two wins was utterly atrocious and we could have had no complaints if we went down. Before we beat Falkirk I was resigned to the First Division.
Manager's report card?
Could do better. The cup run and beating Rangers and Celtic were superb, but there were far too many points thrown away. We could easily have finished eighth, but ended up staying up on goal difference. There were also some strange signings and team selections. 5/10 due to the cup run.
Player of the season?
Jack Ross. Had my doubts about how well he'd replace David van Zanten, but he has been outstanding for us and even patched himself up to play the last two games of the season. Andy Dorman was tremendous from December onwards, but had been poor up to then.
Expectations for next season?
Challenging for a place in the top six. At the very least we should be well clear of the relegation battle. Avoiding our usual cup exit to a lower league side would also be nice.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
A keeper, two big centre halves, a left back, a right winger, a left winger and two strikers. That'll do for starters.
Which players should the club be offloading?
The injury-prone ones who seem to play a few games then spend the next couple of months sitting up in the stand.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
I think that our board, and the chairman in particular, have done more than enough for St Mirren in the past 11 years so I'd suggest they quit and finally relax after more than a decade of guidance through challenging times. Failing that, he could get Andy Dorman signed up to a Jim McLean style ten-year contract.
Stuart Gillespiewww.saintmirren-mad.co.ukMOTHERWELLSeason highlight?
The cups were a debacle again and topping the Jessie league to get into Europe through the backdoor is a bit embarrassing to claim as a highlight, even if it is pleasing. The 4-0 hammering of Dundee United at Tannadice was pleasantly surreal.
Season lowlight?
Finishing in the bottom half was disappointing following last season and the utterly pathetic display against St Mirren when we still had a chance to make the top half must be the worst of the season given the context.
Manager's report card?
Motherwell finishing top of the townies and behind only city clubs is still a decent achievement but winning one cup tie from six attempts (and that against non-league opposition) was abysmal. 6/10.
Player of the season?
We had a lot of decent performers but few were outstanding. Graeme Smith probably contributed as much as any other individual, while David Clarkson would run him close.
Expectations for next season?
Very hard to say before the future for McGhee, Hughes, Graeme Smith and Klimpl is confirmed. So long as we're clear of relegation and manage one decent cup run out of three, most fans will be content.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
It depends on who we keep from the squad but a real goalscorer would have turned many of our 1-1 draws this season into 2-1 wins, which would have made all the difference. Michael Fraser does not seem a convincing first-choice 'keeper if Graeme Smith leaves.
Which players should the club be offloading?
Bob Malcolm was a waste of a wage but is gone and while players like Fitzpatrick, McGarry and Darren Smith are decent for the squad, it is arguable we'd be better off replacing all three with one quality starter.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
The pitch being fixed was the main request so next up will be not scrimping on wages and bringing in an experienced manager should McGhee move on.
Derek Wilsonwww.firparkcorner.comABERDEENSeason highlight?
Not difficult this one – Aberdeen 4 Celtic 2 back in January when a couple of Zander Diamond goals secured victory. We would have been happy with a winner off the backside after seven years of waiting for a home win over them, but to play so well in front of a packed Pittodrie and a live TV audience was special.
Season lowlight?
There have been a few, but I'd have to say the opening day of the season. Losing our unbeaten record against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and at home too, put a massive wet cloot on any pre-season dreams after only 90 minutes of the campaign.
Manager's report card?
Tricky... The team qualified for Europe – not because we finished any higher in the table than last season, but because of a rule change – however more cup disasters and the continuation of Jimmy Calderwood's uninspiring brand of football and tactical disasters showed that he refuses to learn from his mistakes. Therefore he had to go. 5/10
Player of the season?
Mark Kerr, despite his indiscipline towards the end of the season. He finished the campaign with two red cards and six yellows but was excellent in the centre of midfield in his first season at the club.
Expectations for next season?
Difficult to say, until we get the new boss in. Certainly a top-six place again, and reaching the group stages of the Europa League and/or a cup final would bed the new manager in nicely.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
A new gaffer! A decent back-up goalkeeper, a towering centre-back and a poacher are needed too.
Which players should the club be offloading?
None – we need an increased squad of players.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
Loosen the purse strings a little for the new manager. I know it's unrealistic to demand millions, but if he could allow the new boss to get in the personnel he feels he needs, then we can't ask for much more than that. And consult the fans about the new stadium!
Craig Stewartwww.aberdeen-mad.co.ukDUNDEE UNITEDSeason highlight?
An impartial refereeing performance from Calum Murray in the CIS semi against Celtic showed how enjoyable games against the Old Firm could be. Just a pity about the resultant penalties really! Second-half against Hibs at Tannadice has to go down as the best I've seen United play in many a moon.
Season lowlight?
The insipid way we lay down to Hearts then Rangers in the final two games after a season that had promised so much. Out of character, maybe, but that's the memory we're left to carry into the summer break… not good.
The calculated unsettling campaign and eventual loss of Willo Flood is another low-point. Good to see it back-fired on Celtic and Willo, who has a collection of bench-splinters second to none!
Manager's report card?
The current speculation linking Levein with other clubs highlights the job he's done for us. He really seems to get the best out of the raw materials he's given and has the team playing some beautiful football at times. On the down side, we've been inconsistent and out-thought tactically on a number of occasions and we truly should have had a Europa League berth sewn up against Aberdeen at Tannadice. 7/10
Player of the season?
Paul Dixon… with the promise of even more to come.
Expectations for next season?
Given what's happened this season I'm trying to avoid having any... it's less painful that way!
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
If we could keep James Wesolowski and clone Scott Robertson then we'd maybe have the necessary midfield bite to add to the abundance of flair we have there already.
Which players should the club be offloading?
Reluctant to name names as it can't really do a player's confidence much good to see themselves slagged off in print!
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
Hang on to Sir Craig and give him some additional funds to strengthen the areas we're lacking in. Just keep the faith in general… I think ET would be proud of the way Stephen Thompson has stepped up to the plate.
Hamish Mackintoshwww.dundeeunited-mad.co.ukHEARTSSeason highlight?
The 2-0 win over the city in the Scottish Cup was a great day, and more than made up for an otherwise poor season of derbies. Big team, big games. The victories over the New Firm were also pretty sweet, given the bitterness displayed towards us by their managers.
Season lowlight?
November's 2-0 capitulation to Celtic at Tynecastle. The manner in which we lost to a poor Celtic side was a demoralising reminder of how big the gap at the top is.
Manager's report card?
Given the tools he had to work with, Csaba worked absolute wonders. One minor criticism would be of his reluctance to change things mid-game, but given the lack of options usually available on the bench, this was perhaps understandable. 9/10
Player of the season?
Wallace has improved massively at full-back, and Driver has become far more consistent. However, top man was Karipidis. Imperious in midfield until January, then a more-than-adequate replacement for Berra when he reverted to the centre of defence. He will be a big loss when next season kicks off.
Expectations for next season?
Same again in the league, a decent cup run and one or two nice jollies to Europe.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
A striker who can score is an absolute must. The defence needs experienced reinforcements, and we need an influential captain. I'd love to see Hartley return from Celtic.
Which players should the club be offloading?
No one, as the squad is thin enough. Many would nominate Kingston, due to his alleged salary and suspicions about his commitment. However, there is a great player in there somewhere and Csaba could be the man to turn him into the star he seems to think he is.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
Ideally, he would continue the policy of non-interference introduced last season. However, I fear this may actually be down to a lack of interest. The squad desperately needs additions, and hopefully Vlad shows the ambition that Csaba's managerial talent deserves.
Sandy LeonardHIBERNIANSeason highlight?
The 1-0 win against Hearts at Tynecastle. Just for the fact that even most Hibs supporters had written us off, and it was more about how many Hearts would win by.
Season lowlight?
Almost too many to mention but no goals in pre-season, the Morton game, the Hearts cup game and the St Mirren game spring to mind. Lowest point though was the Killie game at home: 2-2 at half time, lost 4-2 against ten men.
Manager's report card?
Tactically inept. Decisions regarding selection, line-up and substitutions were consistently mystifying. Some embarrassing media interviews and a chronic inability to learn from mistakes. He became adept at snatching draws/defeats from the jaws of victory. 2/10
Player of the season?
Rob Jones. He still has some who doubt his value to us, but the big guy has been a rock this year and will be sorely missed when he leaves the club. Honourable mentions to Sol Bamba and Ian Murray.
Expectations for next season?
A lot depends on who comes in to replace Mixu, and who leaves and comes in with the new manager. However, fourth place or better is where we should be aiming.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
We require suitable replacements for the imminent departure of Fletcher and Jones. A right back, a holding midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper. To maintain the budget, perhaps the youths may fill some of these positions.
Which players should the club be offloading?
O'Brien, Thicot, Van Zanten, Keenan, JJ, Benji, Fletcher and Jones (the latter two, because they want away). Not been good enough or consistent enough.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
We have an excellent training facility, we have a lot of good young players in the club, and we have a sounder financial underpinning than most Scottish clubs. Let's get a manager who can use all this to take the club forward on the pitch, who can bring on young talent, who can get the team playing attractive football that will draw in the crowds and turn our fortunes around.
Eddie Hendersonwww.hibs.netINVERNESS CTSeason highlight?
Ian Black's injury-time winner at Ibrox.
Season lowlight?
Our first ever experience of relegation is very painful.
Manager's report card?
Brewster: great player, good fitness coach, inept manager. 3/10. Butcher: Started great but results tailed off when it mattered. He will have no Brewster excuses to fall back on next season. 6/10.
Player of the season?
Ian Black. We are going to miss this guy so much. Hearts will love him.
Expectations for next season?
It's going to be a real dogfight. It is very rare for any relegated SPL team to come straight back up but that is what the aim must be. In a hard league like that a top-three finish would be acceptable but I expect us to struggle to find our feet.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
We have lost a lot of players as a result of relegation. There will not be much money to replace them. We need to pull some rabbits out of the hat in terms of finding players with real quality. A natural goalscorer and a good creative midfielder to replace Ian Black is a must. The management team should also be creative in their shopping and look to use their contacts to perhaps loan in some players from SPL sides.
Which players should the club be offloading?
I don't think we have enough left to offload anyone! In terms of reputed wages, perhaps Andy Barrowman should go if he doesn't find his scoring boots as he may be a luxury we cannot afford. 29 goals in the Second Division did not translate to the SPL and if he struggles in the First he will not be worth it.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
Back Terry Butcher in his quest to get us back up to the SPL. If it means we break the budget a little then so be it.
Dave 'Gringo' Wilsonwww.caley-thistleonline.comRANGERSSeason highlight?
The four goals scored at a stunned Meccano Dome in August are easily outstripped by last Sunday's Victory Party at Tannadice.
Season lowlight?
The avoidable defeat by a Lithuanian pub team. Our hubris there for all to see, playing defenders and strikers in midfield – then buying Mendes and Davis after the horse had bolted. The January 'firesale' fiasco was just embarrassing.
Manager's report card?
Walter Smith has exceeded every expectation. He showed with 'Boozegate' no-one is bigger than the club and restored pride and honour at Rangers. 8/10
Player of the season?
Madjid Bougherra. The fact the big Algerian isn't Player of the Year shows what a joke Scottish football can be. His partnership with Weir was outstanding. Sasa Papac deserves a mention too.
Expectations for next season?
I expect nothing much in Europe apart from revenue, profile and maybe four Champions League points. At home, retaining the title is a must. Alexander, Edu, Davis, Mendes, Bougherra, Whittaker and Lafferty are young and hopefully want victory it again as much as we do.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
A left-sided midfield player, a young prospect to replace Weir and, if Boyd leaves, a replacement who knows where the net is.
Which players should the club be offloading?
Hemdani and Dailly are off. McCulloch and Beasley should follow. Naismith needs to deliver and I'd let Barry Ferguson go. The team looks better without him.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
Make the phrase 'Rangers Family' mean something. Face down our enemies in the media, treat fans like supporters not customers, and realise everyone who cares about Rangers sinks or swims together.
Stephen Smithwww.theRST.co.ukHAMILTON ACCIESSeason highlight?
There were quite a few, but the best of all was the very first match, when we announced our arrival in the SPL with a televised demolition of the Arabs. That took us briefly to the top of the table.
Season lowlight?
Our performances at Ibrox and Celtic Park were poor, with 22 goals conceded in five games. The Scottish Cup game at Ibrox when we lost 5-1 cost us several key players for a few weeks and nearly destroyed our season.
Manager's report card?
Billy did really well in his first season at this level. He had to change his approach early in the season when we started to lose most weeks, but that gave us a better shape and made us more able to compete. The downside was the recruitment of so many mediocre players who didn't hang around for long. 8/10.
Player of the season?
Honourable mentions to Tomas Cerny, Mark McLaughlin, Brian Easton and James McArthur, but it's got to be James McCarthy, pictured. He arrived in the SPL with a lot of hype but he proved to be well worth it. I hope he never leaves!
Expectations for next season?
The club has been on a steady upward trajectory since Ronnie MacDonald arrived and it would be great if we could challenge for a top-six spot and go further in the cups.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
Billy Reid has spoken of signing up to eight new players – one must be a goalscorer.
Which players should the club be offloading?
We've already released five players and some youths.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
Just keep doing what he's doing. We need a bigger fan base and hopefully the excellent season-ticket offers will help with that.
Gilbert MowatKILMARNOCKSeason highlight?
The highlight of our season was the signing of Kevin Kyle and the resultant avoiding of relegation. Honorary mentions for beating Hibs 4-2 at Easter Road with ten men and then our country bumpkin neighbours in the Scottish Cup replay.
Season lowlight?
Drawing with the Second Division no-marks from south of Symington was a definite low point for us, but in all honesty it was lost in an ocean of mid-season mediocrity.
Manager's report card?
Ten points from our first four games, ten points from our last four games… yet only 24 points from the 30 games in between, that does not make for good reading. Amazingly, we finished three places higher than last term but the natives are still growing increasingly anxious. Sorry JJ, only 5/10 this year.
Player of the season?
Most supporters clubs who voted throughout the season gave their player of the year award to Craig Bryson, and quite right too… but there is no doubt that the new king of Rugby Park is big Kevin Kyle.
Expectations for next season?
Once again, survival sadly has to be top of our agenda next season, although we are due a top-six finish and some luck which seems to have deserted us of late. I'd settle for a cup final or a European spot all the same!
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
We are in dire need of someone to play alongside new goal machine Kyle. A decent centre-half is also a must unless new signing Steven Old proves to be worth the wait.
Which players should the club be offloading?
On this season's results we could offload quite a few players; we do not have room or the cash for passengers any more. Personally I would thank the likes of Locke, Johnston and Murray for their services and either give them coaching roles (and wages) or bid them farewell.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
The one thing I would ask our chairman to do is form a proper board. Currently he has to oversee the whole operation himself and it is an impossible task that is having a detrimental effect on the club as a whole.
Barry Richmondwww.killiefc.comFALKIRKSeason highlight?
It has to be making it to the cup final, especially beating Hearts and Dunfermline along the way. SPL survival was of course the most important thing, and defeating Aberdeen for the first time in a generation was a real bonus.
Season lowlight?
Being involved in a relegation dogfight and especially losing so many points at home to our bottom-six rivals.
Manager's report card?
The cup performances were the stuff of legend this season – two semis and a final may never be repeated. The bonus is Euro qualification which would have remained a dream had the only route been via our final league position. The SPL was a disappointment and survival was a real struggle, so for Yogi it was a mixed bag. 7/10
Player of the season?
Jackie McNamara was consistent throughout, although the contribution of keeper Dani Mallo has been stunning since his arrival, while Darren Barr and Scott Arfield show where our future lies.
Expectations for next season?
It would be amazing to get past the initial Europa League qualifiers and get into the mini-league stage but most important remains the SPL and I hope to avoid the trap-door battle. Finishing mid-table would be real success.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
In an ideal world a 20-plus goals-a-season striker would be a priority along with a Latapy-like midfield genius, but in the current financial climate that may not be possible. That said, I am sure the management team will do their best to pull a few rabbits out of the hat to continue the side's development.
Which players should the club be offloading?
With only 14 under contract its more of a who-is-going-to-be-staying situation. Most of the key players like Barr, Arfield, McCann, McNamarra, Scobbie and O'Brien remain under contract so there is a good nucleus to build on.
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
I am fortunate enough to be an elected fans representative on the club's board and the Trust regularly gathers opinions and questions from supporters. Overall it is a very positive pro-active working relationship.
Brian Guthriewww.bairnstrust.comCELTICSeason highlight?
The 12-game winning run during our injury 'crisis', or the League Cup win over Rangers.
Season lowlight?
The game against Hibs after the split – all to play for but lacking inspiration or desire.
Manager's report card?
Despite a good start, Gordon appeared to rest on his laurels from past terms and assumed his "I know best" approach was the only way of dealing with any problems; railing at any questions on decisions he made. Failure to do his homework (on other teams) and instead indulging in his other loves of war films and being a smart-arse proved to be his big failing this term.
An overly-cautious approach and experimenting with square pegs in round holes added to his inability to put the obvious things right. 5/10
Player of the season?
Purely for consistency – Gary Caldwell. Nothing flash – just did his job.
Expectations for next season?
With a new manager in place, I would hope we would start to play football with pace and the ball going forward instead of the rugby style we have been playing.
What needs to be on the club's summer shopping list?
As it was this time last season, a decent left back and centre half. Add to this a centre forward with pace who can put the ball in the net on a semi-regular basis. Plus a Lubo would be brilliant.
Which players should the club be offloading?
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink – too many injuries; too little impact. Georgios Samaras – heart of a Regi Blinker!
If you could ask your chairman to do one thing, what would it be?
Don't make a Dr Who appointment – a Gordon Strachan in a different body! Appoint a manager with a proven track record, good accord and rapport with the press and fans and who will bring back some panache to the football on show at Celtic Park.
David Devine
The full article contains 4235 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
