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The Commitments ...

As you may have seen, yesterday – and some of you even argued the point with me – the omission of Marian Kello from the Hearts squad to play St Johnstone, on Sunday, doesn’t sit well with me.

Is Kello completely indispensable?  No.  Is he currently the best ‘keeper we have in our squad?  I would have to say yes.

Kello, it is said by somebody – I can only assume who – that Kello is not committed to the future at Hearts and therefore shouldn’t play.  I get that ... to a degree.  I’m quite sure there have been many players at many clubs in the past that, once they know their future lies elsewhere – Kello is rumoured to have signed a pre-contract to move to Bristol City – they will, if not fully down tools, maybe not go 100% into that 50/50 tackle for fear of jeopardising that move.  Most though, I suspect, WILL still give their all for the club that is currently paying them a wage.

Hearts punished by SPL

Heart of Midlothian Football Club have, tonight, been charged by the Scottish Premier League under article A3.1 of the SPL’s rules, which states …

A3.1 In all matters and transactions relating to the League and Company each Club shall behave towards each other Club and the Company with the utmost good faith.

Pardon my cynicism but … WHAT??

First of all, where in that “article” does it say anything about this punishment being anything at all to do with players not receiving their salaries on time?  Article A3.1 sits under the heading Relationship between clubs and the League.  No mention at all of players, contracts, salaries … nothing!

Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 January 2012 21:02

The idiot box

Before anyone starts NO, I wasn’t referring to myself standing on a soapbox to spout nonsense.  Anyone who knows me will realize that I don’t need a box for that!  The title of this article refers to what (in my opinion) is one of the major contributors to the downfall of the Scottish game of football. 

Now before I start my rambling I should clarify.  I enjoy watching football on telly.  I have spent many enjoyable afternoons with pals watching games in a pub, having World Cup or European championship parties or sitting with strangers in a bar in a foreign land cheering on the local team.  So the problem isn’t only with the lack of ticket sales due to televised fixtures, it goes far deeper.

We take our son to a community football academy every week for training and fun.  They are well organized, attempt to engage the children in skills games as well as competitive 5 aside games and it is great to see the children so enthusiastic.  BUT, as I sit there for an hour a week peering from the visitor’s gallery, the negative effect of television becomes very clear. 

Last Updated on Saturday, 12 March 2011 15:21