statler and waldorf
Happy New Year! And it’s certainly going to be different with, following this afternoon’s clash with ‘New Firm’ rivals Dundee United, a short winter break until hostilities are resumed when we travel to Inverness on the 19th to take on Terry Butcher’s Caley Thistle.
While having a winter break is generally regarded as a good thing (aside from the vagaries of our climate meaning you could get it spectacularly wrong whenever it is taken!), the fact we were playing a William Hill Scottish Cup tie before Christmas, quite frankly, seemed wrong! Thankfully we came through what was a tough ask against Motherwell but I don’t think too many Dandies would have been overly impressed had we been dumped out of the competition prior to the turn of the year – I know I wouldn’t!
So what is 2013 likely to bring? While it’s not an Olympic or World Cup or Euro Championship year and undoubtedly there will not be the ‘sport saturation’ summer of last year, for the Red Army, this has the potential of being one that could be right up there with the best……….provided we go all the way in the aforementioned Scottish Cup.
And why should we not? After failing to see Motherwell off at home, many thought ‘here we go again – another barren season in terms of silverware’ – but no, despite horrific injury problems, the lads produced arguably the best forty five minutes of the season in that second half to progress to next month’s visit to Easter Road. And having beaten Hibs twice already this season, that one should hold no fears for us, particularly as we should have most of the guys who’ve been missing back again. After that it would be the last eight and anything is possible!
And with a full squad, or as near as, available, Craig Brown has already stated he expects the team to go on a good run in a league that has been as competitive as any in many a year and again, having watched all the games this season, I see no reason why that should not be possible – as you can tell, I’m very much in the ‘glass half full’ camp!
Away from the football, my other hope is that Andy Murray – who I still think should have won Sports Person of the Year – takes that final step at the All England Club and finally lifts the trophy to go along with his US Open triumph of last autumn! Now that would be a perfect summer!
Finally, all the very best to my erstwhile Northsound and Red TV colleague Steven McMenemy, who starts his new job at STV today – I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Steven and while listeners will definitely miss him, I’m not so sure about some of the match officials!
And with Steven off to pastures new, it’s a welcome return for this afternoon’s match to Andrew ‘Daley Thompson in negative’ Shinie – Statler and Waldorf – the return!!
COYR!
