Saturday
Rangers win their first ever SPFL game, 4-1 against Brechin City, but there is disappointment at the non-appearance of certain individuals.
Neil Doncaster
No, not the vast majority of Ally McCoist’s new arrivals (the words ‘buys’ and ‘signings’ don’t really apply). It was the no-show, on flag day of all days, of Charles Green, self-proclaimed saviour of Rangers, and SPFL’s top bod, the visionary that is Neil Doncaster.
There will be perfectly plausible excuses offered up for the dynamic duos non-attendance, although around Ibrox on Saturday, their absence was mostly put down to not having something. No, not a ticket. Try backbone or bottle …
Sunday
The Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle was one of the most anticipated – and feared – games ever. Well, there had never been a -18-pointer in the history of this fixture before (that line was for those who don’t follow me on Twitter). In the end, one goal tipped the balance in favour of Hearts, heaping consternation on Hibs fans and manager Pat Fenlon alike, their team now having played and lost all four games this term, and goalless with it.
A quick scan across the result pages would only further rub salt in the wound. Last seasons top goal scorer Leigh Griffiths had netted for Wolves, while Eoin Doyle, who also departed Easter Road in the summer, scored for Chesterfield against Cheltenham. Add to that goals from Gary Deegan and Roy O’Donovan for Northampton Town, and Tom Soares popping one in for Bury, only highlighted further the failings of Hibs revolving door player retention policy …
Monday
Christine Ohuruogu
And Christine Ohuruogu wins 400m gold at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow to become the first British female to win two World Championship titles. Ohuruogu’s late charge saw her edge out defending champion Amantle Montsho by just four thousandths of a second in a photo finish.
That run from Ohuruogu also saw her finally beat Kathy Cook’s long-standing British record by two hundredths of a second, a national best that dates back to 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. I can never remember considering Cook as being that quick, probably why most have overlooked her record, and efforts. She never won the big championships, unlike Ohuruogu. But then the latter has never had to compete against drug-enhanced opposition …
Tuesday
I was close over Scotland’s under-21’s hammering and focus on a new Hammer as West Ham United sign England winger Stewart Downing from Liverpool, following striker Andy Carroll out of Anfield for Upton Park. Downing cost the Premier League side £5m, who had already paid £15m for the services of Carroll.
That works out as a jaw dropping £35m loss for Liverpool, who in 2011 paid Aston Villa an amazing £20m for Downing and a staggering £35m to move Carroll from Newcastle United. And some still think it was Kenny Dalglish’s handling of the Luis Suarez affair that got him his P45 …
Wednesday
I didn’t hold out much hope for Scotland against England at Wembley. In the end I was left frustrated and disappointed. Contrary to what some think, I don’t like Scotland losing, hence the disappointment.
The frustration though came from losing a game that could have been won, and especially at the way Scotland conceded those second and third English goals. And you will never qualify for anything with defending like that …
Thursday
Eilidh Child – ignored by commentator Steve Cram
Scot Eilidh Child finishes fifth in the final of the Women’s 400m Hurdles in Moscow, although you’d be forgiven for missing her involvement if you were only listening to Steve Cram’s commentary. From the gun, Child was mentioned once by name as Cram based his entire commentary around the (non) performance of Perri Shakes-Drayton. Shakes-Drayton – or Perri as the familiar Cram regularly referred to her during commentary – started badly and didn’t recover, but still got seven mentions in limping home seventh..
She was Team GB’s best hope for a medal in that race, admittedly. But Cram continued his love-in after the finish, ignoring Child’s run and focusing on what happened to Perri. We all hope Eilidh continues to improve. Who knows, Scotland might have a medal prospect at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I also hope Cram’s commentary improves, or some might not even realise the games are actually in Scotland …
Friday
It looks as if we won’t have to wait another 14 years for another Scotland-England game with mutterings that discussions are already ongoing between The FA and the SFA. You can’t help think the SFA are doing all the pushing in this one, but of course, a resurrection of this game in a semi-regular basis is entirely for the benefit of football, cross-border relations, and most of all, the fans.
Cash, money, pounds, dough, wonga, dosh, moolah, lolly, lucre, readies and spondoolies just don’t come in to it. Much …