GG Riva

I can see it being a similar game to last week. We won't take too many risks and secure the point we need in a game to forget. I hope II'm completely wrong and we win a topsy-turvy match4-3 with the lead changing hands 4 times; 0-1, 2-1, 2-3, 4-3. 🙂

Back on topic - that was a superb and welcwome achievement by our youngsters, as it was the Pars first silverware for some time. Hopefully, these lads will develop and kick on, to become the nucleus of our team in a few years time. Am I right in thinking that most of that squad was coached by Greg Shields? It would be good if the club was to acknowledge his important contribution to our success.

Many fans love their club with a passion and perhaps unrealistically, expect the same devotion from its players who are of course, mere employees. That's why we especially identify with players like Chris Hamilton and Matty Todd, who are also Pars fans. I don't blame Dom Thomas for moving to QP, but his timing left a bad taste in the mouth and even worse, probably contributed to our relegation via the play offs. My information is that he was an opinionated guy who didn't exactly encourage dressing room harmony. Not doubt he was a decent player when he was in the mood but he's joined the list of former Pars I would no longer applaud on their return to EEP. I go all the way back to Barrie Mitchell in the 70s. Other notable members include George O'Boyle and Andy Rhodes who both ended up in Perth.

We should be able to put out a far stronger team than the ones when we lost to the Spiders. I think we'll beat them to make them odds on for the relegation play offs. I'll be especially pleased for wee Dom. 😊

Absolutely delighted for him and for Dave Mackay. I think they have the potential to become as good a management team as Jimmy Calderwood and Jimmy Nicoll. They`re unlikely to have anything like the budget the two Jimmys had as long as they remain at the Pars. Nevertheless, I hope they stick around long enough to see us back in the Premiership.

The whole squad will be on a high, having won 3 in a row and will go out confident they can win at home. Perhaps the opening goal is even more important than usual as the confidence built in recent games could easily be dented by going behind, given how up and down our season has been. I'm going for the Pars to make it 4 on the bounce, edging it 2-1.

A draw was no good to them when we last played them at EEP but it didn't stop them constantly wasting time at 1-1. Had they gone for broke, they might have nicked a winner but obviously thought we were more likely to do that.

A draw means both clubs drop 2 pts. We can definitely beat Airdrie again now we have some key players fit again. I'm optimistic we can still finish 4th as our rivals still have to play United and Raith.

Why not email the club and suggest it, Grant? You could try Craig Brown, Pars Media Officer, craig@dafc.co.uk or David Cook, Chairman/CEO, davidcook@dafc.co.uk Nothing to lose....

The Pars Tackle Health initiative is now 10 years old. This milestone marks its most successful season ever. Since last August; 22 different players have visited 22 local primary schools in 43 different classes and engaged with *1320 P6 and P7 pupils. *Total based on all pupils being present on the day. Allowing for absences, Pars players have been able to meet and speak to over 1200 local schoolchildren, who learn how they can improve and maintain good health by choosing healthier lifestyles. Of course, the players are crucial to these visits. No Martini - no party. 😀 Every single player completely buys into the programmes aims and objectives. They speak confidently about their lives as footballers, answer questions from the kids honestly, participate enthusiastically in the games sessions, pose for photos and sign autographs, long after the end of the school day. Feedback from the kids and their teacher is always very positive. https://parsfoundation.co.uk/story.php?t=Pars_Tackle_Health&ID=2226 Just one reason why we love the Pars. 😊

I hope so, but I'll believe it when I see it. He's a real handful and Morton's results have been poor when he's been missing. Even if he's passed fit to play, I think Bene and Co can keep him quiet.

It's true that STs do not offer a huge saving at most Scottish clubs. I'm not aware of any that offer massive discounts. I think these may be more significant south of the border. I don't follow Italian football too closely now, but I remember that some Serie A clubs offered savings of as much as 40% on STs compared to walk up prices, some 20 years ago. No idea if these still hold true now. I'm sure some of you will know the respective prices in some other European countries.

An interesting article on COWS in which James McPake explains the logic behind sending some younger players out on loan and getting others in. https://dafc.co.uk/thoughts-behind-loan-deals/

I get what you're saying, but ST holders were happy to buy them this summer so it's no skin off their noses if the club encourages some extra fans to come along for these last crucial matches. It's a bit like buying something full price and then seeing it for less in a sale. Just have to accept that it doesn't leave you any worse off than you were before.

I fear blanket TV coverage of football is slowly killing the game at lower levels. In Scotland we play over the winter months and quite often, our games are in direct opposition to televised games showing CL or Premier League matches. Only the hardiest and most loyal fans will leave their homes and sit in freezing conditions, usually to watch a game which is short in quality and entertainment. I've often found myself questioning my own sanity in these situations. Eventually, as I get even older, I'll inevitably reach a tipping point. As an example, I still went to the two home games which were shown live on BBC Scotland, but it didn't cross my mind to travel to any of our televised away games this season.