Early Reflections

After 6 games in charge at Ochilview, Warriors Manager Campbell Money was in a reflective mood after a mixed bag of results with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats since taking over at the beginning of November. “At times the players have shown what they’re capable of with, in my opinion, creditable performances against Dumbarton, Queens Park and last week at East Fife but they’ve also fallen well short of the standard I expect in the other 3 games. The general lack of consistency is my major concern; if we’re able to solve that issue then there’s no doubt we’ll advance up the league. Brian Hamilton has been very influential in helping players with their overall diet and match day preparation which will soon pay dividends I’m sure. Training has been going well over the past few weeks, I’m a great believer in training at the same tempo as you want a match to be played and this is starting to deliver on match days.
 

Draw With East Fife

Last Saturday saw Kevin McLeish score an absolute stunning goal in the dying minutes to secure a well deserved draw against the league leaders at New Bayview. Campbell was upbeat in his analysis of our performance “Although we scored late on, I felt it would have been a travesty if we had lost the game. We were by far the better team in the first half having the best move of the game with John Baird unlucky not to get his attempt on target. East Fife scored against the run of play and got a real boost as a result; to be fair, we then chased the game and they had chances to put the game beyond our reach. We finished the game the stronger side and thoroughly deserved our splendid equaliser”

Illness saw Iain Diack miss out and forced Money into both personnel and positional changes. “Iain would have started the game but we shuffled the pack moving Gareth Hutchison upfront with Craig Menzies in midfield; to be fair both worked hard for the cause. I also thought that Brian McLaughlin had one of his best games for the club since his arrival; he has a good pedigree and should be able to perform well in the 3^rd Division, we just need to learn to use him better in the final third of the park. I was also delighted with the contribution of 16 year old Scott McManus who made his debut as a substitute. He did his chances no harm at all and played a vital part in our goal with a lovely back heel to create space for Kevin’s strike. Scott is a product of our youth set up and is a talented player who could go a long way if he continues to develop in the same way as he’s started off."

Scott McManus - Debut against the Fifers
 

Home To Berwick

The final league game of 2006 sees The Warriors take on in form Berwick Rangers at Ochilview. Berwick have won 5 league games on the trot and Campbell knows that we’re in for a very difficult 90 minutes. “It’s a crucial game, Berwick have been on a good run, scoring freely and it will be a tough match. We know that a win will take us above them in the league but we also know that we’ll have to be at our best to take all 3 points in what I hope will be an entertaining match” 

As far as team selection is concerned, John Paul McBride again misses out through suspension together with injury victims Gordon Connolly and David Templeton. Iain Diack and the ever present Willie McCulloch are both doubts as they try to shake off the effects of flu.

McCulloch - Ever Present Record at Risk!
 

Squad News

As has been reported elsewhere, midfielder Graeme Connell has left the club by mutual consent with Mark Tyrell signing for Linlithgow.  

Andy Gow has been loaned out to Cumbernauld United with a view to giving him more experience and matches; he can, however, be recalled at any time.
 

Transfer Window

There has been much press speculation over the future of David Templeton in recent days and Campbell was happy to put the record straight. “I can confirm that 2 SPL Clubs and 1 English Premiership Club have enquired as to David’s availability but no deal has yet been struck. Obviously David is a tremendous talent but we’ll have to wait and see what develops over the coming weeks. On the other side of the coin, I’ve been working hard on a number of fronts looking to secure additional signings both on a loan and permanent basis. Once I have any firm news on any transfer activity, I’ll let the fans know via the new website.”
 

International Callups

As reported on Stenhousemuir FC.com earlier in the week, the club received the excellent news that 4 of our younger players have been included in National squads. Campbell was obviously delighted given his dual role at the Club. “All International call ups give the Club a real boost and in particular the Youth Development side of things. I’m absolutely thrilled for Gary Thom. Steven Desmond and Ricky Little who made the Schools squad and also for Robert Ford who made the final trials .I’d like to wish them all the very best for their international futures. David Templeton has progressed from U-17 level last season to U-18 this year which is further testament to his undoubted ability and I’m sure he’ll continue to develop as a result of the experience".
 

Seasons Greetings

In closing this edition of Money Talks, Campbell added his own Christmas/New Year message. “I’d like to wish all our loyal supporters a Happy New Year when it comes and look forward to seeing them at Ochilview on Saturday in good numbers to cheer us on to victory” 

More next week.

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