Two pretty good pieces in the news over the past 24 hours, links below:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aberdeen-stars-must-shine-against-10064790
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39326930
What's everyone's thoughts on it?
I'll start with McLeish's comments on the lack of Aberdeen presence in the Scotland squad and his opinion of why the likes of McLean, Shinnie and Jack aren't in there. Basically he is saying until these guys consistently or at least once or twice a season boss Celtic's midfield of Rogic, Armstrong, Brown etc. then what will they offer on an international level?
I'm inclined to agree with his reasoning.
I think McLean is in the form of his life but does he create or score more than Armstrong? the answer is no.
Has Ryan Jack ever bossed Scott Brown? I can't remember any game in particular.
Shinnie has never been able to get close to someone like Rogic in the games played last year and this season. In fact, Rogic has scored 3 times in 3 games and given the fact Shinnie will have been the one supposedly touch tight, that shows you he just isn't good enough at a higher level.
Now, onto Andy McLaren's views on Scottish football becoming middle class. Again, I have to agree on this. The prices around everything in Scottish football from grass roots level to the top level are ridiculous. The so called 'schemes' will still have bags of talented young boys but they are brought up with hardly two bob to their name and are asked to fork out over £100 for a pair of football boots, training gear money, member fees, training fees etc. etc.
McLaren is better placed than most given where he grew up and what he faced later in life. He's someone who should be listened to by the powers that be and fans around the country but sadly I think it will fall on deaf ears once more and another generation will be lost without a chance.
NNH
Alex McLeish & Andy McLaren
posted on 21/3/17
Hahahahaha
posted on 21/3/17
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posted on 21/3/17
Agree with almost everything. In my lad's squad the parent's cars include 3x Porsche, 3x Jaguar, 2x Audi, 2x Range Rovers, 2x BMWs and a whole host of other new metal. Almost every kid is from >=2 car families.
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Makes me feel a wee bit better about Brexit, no way Der Germans are imposing trade tariffs on us....
posted on 21/3/17
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posted on 21/3/17
comment by Call Sign: Murnetti (U3627)
posted 8 hours, 3 minutes ago
NNH
Completely agree on the money aspect. As you know I coach a kids team. Our kids pay £20 a month. We are probably the cheapest around.
That £20 isn't a lot to me but it sure as hell is to other families not too far from my front door. We try to cater for as many children as we can by not charging excessive amounts and looking for sponsorship for strips (which a very kind gentleman from here has done for my team).
Now that £20 covers pitch hire (of which we are supposedly part of the team that owns the pitch), league fees, coaching courses, PVG for coaches, training kit etc.
That does not count towards what parents have to then fork out for boots, shin pads, gloves if they are a keeper etc. The driving to and from match venues, training etc.
At the age of 10 when I started playing I was just delighted to have a pair of football boots. Nowadays it's a fashion battle to have the best boots with the bes footballer's brand on them etc at the cost of a days wage for a parent.
Multiply that if you have several kids that want to play football.
Now my biggest gripe isn't the money that clubs charge as it is all readily accountable but the owners of these pitches, parks etc. We use a third of a pitch for training for our 2 teams. One evening another third was empty so we organised two friendlies between my teams and another two teams.
We got chased off the extra third as we hadn't paid for it. Never mind get kids playing and out being active, the third of a pitch which is already lit and set up wasn't to be used.
Now don't get me going on the guy who organises our age group fixtures and gives preference to his son's team for everything...
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Interesting but could you maybe elaborate on the front door a bit more please?...
posted on 21/3/17
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posted on 21/3/17
Yip seen that earlier Silver
Very appropriate clip