Diamonds Are Red

There's no getting away from the fact our turnover has increased dramatically this season as outlined (prize money for cup and league, crowds, hospitality, JD transfer etc...) - without trying to put a dampener on it was there something on here a while back about us having a £200k loss (might have misread it) and you wonder if PH or a.n. Other is due back on loans? Seems to be running it sensibly, and no sign of concern from Rhys, but you just wonder how much of that increased turnover will be allocated to player budget and what (if any, could be £0 or very little) is set aside to cover previous losses?

Thanks for those figures cb, quite a difference as you say from last season. And of course added to that (less higher stewarding and other costs) increased attendances compared to last season (averaging around 1800 per game compared to 1200 this time last year, so around + £150-200k over 18 home games).

Not being cheeky cb, genuinely interested to know how did you get to that figure? Thanks.

State of him coming on here, as you say can't even get their own playing surface in order, total embarrassment for the Scottish game. I wonder if he'll send us an email, then half an hour later send us another one changing his mind. All the best to Arbroath for next season!

Re the home crowds, your observation may be true re the Airdrie fans in attendance but the actual total crowd figure including away fans has mainly remained steady for the 2nd fixture - in fact for the Morton game the crowd was higher than the 1st game, same for the Raith and Ayr games too. I think we're around the 1200-1350 for Airdrie fans, depending on the opposition.

We lost Justin Devenny to Crystal Palace and as you say Smith to Raith Rovers. Our loan signings have comprised Megwa, O'Connor and Aiken from Hibs - Megwa has continually improved, O'Connor looked promising but faded away - has featured a bit more in recent weeks, Aiken was good but has been out injured for months...we've also supplemented recently with Lyall from Rangers and Donnell from Fulham. Todorov looked totally out of sorts pre Christmas, great improvement since then - in fact a number of our players have held their own or improved since coming into the Championship.

Since the turn of the year we have been getting a lot of joy through Hancock on the wing, scaring defenders and getting wicked crosses in. However in the last wee while quite a bit of our play (and goals) has been coming through the middle - evidenced by the TNS and other games. TNS in particular couldn't cope with our Plan B and it seems as if we've bamboozled other teams with that too, and our ability to mix it up.

Special mention to the goalkeeper for the penalty save last night. Whilst the Arbroath players arguing beforehand may have gone against McIntosh psychologically, it was still a good save. He has been thrown in at the deep end in arguably the most important part of the season, and played in a cup final. He's always going to be compared to Josh, but that save last night will help his confidence so good on him .

Yes that's a very good point, we would have really struggled before and as you say the midweek games and cup run have highlighted our ability to do just that. Of course we could argue that having a settled line up (particularly up front) would potentially have seen more goals and more points but it is what it is, Rhys has done very well under the circumstances and for the vast majority of games/the season (yes some poor games and/or performances ) the players have responded and tried hard - very few games have we seen them give up and put the heads down. On the whole a great effort.

Over the years Airdrie have had a few notable successes with youth:- Tony Watt to Celtic, Gary Mackay Steven to Dundee Utd (got him from Liverpool reserves) and just before this season Justin Devenny to Crystal Palace ("six figures"). The average age on the park last night was 21/22. Re crowds apart from a sizeable (?) number from Montrose (twice) only QOS might touch the 200-250, the rest you'll be doing well if 100-150 visit.

Great posts above. We might fall down due to lack of squad depth, but great to think we are talking about the promotion play offs rather than the relegation (mathematically still possible but looking unlikely now). I am sure Rhys will be pushing and encouraging the players to think on the possibilities of promotion rather than looking over our shoulder at the teams below, and as said if Hamilton and Livingston can do it, and Arbroath and Queen's Park nearly in seasons gone by... Still a bit to go, and it will be tough. However if there's any chance we can be in the mix then what an opportunity it is...

Indeed. We will get continuous posts from Falkirk on how big their crowds are and the size of their massive travelling support in comparison to other clubs. Had to laugh on Sunday as Dinosaur McGlynn has fallen into that patter too - one of the first things he said after their 7-1 trouncing of Montrose was how big their away support will be next season! Well no shit McGlynn tell us something new for a change.

Another good away result tonight, and could have been more. Well congratulations to Rhys and the team for avoiding relegation! And as for avoiding 9th - the fat lady isn't quite singing yet but she's picking up the microphone !

It's strange how it's all worked out with the forward line up this season, not helped by injuries, lack of form, up against stronger defences so fewer chances to score?:- Todorov looked really rusty and disappointing when he joined and seemed to slip out of contention, but to be fair has been good since the turn of the year - if you'd asked me before Christmas do I think he will be away a def. yes, now can see him staying on unless as said another, better offer comes in. McGill and Gallagher - ultimately disappointing season for both of them, not helped by injury and the other reasons mentioned above, and of course Todorov (and indeed McStravick) really shining since January. I do agree I think both will be offski, I would be surprised if they remain, but wholeheartedly agree they will be fondly remembered for their efforts in League One. Elsewhere O'Connor looked a real handful when he initially played but quickly went off the boil with Aiken looking the better of the Hibs loanees. Aiken again another whose season has been harmed by injury. A few promising signs from O'Connor recently (his goals of course) but ultimately too late to salvage himself - expect him to be away.

Of course we've had a very good season so far:- Arguably the smallest budget in the league, years languishing in league one and so far last 16 of the League and Scottish Cups, skirting in and close to the play offs, winning the challenge cup. I would agree with you that by your standards Ayr should be doing better, by our standards yes disappointed by some of the results and performances but in our past and current position we have made a good fist of it this season. FWIW think your new stand will look quite tidy when it's complete. Is the plan to have the whole of the seated and standing section for home fans only...what will happen if you are facing a big traveling support (supposing you get promoted?) - will they not have access beyond the corner of the existing away end terracing?