MOFOREVER

Our first game back in action looks as hard as it gets to play the league leaders Falkirk away but looking at it differently it might not be a bad time to play them. They have made some signings during the break so might not gel quickly BUT it's not what they do, it's what we do that is important. We'll start with the same number of players on the pitch and if we are up for it with a strong line up, particularly at the back, and concentrate fully we can win this game. The last couple of times we've played each other they won both games but I think they will agree they were a bit fortunate, particularly at their place when the referee was a bit hasty in giving us a penalty rather than allowing us the goal. As I say, it's how we perform in this game both on the pitch and mentally.

Is this strip vote only available to season ticket holders or am I missing something on the official socials? Fairly sure only to season ticket holders of which I am one.

If Mochrie continues where he left off and is coached well, which he is at present, he will gain international honours before he is age 20. Many years ago I saw Peter Beardsley make his English League debut and said straightaway that he would make it and the same occurs to me as I watch Chris Mochrie only he'll play for Scotland. The worst thing (apart from him imploding all by himself) would be for him to be stuck at a club and sit on a subs bench week after week. On the subject of next season's strip I'm a traditionalist blue Mo man so I voted for the all blue one. I know the other one was blue and white but too flashy for me and worse still it looked like the Stranraer strip froma cople of seasons ago and they got relegated!

Not many of us left who remember that golden decade for the Mo but at least we still have some good times now and again. Must keep the momentum going on the pitch when play restarts soon. I'll respect team selection for the Nairn cup game but I really hope we put out our best team and progress because it is another truncated season and sponsorship money will be welcome. I know the full squad need game time but on this occasion in my opinion we can and should aim to have a decent cup run as players regain their fitness and sharpness.. Fully realise there will be others who feel a cup run will only add to a congestion of fixtures. The Mo will be featured in the footy magazine Nutmeg in the May edition so will be worth looking out for - loads more nostalgia and quotes.

I know what you mean and I hope the same. Realistically though SP will again play a 'fringe'team. That said, this season's fringe team should still do the job when you look at who was on the bench yesterday, Matty Allan, Aiden Quinn, Liam Callaghan, Paul Watson, Terry Masson, Lewis Hawke, Aaron Lennox and both Campbells. He will want to give them pitch time along with some of the lads already in the side but maybe the loanees might not play. Also depends why McLean was out on yesterday. It's no disrespect to Nairn and if we lose to them it will be hard for us fans to take but good luck to them and even if we win it'll be behind closed doors in the next round - just our luck to get Aberdeen away BHD! Our priority is to give the wider squad some valuable pitch time and focus on League 1 but as I say, I think our fringe squad is strong this season even though in the performance yesterday against Forfar we didn't exactly cover ourselves in glory.

How have Mochrie and Cochrane been? Both young lads took a little while to settle into L1 first team football where there are a lot of very 'streetwise' opponents even if some (but not all) have seen better days. Chris and Harry have both adjusted well now though and certainly benefit from the early learning curve especially playing alongside experienced pros like Sean Dillon, Ross Campbell and Paul Watson. With Stewart Petrie as Mamager as well with his guile and tactical nouse especially his use of subs, I doubt if there is a better place for Chris and Harry to be at present. They are getting game time but being used carefully which means not being flogged to death or under-used either. What I would not like to see is them going to a club where they just warm the bench or go back to reserve team football. That will be no good for them - look at Blair Lyons our silmilar outstanding young 'find' last season - he's simply warming a bench every week at Plastic Whistle and didn't even get on the pitch against us recently except in the pre-match warm up. To summarise, Chris and Harry are developing nicely and will go on to better things IF THEIR DEVELOPMENT DOES'NT GRIND TO A HALT.

And thirdly while I'm on here, I want to heap praise on two particular players who I'm really chuffed for at present. Rusty McLean I always knew had it in him as I've tracked him for quite a while even before he signed for us. He deserves great credit for his recent form after a frustrating time - well done Rusty, keep it going mate and that involves 'putting yourself about' on the pitch and showing who's boss! I was going to say you are the next McAllister but I think you are going to be better. Kerr Waddell is the next to heap praise on. His dad told me a while ago how good he was particularly in the air. He's had a hard time in the last year or so but he's now showing us what a great player he is - keep it going Kerr. Others in the squad of course I don't forget and most get regular praise but it's great to see Webby getting more credit as well. CJ is another one who is a great squad member - never a great goalscorer but his contribution to the team is immense. Don't mean to miss anybody out but I just thought that Rusty and Kerr particularly deserve a lot of praise at this moment.

Meant to say as well that as an exiled fan and not therefore getting to any games this season (except Streaming) I never got around to paying my Supporters Club subs this season. I'll get that sorted after Xmas when funds are (if?) looking better. If you are in the same 'boat' don't forget as the Supporters Club do a great job.

Mention of Tezza reminds me that it was his Testimonial season before it was truncated by Covid-19. We must not forget that. As fans and the Club themselves we can wait a while to see how things pan out this season but we need to think of something like an online Testimonial where we can still contribute even if we can't see a game. Time yet but must not forget. Paul Watson must be getting close to a Testimonial as well.

Are Airdrie issuing programmes this season?

I assume it is the Cammy F Ballantyne (on loan from St.J) your stats are for as we have two Cammy Ballantynes at Links Park. Interesting stats though and worth sharing.

Firstly a bit of useless information. Cove Rangers yesterday became Montrose's 67th opponents in a SFL/SPFL league game. Well done them on what they've done so far. As for the game Cove shaded the first half and deservedly were 1-0 up. Neither side were at full strength but that's where squad strength comes into play and that showed in the second half as Montrose held their nerve (and the scoreline) then used substitutions and fresh legs to advantage. Cove will go on a run again because they are a decent side but equally they will lose games as well by playing in a league where there are no soft touches. They will be up for games against the likes of Partick, Falkirk and Airdrie but also have to be up for it against the lesser lights like Montrose who can be a bit of a nuisance as well. A set back for Cove but I doubt if it will be the start of a rot - just a bit of the L1 learning curve.

Really pleased for Rusty. He's not had a happy time in the last year but I know he has goals in him. Because he's tall most expect him to be great in the air but in my opinion that's not his best game. Sure it's a plus point but his overall contribution to the team can be in other ways as he is really a clever player on the deck as well - just needs to put himself about more and he did just that today before he was subbed. Still regaining full fitness after a long lay-off but I think he will get even better with the squad we have especially when some of the walking wounded return to fitness. Peterhead I thought played some very neat stuff at times but like some others lack a bit of bite up front.

Quite agree with comments about young Mochrie - the lad has quite a future. Along with young Cammy F in midfield they will both benefit from playiong alongside the vastly experienced Paul Watson. Although 'Winker' hasn't ever played at the top level he is still a great clubman and sets a great example both on and off the pitch. In fact he might well benefit from playing alongside these two young lads as well! Like a few other clubs I think we still haven't got it right up front and that is a widespread problem these days with so few free scoring strikers caused by teams playing (and properly coaching) too few up front. Mo are scoring goals so you could say what's the problem and you might be right but I hope lads like McLean, Rennie and Hawke hit a scoring streak soon. Rusty particularly I know has it in him and I really hope for his sake and ours that he hits a great streak after his lengthy injury lay off. Good luck Rusty. A word for our friends at Forfar as well. You lot look to have the same problem up front but I know you were missing key defenders as well. Hope Marc McCallum isn't badly injured and that you can pick up points as your injured/key players start to come back.

Not the same watching through streaming but better than nothing at all. Still not creative enough up front for my liking and have to improve that as L1 games will inevitably mean our defence is under greater pressure. Hope Rusty recovers soon from his operation and gets back firing on all cylinders better than before. Otherwise with the Highland League not starting yet I wonder if there are any decent strikers to borrow and give pitch time to in the meantime. Certainly need more of a threat or I fear we might struggle in what looks like a very strong L1 and in a truncated season where we have to hit the ground running.

With Lyons and Niang gone we need a couple of new faces to freshen things up but still time enough before even warm up games come along. News that East Fife have signed a couple though makes me think we could miss the boat unless SP has got a couple of lads definately lined up already. Fingers crossed because this is going to be a very competitive season. Teams who I expect to do well (apart from us) are Falkirk, Partick, Airdrie, East Fofe and maybe Cove Rangers. Including us that's more than half the division and at least one of the other four of Forfar, Dumbarton, Peterhead and Clyde will surprise us. As I think, it's going to be a season when we have to hit the ground running because anybody having a dodgy patch at any time will struggle to catch up.

Any Jim Duffy team is hard to beat and even in opposition you have to have great respect for the man. A proper football man through and through. Best wishes Jim from a Montrose fan 'through and through' and look forward to you pounding the touchline again next season whenever that starts.

Depends what information you are looking for because it would of course exclude personal stuff. General information is Ok. He signed for Montrose for the start of the 1990/1 season just after Montrose were promoted. In the first home programme of the season it said 'The most well known of the summer signings is utility man Ian Robertson, signed on a free from Aberdeen. The 24 year old had been at Pittodrie since 1983 when he left school but was unable to break into the first team, although that was hardly surprising considering the dominance of McKimmie, McLeish, Miller and David Robertson in the Dons back four. Robertson was perhaps best known as a left back although he can play anywhere in defence or midfield, It is ironic that following his namesake's (David Robertson) departure to Rangers Ian might have been able to make the Aberdeen No3 shirt his own in 1991/2.' As a club Montrose should be privileged to have a player of Ian's ability on their books as many believe he could have done a fine job for a number of Premier League clubs.' He made 14 apearances in 91/2 as No 4. until losing his place following a sending off. In the following season 1992/3 he started in a No.3 sweeper role but then became a more familiar left back in a change of formation and made another 39 appearances, and scored 1 goal. In 93/4 he made 41 apperances and scored 2 more goals. In 94/5 he made another 41 appearances and scored 1 more goal still playing as a full back but now a No.2. In 95/6 he made 12 appearances plus 1 as sub. I reckon his last game for Montrose was at home to Stenhousemuir on 2nd Dec 1995 and I can't remember where he went after that - he might have retired. Hope this helps.

As this thread suggests L1 & L2 could be off until January and the longer this situation goes on the more likely that is. Certainly playing behind closed doors is a no-no - could you see any sense in Annan travelling to play Elgin behind closed doors? You can't please everybody but I only hope we all feel that health has to come first. The part-time players mostly will be in a different position to full-time players as the part-time lads have the back-up of other jobs if and when allowed back to work. So, what if we L1 and L2 clubs (Championship. I don't know) cant' re-start until January? Most clubs can't yet re-shape their squads yet whilst things are uncertain and there will be time needed to start training and preferably a few warm up games. Maybe we should plan to re-start L1 and L2 in January anyway (if health etc. is agreed) but only play 18 games (home and away once only) and finish in May. BUT, with agreed no promotion or relegation for that truncated season to give everybody the time to get themselves sorted out in an orderly fashion. After that it's 'combat'as usual. Having said that, if health etc. is agreed before that and fans are allowed back before January then great but there needs to be Plan A, Plan B etc. and the reconstruction etc, issues at least must be put to bed ASAP 'otherwise we are just drifting.

I've avoided posting on this thread so far as there are other more important things to deal with but right now the last thing on my mind is to jack in my football. Even in what would normally be the closed season I really miss it and I'd say that whether we were in the Championship, League 1 or League 2 (not the HL though!!). Saturday journeys to watch my team wherever they play just aren't the same - Saturday is football day, there are 6 other days in the week to do something else.

Just seen on the club website that Season Ticket holders are being offered a refund for the last four cancelled games. Except in extreme personal hardship I hope everyone will not apply for a refund. We are the Mo!

I’ve just managed to read the Season awards on the MFC club website so firstly congrats to the winners in the various categories. For those who don’t yet know, Graham Webster got 3 awards, Blair Lyons got 2, Andy Steeves got one and Rus McLean got one. Most awards are from the Supporters Club but one is from the players themselves (one of the 3 Webby got) and one is from the Directors (another one of Webby’s 3). Lots of kind and well deserved words from Ross Thomson the anchorman (great job Ross) and Graeme Christieson the Supporters Club Chairman (who is immense and not just physically!) and from all the players themselves. One award not dished out though is certainly worth a mention. It’s to the Mo fans themselves who these days especially are crucial to the success we have had in the last few years. We are a small town club and always will be because we are from a small town, so what we achieve will always be relative as will our expectations. So from me, a long distance and long time Mo fan my (extra) award this year goes to the Mo fans who have done their bit for MFC. That does not just include those from the town itself but also those who travel every season from various places in England and even Ireland and Norway. We are all part of ’The MFC Family.’ We are the Mo! Keep well everybody whichever club you support. Respect.

Our main strength is at the back and in young Aidan Quinn I can see a mirror image of a young Dennis D'Arcy from back in the 1970's. Old gits like me will remember how good big Dennis was - still a great lad and proud of his Mo connections. But, no matter how good we look at the back we have to have a significant threat up top to keep the ball in the opposition half and avoid being pushed back ourselves. So, in my opinion our priorities are still to strengthen midfield following the loss of Padge, Sena and Cammy F, though I hope the latter might come back. Certainly keep Winker and Tezza - we ain't the same without them and Callaghan is a decent squad player. Up front I think we are yet to be convinced. I thought Rusty would be the answer but he didn't deliver for a long time. However I still think he just could be the answer and looked a better player just before the season ended. I was pleased he got his goal at Stranny, he deserved that and his disallowed goal at Falkirk was unjust. What he needs to do is put himself about a bit more, get stuck into defenders, not be as 'nice' and use his body strength more. Gets pushed out too often by wee guys! Haven't seen enough of Lewis Hawke yet but SP is a decent judge of a player so provided we have a decent pre-season (????) he has the chance to prove himself. Get in there Lewis and show us - no pussy-footing about, show those defenders who's boss. We have to replace Blair Lyons on the left as well. He gave us strength down that flank and although I'd still play with a back three plus two wing backs we still need a Webby type player on each wide area pushing forward. There will be lots of players out of contract soon and although we have to be careful with finances so too do a lot of other clubs but with our Board and SP in charge I think we are well placed to take advantage.

Which ever way any of us preferred it to go it now looks, barring litigation, that the 2019/20 season is ended so we move on to the what’s next. In that respect I think Stranraer and Partick Thistle have been dealt with unfairly, or shafted by most of the other 40 if you want to put it that way. Ok Stranny look like they were gonna be relegated anyway but with quarter of the season to go it was not a certainty. Plastic Whistle on the other hand have clearly been shafted by the decision. Others can also claim they have been shafted such as those in the HL and LL plus probably Falkirk in L1 who could realistically have overtaken Raith Rovers. BUT if there is still a chance to put a bit of justice into it those things can still be put right by league re-organisation whether temporarily or longer. A 14 – 18 -18 set up might be worth thinking about. Hearts stay up and Dundee United and one other go to the Premiership, say ICT. The 18 Championship clubs would be the remaining 8 plus the 10 L1 clubs. The third tier would be the present L2 clubs plus 8 from the HL/LL. Championship Third tier Dundee Raith Rovers Cove Rangers Kelty Ayr United Falkirk Edinburgh City Brora Dunfermline Airdrie Elgin City Bonnyrigg Arbroath Montrose Cowdenbeath Fraserburgh Morton East Fife Queen’s Park Inverurie Alloa Dumbarton Stirling Albion East Stirling QoS Clyde Annan Athletic + 2 others ** Partick Thistle Peterhead Stenhousemuir Forfar Albion Rovers Stranraer Brechin City ** provided those and any others from the HL/LL want to come into the SPFL. Brora might not for example as when Montrose played them a few years back loads of people said they didn’t try! This would solve it for Hearts and Stranraer who should not be relegated several games short of what was agreed last August. It also solves it for Kelty and Brora plus Falkirk and ICT. It doesn’t help Cove Rangers who would argue they are been done out of promotion and I accept that argument. The Premiership can sort out their fixtures however they want to or are dictated to be the TV companies. The Championship and Third tiers play each other home and away once only so 34 games plus play-offs which could be enlarged so more clubs play 36 games or more. The third tier could even be regionalised to help clubs like Annan and Brora who have most way to travel and the play-offs would not be regionalised. Yes, I know there will be a lot of meaningless games mid table towards end of season but by tiering the play-offs better/bigger it could avoid a lot of that so that even clubs mid-table who have got on a roll can even still have an outside chance. The other benefit of having a bigger Premiership is that there are more players actually playing at the top level and that can only be better long term for the national side – or are we not bothered about that? If this is worth thinking about it might also let us find out how many other clubs really aspire to be in the SPFL and who have facilities good enough.

I think ours got burned during one of the games against Rangers a few seasons ago when some nerd through a flame onto the pitch. Had to keep putting sand in the hole to finish the game. Anyway, good luck Stranny in this 150th season. Hopefully the town will at some point soon see the value of a SPFL team in the town and realise that moves should be made towards Stair Park becoming a community asset and developed as such.