Eder

Out of interest did Aberdeen beat Rangers when they were managed by van Bronckhorst?

Dramatic. The game I mean.

Celtic still not in full flow but it does help to have Reo Hatate back. One of the biggest Dundee supports I can remember at Celtic Park.

This is the reality of the old grounds - they were barely fit for purpose. Unfortunately a few clubs inparticular Hearts have a stadium now, far too small for the size of the club.

187 pages in, must have already been mentioned but anyway: Airdrie's pavilion at Broomfield. Iconic! Dundee United's steep covered terace. Brilliant place when full for both atmosphere and viewing - anyone that was in it when packed will know. Aberdeen's Beach End was something special too.

Anyway the game was very good. A full house at Pittodrie The points not safe until the third went in late on And if Devlin hadn't gifted the second goal it would've been different. Aberdeen looked very capable going forward and should be too strong for the rest of Scottish Football although Europe may complicate things. Celtic's new players made a decent contribution to help get the win.

It wasn't very clear from the muffled announcement that it was for Craig Brown although didn't take much to work with it being Aberdeen's first home. Unfortunately every support has an element that refuses to show respect.

First trip to Pittodrie in a while - the last time I was there Taxman by The Beatles was played over the tannoy. A tough test for Celtic's new recruits. Good to see Pittodrie full.

A trip downsouth to see Sunderland 1 Ipswich Town 2 at the Stadium of Light yesterday. A very good game which is not always the case with English football. A great view in the Main stand upper.

Celtic a bit rusty but good for Turnbull to get a coupe of goals after been given his chance. Ross County played well today and should be OK going forward with their good attitude.

They were very poor yesterday v Dundee United. They are up against Scott Brown's Fleetwood team next week in their League One opener. I suppose teams that go up via the play offs are disadvantaged in that it happened ahead of schedule or with a little bit of luck. Hopefully Paul Simpson can work more wonders and keep them up.

A huge improvement in performance from the Spartans game.

Carlisle 0 Dundee United 2 A good win for Dundee United. Only 2850 at the game (738 DU fans)

Still the directors have looked after themselves - it's like a royal box. Wouldn't be out of place at the tennis or Braemar.

Oh well, another Elgin game (11), another drubbing. Definitely not a lucky mascot.

Why would Celtic wait until the end of July for the possiblity of a league when there is a set up already in place. I would say there is more competition in the Lowland than any Reserve League that sprung up at the last minute. I was at a few Lowland League games two seasons ago and apart from Rangers-B v Vale of Leithen the rest were a good standard.

In the absence of a reserve league the Lowlands League serves a good purpose giving regular competitive matches. It's proven to be a good test for all. Rangers withdrawing IMO was an indication of cashflow issues.

Good point but rather than having a one off tie the format gives 40 clubs good preparation and a little income in July. The seeded format means the top tier club will most likely qualify which reduces the pressure on managers. Friendlies have had their day and if you look at the major clubs heading around the world pre-season is all about making money and promoting the brand. While games like Hearts v Leeds look good, these friendlies don't attract the same crowds they used too. Maybe one of the reasons for the lack of competition is the quality of managers coming through. I think the manager is the most important part of a club. Has every team in the league got the best manager they can afford? There is maybe about four clubs that have while the others are likely to take a punt on an old player who has kust finished his playing career. The best managers have a hunger to succeed but I don't see that personality in many of the Scottish managers.

Begs the question what are the oldest turnstyles still in use in Scottish League? These must be up there?

21 March 1981 - Airdrie 1 Celtic 2 Scorers: Thompson; McGarvey & McLeod Broomfield Child gate: £1. (11 year old) Broomfield was at the edge of the town - such a great location. Had been waiting to go to a Celtic game for ages but it just happened by accident as I was in the right place, at the right time (2pm on Saturday afternoon) on the day Celtic were in town. Next week it was Celtic v Aberdeen and I've been going ever since.

Jim Goodwin has a huge job on to turn this team into Championship winners. No presense in the midfield, no movement upfront and no chance of qualifying from the group. Still they can only improve.

Maybe but still a good wee ground - well worth a visit.

1981 Scottish Cup Semi Final - Celtic 0 Dundee United 0 My 4th match ever. Arrived really early before gates had opened and an older steward let us in to the Main Stand for a couple of pound. The replay was a cracker which I wasn't at - won by a great United side.

I hope all the Inverness fans had a great day despite the result especially the kid that called the correct score to his friend outside the West Stand when I went for a walk around Hampden pre-match. No European football but hopefully the cheque will enable you to have a good crack at promotion next season.

I hate the guard of honour nonsense but well done to Aberdeen on finishing 3rd especially considering the impressive squad Hearts have - a real surprise. Barry Robson has done a terrific job and long may it continue. Celtic were much better today - almost back to full strength making a huge difference in performance levels.