Annan find Cup loss hard to bear
Hi there, I'm Chris Jardine, captain of Annan Athletic.
I hope, throughout the season, I can give you a good insight into life at the newest Scottish League club and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
I had been using My Sport/606 to post my offerings but now I've been upgraded to blog status...
This is the first time I feel as if I am struggling to find words to complete my blog since the start of the season.
We have had defeats and bad performances along the way but Saturday was the worst I have felt for a long time.
Don't think I am saying this because it was Spartans. This was never the so-called grudge match it was described as.
The 2 clubs have been friends off the pitch for a long time and I am certain that will continue.
It was purely down to the way we surrendered, what I thought was a comfortable first half lead. Within 5 or 6 minutes of the second half the lead was gone and we were out of the cup.
The heads went down straight away and just showed how much we are lacking confidence right now.
I'm sure a lot of people would expect more from me in lifting my team, and believe me I expect more from myself because it's just not happened from me enough this season.
All I am trying to do is work hard and hopefully the performances will come soon, and that is the same for the rest of the players and management.
I know there were a lot of unhappy fans throughout the second half and at the end of the game. I've never known an atmosphere like that in the Social Club, it was very uncomfortable.
Supporters pay good money to come and watch the team play and it is entirely up to the paying individual what they want to shout. What I will say is that we really need the supporters to get behind us when we are having a bad time.
No-one goes out to have a bad performance. When individuals make mistakes on the pitch, their team mates get behind them and encourage them along. That's what we need from the fans as well.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one that wanted to get home and lock the doors after the defeat but my Dad and Uncle were through so we went for a couple of drinks in Dumfries.
My Uncle Andrew kept insisting that I came up to his, telling me there were beers in the fridge. I was having none of it until he hit me with the guilt trip that my wee cousin was excited about me going up to visit.
So I ended up giving in, forgetting that he had been in the Social Club since 2 o'clock that day. We get up to the house and a bowl of soup and a can of Strongbow later he is asleep on the couch!
Home time for me then!
I've got a couple of days off work this week as I'm off to see Oasis in Glasgow on Wednesday night. I've always been a massive fan and although I've been to see them a good few times I'm particularly looking forward to this one as I've a few family and friends going as well.
It should be a good night with me and my cousin Gary staying up after the gig.
I'm not missing training though and will be there preparing as best I can for the Montrose game on Saturday.
Hi there, I'm Chris Jardine, midfielder with Scottish Third Division side Annan Athletic. I hope, throughout the season, I can give you a good insight into life at the newest Scottish League club and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
Comment number 1.
At 4th Nov 2008, spartansfan wrote:Having watched Annan for a number of seasons I was amazed at your long ball tactics for the first 60 minutes. You were renowned for good football but seem to have changed tactics in the SFL.
Our tactics seemed to involve youngster Gavin Malin picking you up Chris and giving you little time but we were surprised at how little passing football you played as a team. Your big centre forward did cause us trouble early on but after Fowlie and Gerrard worked out what was happening we defended better.
Good luck for the rest of the season and we look forward to seeing you winning from Saturday.
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Comment number 2.
At 4th Nov 2008, therunsouth wrote:hi chris totally gutted with the result on saturday.its pretty tough as a supporter trying to remain positive just now.its got to be said some of annans football lately has been shocking.dont think we have played a decent 90 mins since elgin
i think most fans are still behind the manager and team but cant see it lasting much longer.
When we last played montrose very unlucky not to go home with 3 points.keep plugging away the good times are just round the corner mon the annan
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Comment number 3.
At 5th Nov 2008, Edingalabankie wrote:Jardy, your comments about some fans not getting behind the team are correct but there did seem to be a bit of apathy by some players in the second half performance on Saturday. I guess supporters expected a bit more fire to be about the play. Let's be honest though, a long trip to Elgin may not have helped our league campaign so let's concentrate on that and get back on track on Saturday.
You are spot on about the atmosphere in the Club after the game, but can I say a thank you for you and Belly appearing straight away in the main bar to mingle with the supporters after the game. It's not always easy and genuine fans appreciate those small things. I would like to see all the team/management doing that more.
Cheers.
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Comment number 4.
At 5th Nov 2008, TheSpartans wrote:First time I have ever been to Annan, and the second weekend in a row I was down we actually got a game!
A really friendly club with a good atmosphere - im gutted you guys are not EOSL as who knows when we will be back!
I thought Annan started well but after the early goal it just seemed to be long ball after long ball. I thought we played really well and deserved our win.
We have a very fast flowing football team this season and I thought we were just above the standard Annan played.
but you guys have a very tall team so its always likely to be long ball stuff
ood luck for the rest of the season - hope you can get at least a playoff place!
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Comment number 5.
At 6th Nov 2008, WJRSpartan wrote:Hi Chris, forget all the EoS/SFL nonsense. Remember 3 seasons ago when we came to Galabank and needed only a draw? Didn't get it and you boys completed your run to the title. And what a run that was.
For that game alone games between us will be important for a while. At least for me they will.
Thanks for showing up after the game, that was appreciated.
3 good goals, I'm not sure you guys were playing only hoofball.
Not sure if our game against Elgin is before your return league game. If so we'll do our best to noise them up - the pocket rocket AK47 will be back for the Elgin game.
All the best for the rest of your season.
WJRSpartan
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