A frustrating season ends
Well, that's the first chapter of Annan Athletic's new life in the Third Division over!
Over the next few weeks I'm sure we will all look back on our historic season and be pleased with our efforts.
Although we're now disappointed to have finished seventh, it's a position we would have accepted with only .
From a personal point of view I must admit to being quite pleased that the season is over. To say it has been frustrating would be a huge understatement.
After the massive high of our it quickly started to go downhill for yours truly.
Our final-day defeat to the league champions Dumbarton on Saturday meant that we only picked up one victory in our final six matches, not really play-off form if we are being honest.
It's been a long, hard season and I'm sure I'm not the only one looking forward to my holidays.
Believe it or not, it's only five weeks until it starts all over again. While I'll keep myself fit during the close season, I'll also be taking that time to think seriously about my future at the club.
Before that time comes I've got a three-night trip away to Magaluf with the boys next week and hopefully numerous trips up to the Granite City to visit my partner, Laura.
There was a hastily arranged end-of-season trip to Newcastle after the game on Saturday.
We should have known that the result wasn't going to go in our favour. I'm sure it's just coincidence but for as long as I can remember we've never won the game with a night out to come afterwards.
I'm afraid I can't give you any stories at the minute because work commitments prevented me from making the trip. I tried my best to get some information when I texted Lee Hoolickin the next day but he tells me he can't remember a thing!
Not to worry, though. I'll be quizzing the guys this Saturday when we have our player of the year dance at the football club.
As far as I'm aware, everyone will be attending and it should be a good night, with the supporters coming along for the first time to hand out their awards.
There are a few early favourites and although I voted for Steven Sloan, I can see big Kevin Neilson picking up a few awards.
He has certainly endeared himself to our support this season with some commanding performances in the middle of defence.
As well as Kevin, Derek Townsley's and Mike Jack's performances were rewarded when they were all named in the Third Division team of the year. Congratulations to the three of them - it was fully deserved.
Regular readers of this column will know I have been very complimentary towards the league winners throughout the season, so it shouldn't surprise you that I was amazed that no Dumbarton players appeared in the team of the year.
Ross Clark has been their top goalscorer and is the club's player of the year, while Derek Carcary and Stevie Murray have also impressed me this season.
We were all having a chat in the changing rooms after the game on Saturday and every one of the players seemed .
In fact, "head and shoulders" were mentioned quite a few times - and no-one was talking about shampoo and conditioner.
I've not really taken the time to reflect over the season as yet, but I will be doing that over the coming weeks.
I'm sure the players, management and committee will get together at the dance this weekend and share some stories and thoughts over a beer or two. I'll be here to share all of that with you over the close season.
Finally, my best wishes go out to Preston North End and in particular my mate . Unfortunately during the week and there will be major disappointment all round.
From a selfish point of view I'm glad that it means Barry gets a longer holiday. That should mean we get a long overdue night out back in Dumfries like the good old days!
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 14th May 2009, CTP wrote:hey chris, most of your posts mention nights out on the sauce... just wondering what your thoughts are on giving it up, with harry redknap in the news saying that's what the tottenham guys should do? do you think even at third division level that it would ultimately improve your performance?
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Comment number 2.
At 14th May 2009, Rabster wrote:I think both your own and Gavin Strachan's blogs are welcome insights into the the more 'realistic' world of football. The (understandable) problem is that we cannot get your genuine opinions about what may be loosely described as the 'politics' of the game. You have mentioned before your questioning about your future at Annan and I cannot work out if you personally are unhappy or the club is unhappy with you. Obviously that is not something you are inclined to go into detail about so I have to question why you bring up the subject?
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Comment number 3.
At 14th May 2009, kennedy wrote:Interesting blog. I wouldn't be too unhappy about your final position, 7th isn't so bad for the first attempt.
Good luck for next season!
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Comment number 4.
At 14th May 2009, Doonhamerinexile wrote:I'll second what Camp6ell asked. Well done anyway dude. You guys did really well.
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Comment number 5.
At 15th May 2009, kawayinet wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 6.
At 17th May 2009, Chopper1886 wrote:Who (and why) do you fancy to get promoted via the play-offs given you have first hand experience of two of the 3 remaining teams at present this season?
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Comment number 7.
At 17th May 2009, sonsanorak wrote:I've enjoyed your blog all season Chris.
Thanks very much for your gracious comments about the Sons, at different times this year we have been head and shoulders above other teams.
That said, Annan have done really well this year and your victory against us at ours earlier this year gave us all a real rocket. At that time we looked as if we were going to struggle to make the play-offs and maybe caused the players to have a good look at themselves. At that time I remember thinking that Annan would comfortably make the playoffs.
As much as you'll all be disappointed at your final position, you should take pride in the beatings you handed out this year. The first year would always be difficult.
The hospitality shown by your club on the last day to us is an example to us all. I'd like to wish both you and Annan all the best for next season.
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Comment number 8.
At 16th Jan 2010, nikeoutlet wrote:This article has great reference value, thank you very much for sharing.
I would like to reproduced your article, so that more people would see it.
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