´óÏó´«Ã½

Bryan Gilfillan's two goals in the second leg of the play-off against Albion Rovers weren't enough to secure promotion for Annan. Photo: SNS

It was quite emotional in the dressing room immediately after the game as no-one really knew what to say.

We were all proud of what we achieved but still felt that we should have gained promotion.

There wasn't too much the manager could say to lift us. It was a case of "you'll be disappointed for a few days but we'll get our rest and come back for another shot next season".

Just at that point someone from the club brought a couple of cases of beer in and we all shared a toast together before getting our showers and heading in to the club to share a few more - beers, that is, not toasts!

The place was busy with supporters from both clubs after the game but there were about 10 of us who stayed and we eventually managed to get a seat together and get a few drinks without putting our hands in our pockets.

The club supplied the beer and Ciaran Donnelly supplied the Jagermeister! Ciaran and Robert Love came over to wish us all the best and brought over a tray of shots.

As disgusting as the drink was, it was a nice touch and says a lot about those two. We wish them and Albion Rovers well in the Second Division next season.

As the final whistle went, I knew I'd be drowning my sorrows. All things considered we had a really good night. I really do wonder what we would have been like had we managed that promotion.

A few of us were down at the club on Tuesday night for talks regarding next season and the supporters' club was there too, having its AGM.

The guys brought a local paper in and were quick to show us the headline: "GILFILLAN: I'M BETTER THAN DIVISION THREE!"

It's fair to say that Gilly wasn't too happy with how they worded the story, the headline in particular. I'm sure the boys won't let him forget that one in a hurry.

So, Tuesday night was when my week took a turn for the better after Sunday's disappointment when I signed a new one-year contract with the club.

I was absolutely delighted when the manager said he wanted me to remain at the club and I was in and out of his office within five minutes.

If I wasn't going to be playing football for Annan Athletic next season then I wasn't playing football; it was that simple for me.

So simple, in fact, that I just signed the forms they gave me and left the manager and secretary to fill in the blanks.

While I'll continue at Galabank in to the new season, unfortunately this will be my last blog for the ´óÏó´«Ã½.

I'd like to thank everyone for their support in reading the column and leaving comments both positive and negative. I never expected to be doing this for three years but I've enjoyed it immensely and I hope some of you have too.

You might read the odd thing from me in the future but I really hope that you continue to look out for Annan Athletic and continue to follow our progress.