The Ducket Blog - Independent Berwick Rangers Editorial & News

Updates

2008-05-03T12:12:00.000+01:00

You'll all be thinking I've lost interest in updating my blog! I've not, normal service will be resumed shortly!

Berwick Rangers XI 4-4 Hearts XI

2008-04-07T11:20:00.006+01:00

Grant McNicoll's Testimonial

Sunday saw the testimonial of Grant McNicoll, in honour of ten years service to the club. Gary McKay put together a decent Hearts Legends side to face Grant's own team.

It was good to see some old faces back in Berwick shirts - Marc Anthony, Kevin Haynes, Ross Godrey, Davie Watt, Murray Hunter, Spider Ramsey, Colin Campbell, Gary O'Connor (!) and Neil Oliver to name a few (the full list is in the post below).

The scorers were Davie Watt, Marc Anthony, Kevin Haynes and Grant McNicoll came off the bench to score a rather dubious looking penalty! And at 4-3 Hearts were awarded a penalty, which McNicoll converted after swapping shirts with John Robertson (below).

All-in-all it was a decent game, it is just a pity there wasn't more of a turn out for Grant.

Danny Swanson

2008-04-05T10:36:00.001+01:00

There was a good article in the Scotsman yesterday:

http://news.scotsman.com/health/Danny-Swanson-The-football-39genius39.3948373.jp

Grant McNicoll Testimonial

2008-04-04T11:53:00.002+01:00

This Sunday sees the long awaited testimonial for Grant McNicoll. He has put together a Berwick side made up of players he has played with over the past few years to face a Hearts XI, which has been rounded up by Gary McKay.

Amongst others, the Berwick XI will feature: Gary O’CONNOR, Ross GODFREY, Keith McNICOLL, Colin CAMPBELL, Neil BENNETT, Mark BRADLEY, Robbie HORN, Dale GRAY, Murray McDOWELL, Martin NEIL, Gordon FORREST, Darren SMITH, Murray HUNTER, Paul FORRESTER, Gary WOOD, Kevin HAYNES, Kevin GORDON, David MURIE, Kevin McLEISH, Davie WATT, Marc ANTHONY, Michael McDERMOTT and Alan NEILL

And the Hearts team will be made up of: Gary MACKAY, John ROBERTSON, Paul RITCHIE, Wayne FOSTER, Walter KIDD, Dave MacPHERSON, Henry SMITH, Scott LEITCH, Tosh McKINLAY, Jose QUITONGO, Stevie FULTON, Darren JACKSON, Neil IRVINE, Jimmy SANDISON, Scott CRABBE, Brian HAMILTON, Kenny BLACK, Stuart CALLAGHAN and Brian McNAUGHTON

Adults £7, concessions £3 - advanced tickets are available from The Pilot Inn.
Programme available on the day, prices £2.

Please try and make it along if you can - Grant deserves a decent turn out.

Michael Renwick

2008-04-02T13:11:00.005+01:00

We have seen a slight improvement in the last month or so at Berwick, but despite this most fans would still like to see the back of Michael Renwick. Last month I ran poll asking you how long you'd give Renwick, 44 of you voted and 63% of you said that the BRFC Board should sack him right now!

A few of you (20%) said you would give him the summer to get a squad together to make a challenge for the Third Division title, but if we didn't start the season well that would be the end for Renwick. The remainder of the people voting said that they would be happy to give him next season or even longer.

I do think that some of the comments levelled at the guy on P&B have been a bit strong, but I can understand why people want him out. At the time, the appointment seemed a little bit mis-guided and a big risk.

One thing that sticks in my mind when I see all the critisism of Renwick is something which happened nearly ten years ago. Paul Smith had been in the hot seat for over a year and despite some big name signings (such as Marc Anthony and Kevin Magee), we had a dreadful start to the season which saw us second bottom at the end of September 1999.

There were a few of us who organised a protest at an away game at Forfar, which involved a 'SMITH OUT' banner and we called for Jamie Curle to give him the bullet. But Jamie stuck with his rookie manager and Paul Smith ended up proving us wrong with a promotion in April 2000. He went on to be the third most successful Berwick manager, enjoying some good Second Division campaigns and cup games against Rangers, Falkirk and Hearts.

It just makes me hope that if we are going to keep Michael Renwick on until next season, he proves us all very wrong.

BBC Storyline

2008-03-28T16:36:00.002Z

We were featured on BBC Storyline this week. It is available to view on the BBC's iPlayer until Monday (our bit is about 25 minutes into the programme) - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b009ncgv.shtml?q=english&start=1&scope=iplayersearch&version_pid=b009ncft

Back from Barca

2008-03-26T11:37:00.003Z

Firstly, apologies for the lack of updates in the last couple of weeks. I have been away to Barcelona for the past week or so, missing the Brechin game (thankfully) in the process.

Seems like it was quite a tanking once again, check out the thread on P&B, things aren't getting any easier for Michael Renwick. I sat in a pub on La Ramblas watching the scores roll in on Sky Sports and I wasn't at all suprised it ended 5-0, I was suprised that the result didn't relegate us. That particular delight has been reserved for this Saturday, where anything less than 3 points against Peterhead would relegate us.

Barca was good though, I took in FC Barcelona's game against Real Valladolid at the Neu Camp. Tickets were available right up until kick off and at 48 euros they for a seat behind the goal, I didn't think it was too expensive. Nearly 60,000 catalans turned up to watch an entertaining game in the sun, with Henry, Eto'o, Zambrotta and Bojan standing out in a 4-1 win.

Watching the Spanish version of Match of the Day later that night showed that Real Villadolid's goal was never a penalty and one of Barca's goals was offside. From our view both goals looked good - such was the distance from the pitch.

A game and a good day, The Neu Camp certainly beats the likes of Central Park.

Cowdenbeath vs Berwick Rangers

2008-03-14T14:53:00.005Z

It is D-Day at Central Park tomorrow, nothing less than a win will do to fend off our inevitable relegation. The maths are quite simple now, if we lose to Cowdenbeath and Queen's Park win at Brechin, we are down. That said, the odds are probably in our favour as I would fancy Brechin to beat Queen's if we fail to take anything from Cowden.

Tuesday night's thriller at Shielfield will have taken a lot out of both sets of players. The fitter squad of players will win this game, sadly I don't think that will be us.

The main story this week has been the apparent loss of Jordan Smith, who has seemingly joined Stenny. I can only assume that this is a pre-contract agreement and he will be with us for the remainder of the season.

In a quite perverse way I am quite looking forward to this game - Cowdenbeath away has always been one of my favourite fixtures. There is quite a large group of us travelling up who will be intent on enjoying the day despite the fact we will could leave Fife on Saturday teatime as the Third Division's newest team.

My predictions: Cowdenbeath 2-0 Berwick Rangers; Brechin City 2-1 Queen's Park

Weather: Cloudy, 8 degrees.
Bluesq: Cowdenbeath 4/7, Draw 13/5, Berwick 4/1

Berwick Rangers 4-5 Cowdenbeath

2008-03-12T11:06:00.003Z

What a bizarre game of football at Shielfield Park last night. The 259 punters that turned out certainly got value for money, something that rarely happens at Shielfield these days.

With Peter Logan suspended, Michael Renwick chose to keep Chris Flockhart out of the side and instead bring in ex-Alloa and Montrose 'keeper Gary McGlynn as a trialist.

Denis McLaughlin (below), who was part of our Championship winning squad last season, got Cowden off the mark with just 40 seconds on the clock. And he doubled Cowden's lead three minutes later. We all got that familiar sinking feeling.

But we had hope when Ian Little got one back, but that was squashed when Mark Ramsey (another ex-Berwick player) knocked in a third for Cowden. But right on half time the on-form Little made it 2-3.

David Greenhill got our equaliser with a deflected shot in the 70th minute and two minutes later Fairbairn put is 4-3 infront.

Then three minutes later McLaughlin completed his hat-trick to level things at 4-4. And just as it looked like being an amicable 4-4 draw, he added his fourth and Cowden's fifth in the 90th minute.

A defeat for Berwick at Cowdenbeath on Saturday will see one of our earliest ever relegations in the history of the club.

Berwick Rangers 1-2 Alloa Athletic

2008-03-08T17:05:00.004Z

Another defeat, watched by only 332 people. Brown Ferguson, a one time Berwick signing target, got Alloa off the mark with just 2 minutes on the clock. On loan Blair Tolmie gave us hope with a headed equaliser and things looked even better when Forrest was sent off for Alloa for a bad challenge on Thommo.

Unfortunately a minute later, on loan Berwick 'keeper Peter Logan was sent off for man handling Ferguson outside the box and Ferguson converted the penalty.

Most of the small crowd left early in the rain.

Berwick Rangers vs Alloa Athletic

2008-03-08T09:19:00.004Z

Sadly this could be our lowest crowd of the season so far, the Ducket was pretty empty last week as many fans decided to give it a miss (me included), this game could see an even lower attendance.

Failure to win today could see us relegated in the next seven days. Possibly the earliest relegation in the history of the football club. That won't be the only bad record we will be breaking, but I don't want to depress you all just yet!

As I said before the Ayr game, it is now a matter of players playing for contracts and a place in the squad next season. Renwick has always said he would like to be judged on next season, when he will have the squad of players that he wants in place.

My prediction: Berwick 1-1 Alloa

Weather: Sunny, 10 degrees
Bluesq: Berwick 3/1, Draw 11/4, Alloa 4/6

New Blog

2008-03-06T14:43:00.001Z

I came across a new Berwick Rangers blog today, not sure who does it, but it is worth a look - http://www.blogstoday.co.uk/bloghome.aspx?username=BA%20Sport

Relegation

2008-03-06T09:16:00.003Z

The trapdoor is open...

After last night's 3-0 defeat at Airdrie, we remain 14 points behind second bottom Cowdenbeath, having played one more game. Looking at the points which remain and the fixtures still to come, we could quite easily be relegated by Cowdenbeath when we visit Central Park a week on Saturday.
Michael Renwick had the white flag in the air back in January so we shouldn't really be surprised that it has come to this. But of all the teams, Cowdenbeath! We have a long history with The Blue Brazil - we won promotion on their turf in 1979 and more recently denied them Scottish Cup ties against Rangers (2002) and Hearts (2001) by beating them in the Second Round of the competition. They have the most recent victory though - they narrowly beat us to the 2005/6 Third Division Championship. And now it looks like Michael Renwick's old club are going to send us back to the basement of Scottish football.

There is some hope that they won't relegate us, but that would mean us beating Alloa this Saturday and hoping Cowden drop some points before we meet them. We would then probably need to beat them twice in our two consecutive games against them next week (we also face them at Shielfield next Tuesday).

Airdrie Tonight

2008-03-05T15:41:00.002Z

The game is in some doubt, although there is no inspection planned. Check with Airdrie before setting off - www.airdrieunitedfc.com/news_article.asp?article=165

Berwick Rangers vs Ayr United

2008-02-29T16:34:00.002Z

It is now a case of players playing for a contract next season as Michael Renwick prepares his squad for the Third Division. He has already said that there will be players he doesn't rate leaving us in the Summer, so now is the time the players to start impressing their gaffer.

My prediction: Berwick 1-2 Ayr.

Weather: Sunny, 8 degrees
Bluesq: Berwick 9/4, Draw 5/2, Ayr 10/11

BBC Storyline

2008-02-27T11:36:00.000Z

Filming at Shielfield on Sunday seems to have went well. The film crew took footage of Berwick fans having a kick about on the park before being asked their views on the current England-Scotland debate. The show goes out at the end of March on BBC 1 Scotland.

Berwick Rangers on BBC Scotland

2008-02-23T13:33:00.002Z

The BBC will be at Shielfield Park tomorrow (Sunday) to do some filming. They are inviting all Berwick fans for a chat about the big England - Scotland debate. If you want to come along and give you views and maybe get on the telly, make your way to the ground for about 9.30am - everyone is welcome.

The show goes out on BBC 1 Scotland in the next few weeks.

Airdrie United vs Berwick Rangers

2008-02-23T11:22:00.000Z

MATCH OFF

Waterlogged pitch. No new date yet.

More on Gary O'Connor

2008-02-22T09:33:00.005Z

As Gary prepares for his first game for East Stirling at Forfar, we are left to wonder what actually happened between him and Michael Renwick. It was a month ago that Gary was told to either find a new club or join up with the Reserve team for training and on matchdays.

Gary has chosen to keep playing senior football and has joined East Stirling on an emergency loan deal.

Michael Renwick says that Gary just isn't good enough and he needs younger and more hungry players in his team. He also questioned Gary's attitude in training (which I find hard to believe).

Renwick was quoted in the week's Berwick Advertiser: "In my opinion Gary's performances for us were simply not good enough. I know what he has cost us in terms of points this season, so I was looking to make a change. Gary was aware of that, but his attitude made my decision all the easier.

"Gary instigated a move to Stenhousemuir himself, but then the deal fell through at the last minute. He will now spend the rest of the season either playing with the reserves or go out on loan as an emergency signing to another club. I know it is his testimonial season, and that will still go ahead, but I couldn't let that influence my decision."

Now this is the bit I don't understand, Renwick says that Gary's performances 'were simply not good enough'. Yet when you look at the facts and compare his record this season with that of Flockhart and Logan, it is obvious that Gary has been a much better 'keeper this season. He kept the score respectable in a lot of games, including Michael Renwick's first game in charge at Airdrie.

Gary O'Connor: Games - 19, Conceeded - 44 (av. 2.3 per game)
Chris Flockhart: Games - 4, Conceeded - 17 (av. 4.25 per game)
Peter Logan: Games - 3, Conceeded - 10 (av. 3.33 per game)

Okay, Peter Logan has only played three games since he joined, but I'll revisit this particular maths lesson at the end of the season to see if his average improves. If it does and it drops below 2.3 goals per game, Renwick made the correct decision. If it doesn't, it was a bad judgement. You simply can not argue with facts and figures.

Gary Joins Shire

2008-02-21T13:21:00.002Z

Gary O'Connor has joined East Stirling on an emergency loan deal until the end of the season. As you will all know, Gary has been left out in the cold by new manager Michael Renwick and was told to find a new cliub or train with the reserves.

Gary O'Connor Tributes

2008-02-20T10:05:00.003Z

As most of you will know, season 2008/9 will see Gary O'Connor's Testimonial year get in to full swing. There are a number of events organised, including a match at Shielfield, a quiz night, dinner, golf day and other events. The Supporters Trust are helping put together a 64-page souvenir brouchure to celebrate Gary's time at Berwick and his long career.

Editor of the brochure, George Mathison, is looking for fans to send in any tributes, memories or storys about Gary. So if you would like to have your quote included, please send it to mail@ducketblog.com

League of Wales

2008-02-19T10:08:00.009Z

Last weekend a few of us took a trip down to North Wales to take in three games in the Welsh Premier League. A break away from watching Berwick and a change of scenery were the main reasons for our trip and it was also good to compare the standard in Wales to that of Scotland. We definately were not doing the 'ground-hopping' thing!

On Friday night we went along to Caernarfon Town vs Newtown AFC, a mid-table clash on a freezing cold night. The ground was a bit like an East of Scotland park, with a small stand and the rest terracing. It had all the usual stuff - club shop, pie stall etc. And the locals were friendly enough. The match was pish though - a nil nil draw. Both sides were made up of Scousers and the standard was way below Scottish Third Division.

The following day we took in Bangor City vs Llanelli AFC (pronounced Lan-effly!). This was a much better match and much like watching a good Scottish Third Division game. Bangor's stadium was a lot bigger and obviously set up to cope with small European games. The match ended 1-1 and it was quite and entertaining, both sides would certainly give Berwick a tough game. Again, both sides had a heavy Scouse/Manc influence with very few locals.

We took in the 'sights' on Saturday night in Bangor, with its mainly student population. A few good bars and the inevitable visit to the local dodgy nightclub 'octogon' which was basically a bigger version of Bedrocks with all the locals speaking this weird language called 'Welsh'. A good night out though.

We faced a 300 mile drive on the Sunday, but had planned to take in Rhyl vs The New Saints (or TNS to you and me) on the way home. When we arrived at the ground the sun was beating down and we didn't even consider the game might be off, however news in the pub an hour prior to kick off was that the game had been postponed.

We partook in some free pies and made the long journey home, briefly stopping off at Gretna to see how their ground development was coming on. As you can see from the pictures, they haven't done a thing and it looks like they will be ground sharing with Livingston next season.

A good weekend away, certainly beats a 4-0 thrashing at Shielfield.

Talk-in

2008-02-18T12:37:00.002Z

It looks like the manager' talk-in went off with out too much incident. The people I have spoke to have all said the same thing really - Michael answered all the questions put to him quite well.

The subjects covered seem to have included:

Gary O'Connor saga - Michael's side of the story
Robbie Henderson not signing
Steven Noble not being good enough for this division
The injury crisis
The Peterhead game
Grant McNicoll
Swearing at Reserve games!
Plans for next season
Trust/Board relations

As well as many other topics. The meeting ran for over 2 hours with fans being able to ask a variety of questions, which Renwick seemed to answer. Obviously as I wasn't there it would be wrong for me to say much more than this.

Pop over to Pie & Bovril to see what folk are saying. A few have said that their opinion has shifted slightly and are willing to give Renwick more of a break - whilst others have taken the 'a good speaker doesn't make a good manager' stance.

Berwick Rangers vs Ross County

2008-02-14T16:33:00.006Z

I'll not be attending this match, I have a trip to Wales organised for this weekend instead. The last time I missed a competitive match at Shielfield Park involving Berwick Rangers was back in March 1995. We beat Meadowbank Thistle 1-0, I attended the next match against Clyde where we drew 1-1, from there at the age of 13, I was pretty much hooked.

In those thirteen years I have stood in the Ducket or sat in the stand and watched some complete shite. The Jimmy Thompson days, Sandy Clark's failed attempt to keep us up and the first season of Paul Smith's reign were probably the worst.

Countless times I have walked out of Shielfield Park uttering the words "I'll not be back". I always said it but never really meant it. Until now. I left the Brechin game in January early and missed Iain Diack's double right at the end, but even before that I had had enough of this season. I was actually quite glad when the Cowden game was called off, leaving my Saturday free to do other things.

I'm not saying I won't be back - I'll be at the remainder of the home games and most of the away games. But it wasn't that long ago I wouldn't consider missing any games (it was only in December I missed my first away game in ten years) - now if I miss a game it isn't the end of the world, such is the poor season we have had.

I'm not too fussed about winning league titles, even winning games. But even in the darker days of Paul Smith and Jimmy Thompson we did have guys playing for the jersey, not win bonuses. That is all the fans want to see from a Berwick team - 11 honest guys panning their heid in for the cause.

The bullshit flying around the club and on P&B has also left me feeling like I can't be bothered with it all anymore.

As I keep saying, I just wish this season would end. I really hope there is a plan for next season...

Talk-in with Michael Renwick

2008-02-14T09:10:00.003Z

...this Friday

The long awaited talk-in with Michael Renwick takes place at the Black and Gold this Friday at 7.30pm. Quite a few fans have said they are going along to this, it should be quite entertaining. If you can't make the talk-in and would like to table a question, please email it to mail@ducketblog.com and I'll do my best to make sure it is asked!

The past three managers have all held talk-ins with fans, John Coughlin was always an excellent speaker but Sandy Clark struggled to win the fans over. Paul Smith gained a bit of respect from his time in front of the fans, this is Michael Renwick's chance to do the same.