Winning ways and warming the bench
I was sitting watching on Saturday night after our first win in eight matches when my girlfriend, Laura, asked me what kind of things the manager says in his team talk.
So, without giving away any secrets, I'll let you all have a wee insight into how we stopped the rot.
I managed to hang on to my place against East Stirlingshire last Wednesday but another defeat, amongst other things (I'm saying nothing) left me worrying about leading the team out against Albion Rovers a few days later.
I spoke with the manager on Friday and nothing was mentioned about the squad for the game so maybe I had been given another week?
No chance! My phone rang at 1000 on Saturday morning and I knew what was coming but it still doesn't make it any easier to take.
I've been fortunate enough to play the majority of games when I've been fit but I'm honest enough to say I think it was the right decision.
I'm missing the Elgin game this weekend so I don't really have any complaints just disappointment.
I took along the FHM High Street Honey booklet for the boys to have a look through. We are allowed to pick two of our favourites for the competition and it's winner takes all!
It goes without saying that I'm just the bookie because Mrs Jardine isn't in the competition!
By the time we got into the dressing room big Darren Johnstone wanted to fine everyone for being late. Even though we were all at the pick-up points on time, we arrived a couple of minutes later than we should have.
I said fine the driver but you can't really can you?
It's now team talk time and Harry (Cairney) usually tries to relax us all by telling us a funny story. Saturday was different though... the story was actually funny!
He was telling us that his father had said that he would come along and watch the game. Harry then says, "I'm not sure if I want you to come today Dad, I'll probably be getting a bit of stick from the supporters and I don't want you sitting hearing things like that."
Harry's father then asks why he would be getting stick from the Albion fans to which Harry replied, "No Dad, it's the Annan supporters I'm worried about."
Needless to say, the boys were in stitches and it certainly helped lift the atmosphere.
The team then went on to put in a hard working shift and through another great strike from we picked up a very welcome three points.
Although it was short, it was an enjoyable bus journey down the road. We stopped and got a few beers for the bus and the chairman even ventured to the back end of the bus for the first time in weeks.
A great weekend it was and I even managed to get Lee Hoolickin to finally pay me his money for our Christmas night out.
I'm in this weekend so I would like to wish everyone good luck for the Elgin game, it's a great opportunity for us to pick up another three points.
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 18th Nov 2008, cmr-oafc wrote:What a waste of time reading a boring pub team blog.
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Comment number 2.
At 18th Nov 2008, Hinders93 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 3.
At 18th Nov 2008, Hinders93 wrote:Numpty. Don't read it then!
What did you expect from it, Shakespeare?
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Comment number 4.
At 18th Nov 2008, Clint wrote:Good effort Chris. Glad to see something relating to the lower Scotish leagues.
As for comment 1 - OAFC??
Something about....jailbait??
You'd expect an Oldham fan to sympathise with coverage from a lower league perspective
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Comment number 5.
At 18th Nov 2008, aberdeengoose wrote:Nice blog Chris good to hear about some dressing room banter.
Enjoy Amsterdam.
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Comment number 6.
At 18th Nov 2008, aberdeengoose wrote:Forgot to put in my original post how big a step up if any has playing in the 3rd division been compared to the East of Scotland?
And do you think Scotland should have some sort of Conference league like in England for promotion to the 3rd division and relegation from the 3rd to it?
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Comment number 7.
At 19th Nov 2008, ginxyviola wrote:Your girlfriend watches Match of the Day AND asks questions about football? You are a lucky man...
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Comment number 8.
At 19th Nov 2008, mattgeordiecat wrote:good blog mate
just wondering, what r u doing in amsterdam this weekend???!
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Comment number 9.
At 19th Nov 2008, Davealiester wrote:check this gear out, it's really funky
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Comment number 10.
At 19th Nov 2008, Davealiester wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 11.
At 19th Nov 2008, ChrisDFC wrote:I find it a bit rich from an Oldham fan describing this as a 'pub team blog'.
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Comment number 12.
At 20th Nov 2008, marco44 wrote:Good that you recognise that you have not been playing well for the last couple of weeks.
Hopefully when you get back into the team we will see an in form Jardie.
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Comment number 13.
At 23rd Nov 2008, pigg_dogg wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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