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December

December 31st- Saints are taking advantage of the winter shutdown to book hospital treatment for some players. John McQuillan has been in for a minor op on his knee. This could rule him out of the club's mid-season trip to Marbella, depending on how the injury shapes up next week. Meanwhile Nick Dasovic is heading to the Canadian team's national rehabilitation centre in his hometown of Vancouver for treatment on his injured ankle, which has ruled him out of the Gold Cup.
Away from the team and it looks like Geoff Brown(right) is set to abandon his stance against undersoil heating with plans for the club to spend £250,000 installing it under the McDiarmid surface over the summer. Speaking in the PA, the chairman said "We might not be favourites when it comes to Sky games - judging by the number of times our matches are chosen - but the onus is on football clubs, including Saints, to do all in our power to guarantee games.".
One of the postponed games from last month against the Gorgie Gits looks set to go ahead on Tuesday Feb 22nd, although this has still to be confirmed.

December 30th- Kieran McAnespie looks set to join the list of contract "rebels" according to reports with the 20-yr old free to talk to other clubs come the weekend. Whether or not they'll want to talk to him is another matter.

December 29th- Little to report today. As expected, Nick Dasovic is going to miss Canada's Gold Cup tournament through injury. And as part of the festive season the wonderful folk at the SFA have been dishing out the dosh with Saints as one of the top 10 picking up the grand sum of £30,000.

December 28th- Nathan Lowndes, hero of the Dens Park match required 2 stitches in his head wound yesterday - which is a relief to all of us who expected some nasty Scumdee biological infection to affect his bleeding wound.
Meanwhile, Saints are set to escape the "dour match at Dens" descriptions of Jim "Rhyming Slang" Delahunt with a mid-season trip to Marbella in Spain from Jan 6th to 13th. The plan is for the players to have a training camp and a couple of friendly games to hopefully build up some fitness.

December 27th- Saints head into the last match before the winter shutdown today with St. Sandy looking to the trip to Dens to trigger the rise up the table. "It is the last Tayside derby of the Millennium, and the winter break follows immediately after - so it would be nice to go out with a win. We would have preferred to be higher up the table at the half-way stage of the season, but another win tomorrow will give us a bit of a lift and something to build on after we come back." .
Meanwhile John McQuillan is laughing at the OF-obsessed "Scottish" journalists who look for a Wegie angle on anything and dare to think that our game is any less important. "There is a good rivalry between the sides - make no mistake about that. The Saints fans also remember that the Dark Blues put them down on another occasion so there is plenty of motivation for both sides. In the past, the games have been really close - there's a good bite to them and the players enjoy them."
Team newswise Saints will definitely miss out on Nick Dasovic which means a line-up along the same lines as won the game at Rugby Park. For the Lux-loathers, Annand and Grady are set to lead the attack although Wilkie and McSkimming will miss out.
7.30pm - Nathan Lowndes scored Saints goal in a sexy first half at Dens, before a piss-poor second-half performance saw Saints draw 1-1 with Scumdee. Post-match St. Sandy said "We would have settled for four points from the last two games before the winter break. At 1-0 we deserved our lead and we had a good start. In the second half we looked comfortable but we should have made more from the good possession we had.'' - comfortable? Not IMHO.
Elsewhere in the SPL the Sheep buried the Arabs 3-1 and HIVBees and Killie shared a 2-2 draw at Easter Rd. Oh yeah and the boring OF drew 1-1.

December 26th- As can be expected there's little real news today. Referee for tomorrow's trip to Dens has been confirmed as Alan Freeland - currently bottom of the 1999-2000 Referee Votes. Which is not nice....

December 24th- Nick Dasovic (right) is struggling to make Monday's final Derby of the Century against Scumdee. St. Sandy said "Nick is definitely struggling at the moment. He is able to start running OK but it quickly gets painful for him. We want to give him every chance to play against Dundee, especially as we have decided that if he isn't involved then he won't travel with Canada. You can't take risks with footballers'well-being so the decision will be a medical one. As I say, though, Nick's chances don't look too good at the minute." . Better news for Saints fans is that Alan Main will definitely play. Looking ahead to the game, the manager said "There are no shortage of things to motivate us for this one, not least of which is the chance to head into the winter break in decent shape". The Dens Park pitch is currently protected by a hot air dome so things look hopeful that the game will go ahead.

December 23rd- Nothing to report in the papers other than a comment from St. Sandy that there is still an offer on the table for the contract rebels and they still figure in his team plans.

December 22nd- Tonight's SPL match saw TFOD get their customary Xmas 90th minute goal with a 1-0 win over the Gorgie Gits.
Not much news Saints-wise, although Blue Heaven is planning to start up a fanzine in the New Year (titled Blue Heaven surprisingly enough). Anyone that wants to write something for it can e-mail Gary Panton at mailto:fanzine@popr.prestel.co.uk.

December 21st- Long-term injury victim Allan Preston left Saints on Friday for a one-month loan deal at Queen of the South. Unfortunately his first game for the Doonhammers on Saturday saw him leave the field at half-time with cracked ribs. Elsewhere on the injury front, Nick Dasovic remains a doubt for the Dens match thanks to his ankle injury, although the slightly better news is that if he misses Monday's game, then he'll be ruled out of the Canada internationals at the start of next year.
On the transfer front, Aberdeen are apparently now set to launch a "six-figure" bid for John McQuillan, having watched him several times. According to tonight's Evening Telegraph, the bid is expected as soon as next week when the SPL shuts down for a winter break.
Last night's U-21 game with Killie was postponed due to an icy pitch.

December 20th- Transfer speculation today, with both Bolton and Luton watching contract rebel John McQuillan (right) at the weekend. The Saints right-back is out of contract in the summer and is free to speak to other clubs come January 1st.

December 19th- Congratulations to BBC last night for failing to show Pizzaboys hack on Bollan. Still at least the goals were on the telly. Meanwhile everyone's favourite senile pundit Hugh Keevins is at it again.
There's another Saints site up and running at Bluer than Blue
Tonight's SPL game saw the HIVBees notch up a 3-0 win at Tynecastle.

December 18th- Santa dropped off some early Xmas presents for Saints fans today with the boys clocking up a 2-1 win at Killie with a first half showing which gave some hope that sexy football could be on the way back. Pope opened the scoring with his first competitive goal for Saints, whilst John O'Neil (right) sealed the win with a lovely second. Alan Main came through the full 90 minutes, although the kicking was again left to Danny Griffin.
Saints highlights will be on BBC Sportscene tonight.

December 17th- With snow forecast for central Scotland today, there's still a good chance Saints will see a third footie-free weekend. However, if the game does go ahead it seems certain that Alan Main will "play through the pain barrier" and retain the no. 1 slot. Less certain though is Nick Dasovic whose chances are only rated at 50-50. Apparently Pope (right) or Paul Kane will replace him.
Saints are getting hungry for some action although thanks to a frozen artificial pitch yesterday even training was limited. St. Sandy said "It was getting dangerous and we couldn't take a risk of any more injuries. Nick had a scan on his injured ankle and he needs treatment. It's going to be touch and go. But I'm fairly confident Alan will play. As long as he says he can play on we'll delay the surgery. It could be like the situation with Alan Kernaghan last season and as Alan (Main) is a keeper rather than an outfield player he might get away with it longer."
The postponed match against TFOD has been rearranged for Tuesday February 15th at 7.45pm. Original tickets are still valid for this game.

December 15th- Last night's CIS cup-tie between Killie and the Gorgie Gits was postponed due to a frozen Rugby Park pitch. Whilst this isn't great news for those of us wanting to see a game on Saturday, the 6pm call-off does mean that the Gorgie Gits supporters will be even more pissed off thanks to being half-way to the game again !!!!

December 14th- Even without playing Saints' injury situation has worsened. Alan Main is facing an op on his groin and could be out for 12 weeks. The Scotland internationalist is likely to have the op at the start of the winter shutdown to minimise the number of games he'll miss. The "groin complaint" has been affecting the player for weeks and although there is a chance he'll make the Killie game at the weekend (assuming it goes ahead), any relapse and he'll be under the knife before Xmas. However the club are hopeful that any op can be postponed to the summer but the way our luck is going don't expect it. Both Dolph and Stephen Robertson are fully fit now though. Nick Dasovic is also going to the Murrayfield today to check on a damaged ankle which would have kept him out of the Jambos game as well. There is no bone damage but the scan is to check for ligament problems.
Last night's U-21 game against the Gorgie Gits was postponed. The SPL fixture postponed from last Saturday is likely to be rearranged for February.
Finally, Saints want a new tannoy announcer. Contact managing director Stewart Duff on Perth 459090 for details.

December 13th- Alan Main has been revealed to be suffering from a groin injury which explains the failed fitness test Saturday morning. The Gorgie Gits match is another tie set to be rearranged for the New Year with Saints starting to develop a fixture backlog.
Chairman Geoff Brown meanwhile is bemoaning the estimated £5-6000 which the 2 postponements have caused the club although there is "no cash crisis", despite Saints set to be deprived of a home cash gate until the end of January.

December 11th- The McDiarmid pitch strikes again as ref Stuart Dougal declared it unplayable and called today's match with the Gorgie Gits off. Several puddles on the surface and the likelihood of continued rain meant a 2pm postponement, which whilst the teams both seemed happy about does leave certain fans (ie myself) greatly frustrated.
In the end though it looks like Saints had a few more injuries to worry about. Kevin Thomas has had flu all week and been unable to train, whilst Alan Main (right) was apparently ruled out with an unspecified injury today, with Stephen Robertson set to take his place.
Elsewhere in the wonderful SPL the results were - Sheep 0 TFOE 6, TFOD 1 Killie 0 and HIVBees 2 Well 2. In the 2nd Division, Andy Whiteford got Stirling's second in their 3-0 win.

December 10th- It's the Last match of the Millenium at McDiarmid tomorrow !!!. It's pay at the gate as well so there's no excuse for a big turnout to see our season turn round.
But of course that doesn't stop St. Sandy (right) from adopting a cautious attitude. The Saints boss saw the Sheep gub the Gorgie Gits 3-1 at Pittodrie midweek but isn't expecting an attacking performance by Saints going by his comments to Sporting Life today. "Apart from the Old Firm, the eight teams in our league are very similar and that is why you get inconsistencies. Hearts will not be happy with the result on Wednesday but they have some very talented players and will be difficult to beat. They have invested quite a bit of money lately and are an attack-minded team. They back themselves to score more goals than they concede and it is up to us to hold them out.". "hold them out" ????.....Whatever happened to the delights of sexy football and the policy of ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK !!!!!!. I hate to say it but this is the sort of defeatist attitude an ex-manager adopted at TFOD/E grounds. But this time we're at home to the Gorgie Gits ferchrissake !!!!! We need the win tomorrow or else I fear for a very bleak festive season.
In terms of team news for tomorrow there's little to report from the Saints camp with both Alan Main and Nick Dasovic taking advantage of the break to fully recover from their injuries. For the maroon HIV mob, Locke is injured whilst they expect to play McShaggin, Gordan Pigbitch and new signing Fitzroy Simpson.
Elsewhere, trialist Lee Roberston has headed back to Norway with no deal imminent following a complete lack of match action for the ex-TFOD winger to allow the club to assess him. Blame the weather for that one.
With the U-21 match this week called off, the next chance to watch the Saints youngsters comes when we take on the junior Gorgie Gits on Monday at Stark's Park - kick-off 7pm. Today, the Saints U-18s beat their Arab counterparts 2-1, with both Saints goals coming from Kiegan Parker.
Finally, the Official Saints Site has some official wallpaper you can download.

December 8th- It looks like last weekend's postponed SPL match against TFOD won't be played until after the mid-season break. The club hope to announce the rearranged date by the end of the week. Tickets bought for last Saturday's game will remain valid.
Tonight's sole SPL match saw the Sheep get their first home win of the season with a 3-1 gubbing of Saints opponents this weekend, the Gorgie Gits.

December 7th- Darren Dods is aiming to be back in action for Saints after the mid-season break. As to who he'll replace in defence we'll have to wait and see.
Elsewhere, Saints are still miffed about Saturday's call-off with the PA quoting a "McDiarmid Park" insider. "Yet again we're on the wrong end of an official's decision where one of the Old Firm is concerned.", whilst Stewart Duff was a bit more diplomatic saying "I realise decisions have to be made early for the benefit of the fans but we genuinely felt the referee was wasting his time in coming to Perth for the inspection. The pitch seemed perfectly playable and that was six hours before kick-off. We felt the game should have gone ahead."
Finally, ex-Saints hero and all-round nice guy Paul Cherry has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 35. The midfielder currently at Inverness Caley Thistle has had to give up the game due to injury. Still we won't see the last of him as he intends to become an agent.

December 5th- Just to cheer us all up after a weekend of no football, today's Sunday Mail reports that Miguel Simao (right) has turned down the offer of a new contract and that Aberdeen are preparing a £75,000 bid for the player.
Today's SPL results saw a Doddsless Arabs go down 3-0 at Tynecastle to the Gorgie Gits.
The West of Scotland Saints Supporters have a new website up at westofscotlandsaints.co.uk

December 4th- 09.15 - Saints are awaiting the 10am pitch inspection ahead of the TFOD match with Stewart Duff reckoning the pitch is just playable. The "Andy Rhodes" Balloon isn't down but the pitch has been covered since yesterday lunchtime. With TFODs 'injury' crisis (which has also sparked rumours that Wiggy tried to get the game called off due to having to possibly field Colin Hendry) and suspensions, there won't be an easier time to play the bigots so let's hope it goes ahead.
Meanwhile BBC On-line has hit the first Media Falsehood of the weekend.
10.30am- Wiggy got his way - today's match has been postponed.
2.30pm - It looks like there's some controversy surrounding this morning's cancellation. Interviewed on Radio Scotland, chairman Geoff Brown said that he thought that the pitch was playable and even asked the ref John Underhill what parts of the pitch were causing concern. The ref then "declined to give an answer". The radio says that "behind the scenes", Saints are more than a little pissed off by the cancellation. Who says the men in black don't try and help TFOD when they can. No word on a rearranged fixture date yet but it looks likely to be in January.
5.30pm - Today's sole SPL match saw "crisis club" TFOE gub the HIVBees 4-0.

December 3rd- For anyone with a masochistic streak, Saints home tie against TFOD is set to be Sportscene this Saturday. Meanwhile TFOD are struggling to have any fit strikers although given the current weather forecast and Saints luck no doubt the game will be called off to keep Wiggy happy.
5.45pm news - Latest on tomorrow's match is that a 10am pitch inspection is planned although according to the club the game will go ahead unless the weather changes for the worse tonight. Little Saints team news ahead of the game but TFOD are obviously panicking - they're set to sign ex-Saints striker Billy Dodds in a £1.5m from the Arabs deal today. Sympathy for our Soap-Dodging rivals - nah. St. Sandy's pre-match comments went along the usual lines. "We've beaten the Old Firm at McDiarmid in the recent past and we're capable of doing so again. Graeme Jones has a good scoring record at every club he's played for and he's got off to a good start. But we can't put all the pressure on him. Last season most of the players weighed in with goals and we've to get that habit back. We've been working on creating more chances." He also appealed for Perth fans in an all-ticket crowd to be patient and get right behind their team.
Off the field and the Legend (currently on a one month loan at Ayr) has been joined on the exodus by U-21 regular, defender Andy Whiteford (right) who has gone to Stirling Albion on a 2-month loan deal.
One possible incomer is ex-TFOD reject and current Bodo Glimt player Lee Roberston, who according to today's Sun is currently spending a 7-day trial period at McDiarmid. With the player being a left-winger any signing move by Saints would be likely to kill off the Tommy Løvenkrands deal. However Roberston currently has a Norwegian girlfriend so could stay in Scandanavia. Ironically he's also been in talks with Danish club IK Start who Løvenkrands currently plays for.
Saints youths beat Arbroath 2-1 on Wednesday night at Gayfield to make the quarter-finals of the SFA Youth Cup.
Anyone looking for Saints Xmas presents should have their problems solved. The club is bringing out a calendar priced £6.95 this year and a "Millenium" top priced £22.99. Also BBC's Off The Ball team have a 2000 annual out - Saints own Aggie Moffat adorns the cover.
Finally the April 22nd home SPL match against TFOD has been punted to the Sunday night to cater for the demands of Sky TV.

December 1st- Legend was a Saints striker amongst the goals last night. Problem was it was for Ayr Utd in their 1-1 draw with Inverness. The veteran Saints no. 9 has begun a loan spell with the Somerset Park side. End of an era?
Back at the sacred McDiarmid Park it looks like Goalden Graeme will recover from his groin strain in time to square up to TFOD's psychopathic Aussie defender Craig "Kick the Keeper" Moore.

Top Of News

November

November 30th - Long-term injury victimFather Dougal is heading to the SRU clinic at Murrayfield in an attempt to make a return to first-team action after the winter shutdown. The Irishman who has only played twice this season said "It's been a nightmare, time is running out for me making a return before the break. I've had one problem after another since the operation and our physio Nick Summersgill used his rugby contacts to fix-up a visit to the SRU rehab specialist Steven Mutch. Basically all my problems have been on the right side and it seems I've got a pelvis imbalance. All these years of football have taken their toll. I've been working on specific strengthening exercises and I'm optimistic now. There's been a big improvement. I haven't had a pre-season since coming here so basically that's what I'll be going through in Spain. I'll give myself a real pummelling". Meanwhile Goalden Graeme is getting treatment to a groin strain picked up at the weekend.
St. Sandy isn't making excuses though for the weekend saying "They are all modern professional footballers and they should be able to handle three games in six days". The word "footballer" being used in the "crappier than Dundee Utd" sense there.
Saints U-21s drew 2-2 with their Arab counterparts last night with the goals coming from George O'Boyle and Keyring.

November 27th - Nothing to report today other than next week looks even more depressing. Saints slipped to 8th in the SPL thanks to Scumdee getting a 2-1 win at Ibrox (so guess which mob of Govan bigots will be fired up for next week), whilst TFOE lost 3-2 at Motherwell.

November 27th - Alan Main will undergo a fitness test this morning but is likely to play at Tannadice.
7.00pm- Another crap performance as Saints lose 1-0 to Dundee Utd. A semi-decent second-half fightback doesn't cover the crap first-half and the total lack of goalscoring chances we are either creating of finishing. Post-match comments by St. Sandy were of the usual "last season we would have won this. We're not putting the chances away" - ach you know the cliches as well as me by now. And they're wearing thin.
Elsewhere in the SPL Killie and the Jambos drew 2-2 whilst HIVBees beat the Sheep 2-0.

November 26th - Alan Main still thinks we can make Europe this season. Amazing what a win can do. Speaking after Wednesday night's heroics, Scotland's no. 1 said "We put a lot of pressure on ourselves by finishing third last season and getting a place in the UEFA Cup. But I don't see why we can't claim third place again. We picked ourselves up to beat Hibs and we've got to keep doing that if we want to move up the table".
For tomorrow but the Arabs look set to lose Quim Ferraz, whilst Paul Kane is expected to be fit for Saints - although a return to central midfield looks unlikely.
Off the field, reports have it that Danny Griffin is weighing up a "lucrative" 2-year contract. However the N. Ireland internationalist is not expected to make a decision before the New Year.

November 25th - Last night's goalscorer Goalden Graeme has admitted that the volley which won us the match against the HIVBees was a bit of a fluke. "The ball broke to me and I just hit it. I don't normally get them from that range. I am the sort of player who thrives on crosses. If you get the ball to me in the box, I can put them away. Of course it was nice to score again but I was aware the team needed a victory and to get that is the most pleasing thing of all."
Elsewhere, UEFA have seen the merits of having St. Sandy's Euro Army making trips to the continent and awarded Scotland an third UEFA Cup slot next season. And if we stay top of the Fair Play League then it means that we could have 5 teams in Europe.
Plenty of new Media Falsehoods from last night and Chic Young is now the new AntiSaint following his criticism of our new classy striker.

November 24th - Last night's SPL match saw Motherwell beat the Gorgie Gits 2-1 with Gits' keeper Gilles "Crap" Rousset red-carded.
Paul Kane commented on the importance of tonights match saying "The last two seasons have been excellent for the club - although last year topped everything with UEFA Cup qualification. This term simply hasn't been good enough. We were desperate to beat Aberdeen on Sunday - but at least we showed a bit of character to come back for a point. Hopefully, we can carry that on at Easter Road. If nothing else, the draw against Aberdeen stopped the rot of defeats. I don't think it's anything like a crisis at the moment - but I'm the first to admit if the run was to carry on we'd have problems." The midfielder is unlikely to play however as he is still suffering from a pulled neck muscle. Alan Main has passed a fitness test and will play though.
Midnight -Hibs 0 Saints 1 - doesn't it make wonderful reading. Another cracking goal from Goalden Graeme and a couple of world-class saves from Alan Main saw 3 points head to Perth for the first time since mid-September. Life is good.

November 23rd - Saints have a major keeping crisis ahead of tomorrow's trip to Easter Rd. Already ruled out injured is Allan Ferguson with Stephen Robertson only in with a slight chance of recovering from his back spasm received for the U-21s last week. Added to that now is groin injury victim Alan Main who according to St. Sandy is "only 60-40 to be able to play". This could mean a first team debut for youth keeper Kevin Cuthbert (right) although we would be left without any cover on the bench.
Also likely to miss out with a pulled neck muscle is Paul Kane. Nick Dasovic is expected to replace him in the centre of midfield.
Away from the first team and the U-21s lost 4-1 at Pittodrie last night. Scandanavian trialist Christian Birkeland is on his way home with no move likely - St. Sandy is quoted as saying that he's "not what we're looking for".

November 22nd - Post-match comments from St. Sandy last night praised new signing Goalden Graeme Jones. "I was delighted with Graeme. Since I came here we've been looking for a new younger version of Roddy Grant. He did what I was wanting from him. Sometimes you need a physical presence in attack, and it's difficult to get that type of player. We've good strikers at the club but have missed a player like Graeme.". A younger version of Legend - just what we've been needing for the last 5 years !!!!!
Congratulations to Daily Record with the first Media Falsehood from last night. Mind you the paper also refers to John McQuillan as a transfer-listed unsung hero and gives it's man of the match award to Keith O'Halloran (right)
6.30pm - According to tonight's Evening Telegraph, Saints have "agreed a fee and personal terms with the Danish midfield trialist who did well in Roddy Grant’s testimonial match against Coventry." - that's good old Tommy Løvenkrands to the rest of us. However in the great tradition of Saints signing Swedes, the deal has been put on hold. The players girlfriend is expecting a baby in a couple of months and doesn't want to move to Scotland before then. For thos of us that remember the saga of Lars Gunnar Karlstrand and the tales of Dundee cake, Rottweilers and stolen mobile phones this won't come as a surprise. Still hopefully she'll give birth early and we'll have him for the season from January onwards.

November 21st - Some gems in the media from new signing Graeme Jones (known as Graeme the Goal by some Wigan fans). Speaking of his move the Gateshead-born striker says "I fancied a fresh challenge. In fact if I am honest I fancied a fresh challenge after the championship-winning season as I knew it would be difficult to get to that level again. St Johnstone finished third in the table last season and I am excited about joining them and ready for it. They are a homely football club with superb facilities and I am optimistic about the future. The manager sees me as a target and to put myself about. That suits me and I will give my all." ....the new Legend?
Remember that prices for tonight's game are £5 all round (although us season ticket holders are still technically paying full-price....can you hear me Saints?).
9.00pm - A late equaliser from Goalden Graeme Jones in a dire 1-1 draw with Aberdeen saved Saints blushes. But yet again certain so-called "experienced professionals" were conspicuous by their lack of basic skills. And with the Saints programme having another good dig at the Internet mailing list you have to ask whether or not it's worthwhile carrying on following such shite.
Trialist Christian Birkeland from Chievo Verona (although their fans haven't heard of him) was in the stand tonight. St. Sandy wants to see him play another friendly before making a decision.

November 20th - Little new team news ahead of tomorrow's match with "Corporal" Jones lining up for his debut for Gods Chosen Team whilst the Sheep have their own new striker up front in Arvil Stadrum (or something).
Today's scores were Rangers 2 Hibs 0, Hearts 1 Celtic 2, Killie 1 Arabs 1 and Scumdee 0 Motherwell 1. Colin Cameron of Jambos and debut boy Nicky Banger of Scumdee were red-carded.

November 19th - Just when you think it's going to be a quiet day, St. Sandy springs a surprise. With Saints fans looking towards Scandanavia all week for a midfielder, Ceefax has explained the links with Wigan recently. Saints today spent £100,000 signing 29-yr old Wigan striker Graeme Jones (right). The striker has signed a 3-year contract and said "It's a fantastic new challenge for me and I aim to be successful here". The official Official Wigan Athletic Site has more details.
Trialist Christian Birkeland (the man with no face) played for Saints in a closed-doors match against Ayr Utd. In the U-21 match on Monday night, Saints were beaten 1-0 at home by Hibs.
Elsewhere, there are the usual quotes from the manager about "needing the breaks" as we look ahead to Sunday night's live Sky match against a team who are even worse than us this season.
For a change Saints go in as favourites in the home tie with Aberdeen. Nick Dasovic, who was badly missed against Scumdee is in with "an outside chance" of making the team.
Elsewhere, Daily Mail reflected on the Scotland stars of the future with Saints' own Kieran McAnespie described as "the new John Collins". God I hope they're right.

November 17th - Another Scandanavian is reported to be heading to McDiarmid in today's Sun. Christian Birkeland, a Norwegian left-sided midfielder is out of contract at Italian Serie B side Verona and is heading to Perth for transfer talks. The paper says that "Birkelund is highly rated in both Norway and Italy". The former Norway U-21 star played 4 seasons with IK Start before moving to Verona.

November 16th - Latest news on Tommy Løvenkrands is that the Dane has returned home with no sign of a move being imminent. St. Sandy has said he wants to see the player in action for his club before making a decision.
Meanwhile on the injury front things are getting better - Nick Dasovic is due back in training "within days" whilst both Il Biscotti and Pope were set to play in last night's U-21 match.
The HIBS match at Easter Road on Wed 24th November has been made all-ticket. Tickets priced £16 and £8 are available from McDiarmid.

November 13th - Some searching on the Danish football sites has revealed that last night's trialist is a Mr Tommy Løvenkrands (pictured right), a 25yr old from AB. He's apparently been on trial with Portsmouth as well but there's no mention of that at any Portsmouth WWW site. The left-winger is under contract until summer 2000 so if we make a move for him a fee will be involved.

November 12th - A night of pure emotion at McDiarmid for the testimonial to Legend, with Saints running out 3-2 winners over Coventry City with some sexy football on display again especially from the Trialist on the left-wing (one goal and most of the skill). Still the night belonged to Legend who got a penalty for Saints third goal in front of a slightly disappointing crowd of 2638.

November 11th - Ahead of his testimonial match against Gordon Strachan's Coventry City team tomorrow night, there's good news for Legend the supermodel (pictured right in his oh-so-trendy St. Johnstone tartan suit). The striker has managed to get tickets for that other game on Saturday courtesy of Alan Main. Admission to the match is £10 and £5. Understandably season tickets are not valid for the game, although strangely the club have opted to only open the East and West stands for the match. With over 200 appearances and 79 goals for the club in his two stints, the striker voted Star Saint of the Decade at Blue Heaven by the Saints faithful deserves a large crowd. Let's face it, how many of the current squad are likely to be around long enough to earn a similar level of acclaim as Legend.
Meanwhile in the land of Crisis Football, today's Sun links Saints with a move for ex-Celtic star (and I use the word in the broadest sense), Brian McLaughlin, currently at Wigan with a swap deal involving Paddy Thingy apparently on the cards. We'll see.
Finally good luck to BBC Reporting Scotland's latest star Saintee, Scotland U-15 international Emmanuel Panther in the Victory Shield clash with England tonight.

November 9th - Saints U-21 side managed to do what the seniors didn't with a 3-0 win at Dens against their Scumdee counterparts. Paddy Thingy was playing and scored so it looks like the Wigan trial is off. The other scorers were Kieran McAnespie and Kevin Thomas. In the BP Youth cup we won 4-2 at Stark's Park against Raith Rovers. Saints goals came from Darren Kearney, Martin Fotheringham, Kiegan Parker and Brendan Crozier. So at least some players know where the net is.
St. Sandy has said how "the two week break could be good" with injury victims Il Biscotti, Nick Dasovic, Father Dougal and Pope all set ot be available for selection by the time the Aberdeen game comes round.
Still there are some things to smile about with Hugh Dallas volunteering !!! to referee Friday night's testimonial. Expect Legend to score a hat-trick despite not even kicking a ball.

November 8th - As the club talk about moving players about, out-of-favour striker Paddy Connolly is set to head to the delights of Wigan for a week's trial. Meanwhile runours are going round of a bust-up between St. Sandy and Miguel Simao (right) with the latter having been fined a week's wages for turning up late at training and not putting enough effort in. All very worrying for the Saints fans.
Ex-Scotland captain Gary McAllister is reported to be set to miss out on the testimonial to Legend this coming Friday as he apparently is afraid of the treatment Scots fans will give him. As if we don't have enough on our minds to worry about someone that missed a penalty in Euro 96.

November 6th - The rot continues with a 1-0 home defeat to Scumdee sending Saints to 3rd bottom. Post match cliche this week is that "it's just one of those spells". Well a word of warning for St. Sandy - there are a lot of rumours starting to circulate about shoogly pegs. Things might not be that drastic yet but the squad badly needs pruned of those players who are just killing time.

November 5th - Saints have one major injury worry ahead of tomorrow's derby against the rat-munchers with midfielder Nick Dasovic (right) currently on crutches after damaging ankle ligaments in a training session. The Canadian internationalist is set to miss out tomorrow's game but the injury isn't too serious and he should be back in a couple of weeks.
In terms of team selection, St. Sandy welcomes back John O'Neil and Jim Weir from injury with Keith O'Halloran and Stuart McCluskey the likely candidates to move aside. With Saints not scoring a win in 7 games the pressure is building on the manager to get a result against our biggest rivals. Failure tomorrow and Scumdee move ahead of us in the table - not an appetising prospect.
Still there are some good news with the papers reporting that Danny Griffin is "still in talks" regarding a new contract and hopes "to sort something out soon". So do we Danny.....
Congratulations to AS Monaco who progressed to the third round of the UEFA Cup where they now face AEK Athens. If only.......

November 3rd - The SFA have given the go-ahead for the Legend testimonial match against Coventry City to be played on Friday November 12th. Coventry manager Gordon Strachan has already promised to bring a full squad north including their 2 Morrocan internationalists. Entry to the match is via a cash gate with prices of £10 and £5. Only the East and West stands will be open and season tickets are NOT valid. There will also be a commemorative programme issued.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Gerry McMahon is expected to be fit to face Scumdee at the weekend along with Il Biscotti. John O'Neil should be back in training this week although Father Dougal is still 2-3 weeks away from a return.

November 2nd - Saints U-21 side beat Motherwell 1-0 at McDiarmid last night with the winner coming from a Paddy Connolly shot. The full side was Robertson, Smith, McCulloch, Malcolm, Keddie, Preston, Lauchlan, Kearney, McAnespie, Connolly and Grant.

November 1st - Nothing in the papers - just more of the St. Sandy quotes about "Bad luck".

Top Of News

October

October 31st- With the black clouds still hanging around from yesterday's result, there's little to report. There is a new Saints website up for the West of Scotland Saints Supporters.
Tonight's SPL match saw Hibs get a 3-2 win at home to the Arabs.

October 30th- Latest team news from Motherwell has the Buckfast-quenchers signing ex-Saints player John Davies from Ayr. The "gobbing" midfielder is expected to go into the squad for today's game.
6.45pm - Well Gob didn't play but he didn't need to as ex-Saints player Kevin Twaddle scored an early goal as Saints lost 1-0 at Motherwell. The clubs 3rd defeat in 7 days saw plenty of effort over the midweek debacle but little goalmouth action to encourage the home support ahead of next week's local derby. Elsewhere in the SPL TFOD beat the Sheep 5-1 at Pittodrie whilst TFOE recorded the same score at home to Killie. The only other top game saw Scumdee get their first home win of the season with a 1-0 defeat of the Gorgie Gits. Post-match, the manager's commented that "At the moment we're not getting any breaks but that is the ups and downs of football. Last season at this stage we had some breaks and we would have probably have taken something from a game like today's. We had plenty of play and certainly tremendous effort in the second half but apart from a deflected shot we didn't put any real pressure on their substitute keeper Stevie Woods."

October 29th- First some news about the testimonial match for Roddy Grant. Currently Coventry City are set to head to Perth for the game on Friday November 12th. However, with the match set to be played less than 24 hours of the Scotland v England Euro 2000 play-off at Hampden, the SFA have decided to wait on police approval before giving the nod to the game being played. According to the papers today, this is because they are worried about possible trouble from the hooligan element. A decision is expected to be made soon. Either way let's hope that the Legend gets the turnout he deserves.
In terms of team news for tomorrow's tie there is little to report. St. Sandy has dropped Jim Weir from the squad totally after the defender failed to improve on his poor fitness this week. Added to the squad are Allan Preston and Gerry McMahon as Saints look for their first win in SIX games against a Motherwell side which have not recorded a win at Fir Park in 1999. Oh yes and the game is one of those set to be featured on Sportscene tomorrow night.

October 28th- Little to report today with the only Saints items being the post-match comments last night by St. Sandy. In an attempt to state the obvious, the "dejected" boss said "We lost the game for two reasons. We didn't have one shot on target and didn't force their keeper into a save. We also had individuals who did not play anything like thei capable of. It was a poor performance" - and so say all of us. Whether or not this means changes for Saturday we'll have to wait and see.

October 27th- St. Sandy, unlike most of the Saints fans wants to forget about Sunday's debacle ahead of tonights game. Speaking in the Retatd, the Saints boss said "It happened but it's now in the past. It was a mistake, but a genuine one. It's over with and there's no point looking back. All you can hope for is that there will be one decision which goes for us in the future." - tonight would do nicely for a start !!
Saints have a couple of new injury worries with both John O'Neil and John Paul McBride joining the casualty list. Saints have added Allan Preston, Roddy Grant and Gerry McMahon to the squad. More worrying though, is the news that Nathan Lowndes faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock on Sunday.
11.00pm - Another crap home performance as a lacklustre side loses 1-0 to the Arabs thanks to a Dodds goal. A tolerable referee but shocking tactics and performance from Saints. The only good thing tonight was the red card at Parkhead for Motherwell's Shaun Teale ruling him out of Saturdays clash with Saints. Well won 1-0 at Parkhead whilst the Jambos and Killie drew 2-2.

October 26th- Not much in the news regarding Saints today outwith the controversy surrounding Sunday's game. SKY's own Virtual Reality system has proved that the ball didn't come close to crossing the line for the TFOE 2nd goal, with Paul Kane the latest Saints player to go on record criticising the match officials.
Looking ahead to tomorrow night's match with the Arabs, the Coagies have already got Kalashnikov and Thompson doubtful and Siggi Thingy and Paterson ruled out - probably just means they're relying on another shite referee.
For Saints, St. Sandy has finally revealed why John O'Neil has had to settle for a place on the bench recently. "John hasn't been playing to the standards he set for himself last season. As soon as he regains that form, with his ability he will be back into the team. I've no idea whether the uncertainty over his future has been playing a part in his performances but it's up to players in that situation to handle it." Not a very subtle message there then.

October 25th- The furore surrounding Saints defeat last night continues, with Dick Donnelly saying that he was surprised St. Sandy remained as calm as he did. Gary Bollan is reported as still being "furious" but has"been told to remain tight-lipped about the affair".

October 24th- As Saints prepare to square up to the "lets be all sympathetic towards them cos Henprik had a nasty injury" TFOE, it looks like the team will stick with the central defensive partnership on Danny Griffin and Stuart McCluskey (right).
Please note there will be a minutes silence tonight before the match in memory of Saints' honorary president Bruce McDiarmid who died last week.
Meanwhile off the park, Wegielands finest Sabbath journal, the Sunday Mail has a front page story on Saints keeper Alan Main's father who is apparently an alcoholic. Even given the tenuous links between the tale and Saints, this to me is another gross invasion of privacy. And isn't it strange how it comes out the day we play TFOE? Pathetic scum.
The scummy day continued with Saints losing 2-1 to TFOE after a 92nd minute winner which even John Barnes and BBC Wegieland admitted never crossed the line. Expect the controversy over referee Hugh Dallas' pathetic attempts to endear himself to the TFOE scum to continue for the next few days.
23:50 - Scotsport tonight reports that Hugh Dallas commented post-match that he had to give the non-goal since his linesman flagged it. Strange how it didn't stop him overruling linesmen for the rest of the game. And what's he doing speaking to a reporter anyway?

October 23rd- As expected there is no mention of Saints in the papers today with the entire world still trying to come to terms with Henpriks injury. Elsewhere in the SPL Hibs beat Scumdee 5-2, Motherwell got a 2-0 win at Tannadice and the Sheep and Killie shared a 2-2 draw.

October 22nd- Leigh Jenkinson the one-time Saints "star" winger and Welsh internationalist has been given the boot by the Gorgie Gits. No doubt he's as homesick as ever.
Meanwhile, George O'Boyle is looking forward to Sunday night's match against TFOE. Despite referring to the Wegie ones as "the best side in Scotland", the Irishman says "We're not afraid of them. I'm currently on 82 goals and I want to get some more for the club".

October 21st-Nothing happening on the Saints front with the only piece of news for Sunday's match concerning the TFOE line-up which is certain to be missing Henprick who broke his leg in Lyon tonight. There goes the opportunity to try out our Finnish phrasebook then.

October 16th- After a pretty woeful first half which saw Saints go behind, it was a Nathan Lowndes wonder goal which saw us get a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Hearts.
Elsewhere in the SPL, next weeks opponents Sellik slaughtered the sheep 7-0 whilst TFOD drew 1-1 with Killie. The only other game saw HIVBees and Well draw 2-2.

October 15th- Well the bad news ahead of tomorrow's match at Tynecastle is the loss of Alan Kernaghan (right) thanks to a torn stomach muscle. The big Irishman will be out for a month, and with Jim Weir not training the last few days, U-21 star Stuart McCluskey is set to come into the centre of defence.
Meanwhile the Messiah is also suffering from an ankle knock and could miss out as well. For the Gorgie Gits, Stephane Adam is the only doubt.
Other team news sees the responsibility of penalty-taker removed from double-misser Gary Bollan.

October 12th- A cracking free-kick by Danny Griffin isn't enough as Saints lose 2-1 at home to the Arabs and go out the league cup. Post-match, St. Sandy came out with the classic "We had plenty of chances but if you don't score you don't win". Unfortunately we did score but then lost 2 stupid goals.
For anyone thinking of heading to Tynecastle on Saturday, the club has confirmed that the game is NOT all-ticket - but it is £16 to get in. Still if it keeps Robinson in some more pies eh?

October 11th- Saints have several injury worries ahead of tomorrow night's visit of the Hilltoon Whores Spawn. Jim Weir (right) is set to miss out with his ankle knock despite having resumed training. Also doubtful is Nick Dasovic who arrives back in Scotland tonight having played 3 games in 5 days for Canada. Whether or not he plays depends on his fitness level.

October 10th- Another quiet international weekend passes with no Saints players in action for Scotland. Only thing worth reporting is a mention in the News of the World which lists Man City as the lates club interested in John O'Neil, with boss Joe Royle apparently set to make a trip north to check him out.

October 8th- Well the end of another quiet week and still no real Saints news. The only team news for Tuesday's League Cup is that Danny Griffin is expected to recover from his knee injury to make the side.

October 7th- Thanks to Scotland making the Euro 2000 play-offs, the away game against HIVBees has been moved from Saturday November 13th to Wednesday November 24th with a 7.45 kick-off. Great another Saturday without football.

October 6th- Saints U-21s beat Scumdee 5-0 at McD this afternoon with George O'Boyle and Gerry McMahon both on target. Paddy Thingy came off the bench to make a rare appearance in a Saints side. He didn't score.

October 5th- Out of favour striker Paddy Thingy has returned to Saints following his month's loan spell at Morton with no agreement on a longer term deal, despite Saints willing to take a cut on the fee and Morton wishing to make the move permanent.
Danny Griffin has been pulled out of the N. Ireland U-21 side to allow treatment to a knee injury.

October 4th- Saints may not be playing this week but despite what you might read in the papers, we actually have some players involved in international duty. Nick Dasovic is set to play 3 games for Canada in their Gold Cup competition over the next 5 days, whilst Kieran McAnespie (right) got a well-deserved call-up to the Scotland U-21 side for their games this week.

October 2nd- With nothing happening until the 12th there's little to report. Had Saints made it into the second round then we would have been drawn against Polish side Widewz Lodz - so at least we're not missing out on another glamour tie. No sign of any highlights of the Monaco match on TV yet with BBC having blanked Saints again.
As expected, there have already been a few Media Falsehoods thrown up from the TV and press coverage of the Monaco game. Still on our pals in the media, SKY have announced that they'll be showing the home match against Aberdeen on Nov 21st live - so it's another fixture change and another Saturday without football.
6.30pm - SPL games today saw TFOD win 3-2 at Dundee (scoring 2 in the last 10 minutes) and the Sheep getting a point at home to HIVBees in a 2-2 draw. As for Saints, their postponed match against the Arabs was scored as an away !! win by the Pools Panel - just shows what they know.

October 1st- Well last night's impossible dream didn't quite come true but a 3-3 draw against Monaco is a more than respectable result even if it does mean a 6-3 aggregate exit from the UEFA Cup. Goals from Miguel Simao, Nick Dasovic and John O'Neil saw Saints keep their unbeaten at home record in Europe intact.
Post-match it seems the usual case of plenty of plaudits but nothing won. Monaco coach Claude Puel said that "I don't want to take anything away from St Johnstone's quality. ... if St Johnstone keep that spirit they've shown tonight they will definitely be in Europe again. They lifted their game from what I have seen of them recently - they are a good side."
No further news on a move for John O'Neil with the Sheep boss missing the game last night. However, Southhampton, Middlesborough and Manchester City all had scouts in attendance to watch Danny Griffin.

Top Of News

September

September 30th- It looks like Simone might be out if he fails to train today. For Saints, Nat King Goals is again expected to partner the Messiah up front. St. Sandy (right) has pleaded with fans to be patient saying "Our fans have a big, big part to play. We need them to get right behind the team from the start and to be patient if things don’t happen as quickly as we would like. They have done really, really well in that regard so far this season and I am sure they will do so in this game as well. It is a question of balance-we need to attack but equally we can’t afford to be too cavalier as they have the quality of players to really punish us if we do. The chance to watch guys like (Ludovic) Giuly and (Marcelo) Gallardo is, in my opinion, worth the admission money on its own. Giuly is so quick and direct while Gallardo has the creative talent to hurt teams in any number of ways. We will have to shut them down, for if Monaco get the first goal it will be all over in terms of which team is going through to the next stage." . As for Baldy Barthez, according to Saints keeper Alan Main, the Frenchmans less than complimentary remarks about the rest of the Saints team have left them wanting revenge.
For the Frenchmen, coach Claude Puel is not taking any chances. "We always put out the strongest team available to us. We do not underestimate St Johnstone. The league table from last season shows they are not far behind Celtic, even Rangers, which we have to respect. Also we are well aware of the great passion with which Scottish football teams play. We expect that they will come straight at us from the kick-off and know that it is something we have to deal with if we are to be successful. I think this game will be good for my team. They are young and relatively inexperienced and I am very interested to see which players have the right attitude to cope with what is thrown at them.".
Finally congratulations to Danny Griffin who is in the N. Ireland U-21 squad for their trip to Finland this month. Just as long as he watches out for the local Ulrikkas.

September 29th- Latest word from the Saints camp is that Jim Weir trained today and should be fit for tomorrows match. For the French, rumour has it that Boi and Da Costa are both struggling to make the side.
No further word on the transfer front but a major rumour is that John O'Neil will sign for Aberdeen on Friday once the UEFA Cup match is over, in time to face the HIVBees on Saturday.
Finally, apologies for the lack of updates over the next few days but thanks to Mr Gates' crap operating system I'm having to make do on a bare bones of a PC whilst rebuilding all the apps.

September 28th- The injury worries have started ahead of the Monaco game. Jim Weir didn't train yesterday or today thanks to an ankle knock and is rated very doubtful for Thursday's game. Veteran Alan Kernaghan did manage an hour for the U-21s last night (who lost to TFOD) but it looks more than likely that Stuart McCluskey (right) will be the man to partner Danny Griffin in the centre of defence with an average age of below 22!!
Some good news though with George O'Boyle managing to play last night and now in contention for Thursday's line-up. Also Marco "Oor Wullie" Simone is apparently complaining of tiredness and seems set to chicken out of facing Saints this week.
Meanwhile the club have announced that tickets will be on sale until 2pm on Thursday. The North stand will be a cash gate with admission tagged at £11 and £5.
Finally congratulations to youth keeper Kevin Cuthbert who has been called up to the Scotland U-17 side for Friday's match against Denmark.

September 27th- With it being the Monday after playing TFOD, as usual there is little about Saints in the papers. John O'Neil took a knock on Saturday but is expected to be fit for Thursday. Whether or not he is still a Saints player depends on Ebbe Skovdhal and the rumoured Sheep £300,000 bid.

September 26th- Whilst the controversy over the Bread Queuers dive yesterday continues, Saints fans get a chance to make their own minds up about it tonight as Scotsport features the Death Star match as it's main highlights - gasp in awe as Erchie drools over Hendrys crap performance.
Transfer stories are in the paper again today - apparently Sheep boss Ebbe Skovdahl was at Ibrox yesterday watching John O'Neil ahead of the rumoured £300,000 bid. However, another transfer rumour has Hearts set to offer cash + Jose Quitongo for the midfielder.
11.00pm - Well so much for the delightful STV coverage - a token mention of Saints goal, patronising treatment of Nick Dasovic in the studio and only one Media Falsehood from Erchie. Still at least Derek Johnstone admitted it wasn't a penalty.
In France Thursdays opponents AS Monaco notched up a 3-0 win against Paris St. Germain in the French capital. Simone and Treesaregay are still in one piece as well unfortunately.

September 25th- Some more of the photos from Monaco are now on-line at the Monaco Diary.
In the papers there is little word on Saints team news, although Nat King Goals is expected to partner the Messiah up front. For TFOD, Wiggy is whingeing about all these Euro ties taking a toll on his supposedly best players, with reports suggesting that some of them may be rested today. Suits me.
7.30pm- Oh well the 28 year old record continues as Saints fall to a 3-1 defeat against TFOD with sub Miguel Simao (right) scoring Saints goal with a header !!! after the Hun Hun had got a double (the second being a penalty) before Mols clinched it 2 minutes from time. Overall it was a good Saints performance although controversy raged after the game over the penalty. St. Sandy said "I though it was a penalty at first but McQuillan and Main were raging. McQuillan says that Kanchelskis admitted to him he dived for the penalty". Other scores today saw 2-0 wins for the Jambos at Tannadice, TFOE at Easter Rd and Scumdee at Killie.
Looking ahead to Thursday and a quick plug for the charity raffle which for £1 could win you the signed match ball from the Saints v Monaco tie. Dickens Bar and County Sports are selling the tickets and all entrants get a voucher for 10% off in County Sports plus a 2 for 1 drinks voucher for Dickens. The draw will take place on 31st Octobee with all proceeds going to help childrens sport in the Perth area.

September 24th- Transfer rumours still dominate things with Aberdeen apparently set to line up a £300,000 bid for John O'Neil, with the Sun reporting that the Sheep are willing to meet the players demands of a £3500 per week wage packet. Meanwhile HIVBees have denied any interest in John McQuillan, although they were apparently considering an offer at the start of the season.
Elsewhere, Saints head to the Death Star tomorrow looking for their first win there since Wiggy Advocaat had hair. Nick Dasovic has trained all week and is included in the squad. But with Mondays U-21 match postponed, both Alan Kernaghan and Il Biscotti will miss out.
Congratulations to Kiegan Parker who has been called up to the Scotland U-17 squad for the match against Belgium and Denmark. Also on international duty is young SaintEmmanuel Panther who is included in the U-15 squad.
With the Monaco game tickets currently at the 7000 mark, the club have announced that the North Stand will be cash at the gate on Thursday night.

September 23rd- Well no sooner is the ink dry on the press release about the transfer list, than John McQuillan has been linked with a move to HIVBees in a deal worth around £100,000, whilst John O'Neil is already rumoured to be moving to Arabland / Aberdeen / Killie in a £300,000 deal.
Aside from the rumours there is little else to report - the players did a double training session today ahead of the TFOD trip on Saturday.

September 22nd- Major transfer news for Saints tonight with the media reporting that the club have transfer listed first team regulars, right-back John McQuillan (or John McQuillam is you write for BBC Ceefax) and midfielder John O'Neil. Both players have refused to agree to the new offers of contracts beyond this season and with the Bosman ruling coming into effect at the end of the season, the club wish to cash in now. The club has stated that "both players will be considered first team regulars until they move on". Whilst the loss of McQuillan (a rumoured Hearts target in the summer) wouldn't be a major blow with plenty of defensive cover available, O'Neil is probably the best midfielder at the club currently and no doubt if he does move on Pa Broon will see fit to pick him for Scotland.
Having said that I back the club the whole way. The wage structure may not be the best in Scotland but no player is bigger than the club.

September 21st- The Temple version of the Monaco Diary is now on-line for everyone to have a laugh at and reminisce over. Around 6500 tickets have gone for the home leg and with Monaco only taking 100 of these it looks like a good Saints crowd next week.
Meanwhile, St. Sandy has praised the fans in today's P.A, for their support over the last week. "No praise would be high enough for our fans, who have been incredible over the last two matches. They spent a lot of money going to Monaco and their backing from start to finish was incredible. It was really appreciated by the players. And even when we went a goal down at Dens they continued to support the team. I know how much the game with Dundee means to them and it was great to reward their support with the victory our performance merited. The team gave 100% and I think supporters are happy when they see that's what they're getting from players".
Elsewhere, Forrest Gump is out for 4 months as his shoulder recovers from an operation. However, there was some good news with Alan Kernaghan due to play for the U-21s last night against Scumdee.

September 20th- Pictures from the match against Monaco are now on-line. Hopefully I'll add the off the pitch photos by tomorrow night. Meanwhile Monaco drew 2-2 with Metz last night - no reports of broken Simones though.
For Saints, the injured Forrest Gump is set to see a specialist today with an operation to pin his shoulder set for the end of the week.
Tonight's SPL match between Motherwell and the Jambos was abandoned at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch. Reports are still unconfirmed that it was due to "Mumble" Jeffries still drooling over the possibility of spending millions on Spanish teenage reject Banjo. Or something like that....

September 19th- Well I only got back last night from France apologies for the lack of updates. The report on the defeat against Monaco game is now available. As for the exclusive stories from the trip, I met Paul Kane (below right), Gary Bollan and 'flu victim Nick Dasovic in the Monaco club shop on Friday and the players looked genuinely deflated with only Alan Main (right) looking pleased with himself albeit with good reason having been easily Saints best player and now having to deal with comments from Baldy Barthez that he is too good for the Perth boys. Well if that doesn't deserve us scoring 4 at McD in the return....
Speaking to Kane he was disappointed most of all with the 3rd goal going in towards the end although like the rest of us he was to say the least impressed by the Monaco tax dodgers quality. A word of praise too for the fans as he said that the players got a really big lift from seeing the 1000 or so Saints fans cheering them on from the town square as they went past in the bus to the ground.
Hopefully I'll get the photos of the trip developed in the next couple of days and embarrass everyone on-line........
Anyway looking past the UEFA tie, today sees Saints head from Monte Carlo to the almost equally as delightful surroundings of Dens as we seek to make the Soap-Dodgers pay for what their Dodging cousins did to us on Thursday. One other fixture change is the postponement of the Oct 3rd match against the Arab Scum as the game has been postponed for the Scotland tie 2 days later - not that there will be any Saints players involved of course.
Set to miss out on this as well as the next 3 months of football is Forrest Gump who will have his shoulder operated on at end of the week.
Meanwhile there is transfer speculation surrounding the Legend as Ross County see him as the replacement for failed signing Mark Hately. With Roddy now something like 4th or 5th choice striker he may be set to move on although personally I can't see Dingwall holding enough attraction for him. The other Saints striker in the news saw on-loan Paddy Connolly score 2 penalties for Morton in their defeat against St. Mirren yesterday meaning he's scored more times in the last couple of weeks that Baldy Barthez has with his supermodel bird (unlike the Saints fans though).
7.30pm- A resounding performance saw Saints get a 2-1 win over Scumdee, and despite both goals coming in the last 10 minutes from Nat King Goals, it was an excellent all-round performance from the boys. Elsewhere Killie beat Hibs 3-0 at Easter Rd with the Ginger Hackers team booed off the park.
Finally, the Media Falsehoods page has been updated with the plethora of lies from the Monaco reports and commentaries - going by Thursday certain ex-Celtic and HIVBees players may soon have a category all to themselves.

September 14th- Well, this will be the last set of updates until Saturday as I head off to join the 1,000+ Saints fans lapping up the sunshine in the South of France. Anyone heading to Chez Wayne, theres a 1998-dated WWW site at http://www.waynes.fr to give you an idea of what the place looks like.
On the park it looks like Forrest Gump will miss out with Danny Griffin (right) likely to step in. Better news up front with both the Messiah (who had been suffering from a groin strain) and Nat King Goals (flu victim) managing a full training session yesterday.
St. Sandy wasn't put off by Monaco's defeat on Sunday night. The French side lost both goals to own goals in their 2-1 defeat but key player Baldy "a la Rhodes" Barthez wasn't playing after picking up a strain playing for France last week. No doubt he'll make it on Thursday to be humiliated by Saints attack.
Anyway this is the last update for me until Saturday. It's Perth tonight then the 0625 Edinburgh-Gatwick flight tomorrow then the 1115 Gatwick-Nice and Euro glory. I'll be in Waynes tomorrow night and hopefully starting the biggest party ever for Saints fans. A reminder for anyone at home, Shrine of the Saintees are planning live UEFA updates on Thursday night.

September 13th- Courtesy of Scotsport last night we have another Media Falsehood - and wasn't it nice to see Archie Macpherson still worshipping any ex-TFOD player on the park.
Tickets for the home leg of the Monaco tie were sent out yesterday to season ticket holders (mine arrived at lunchtime). Meanwhile, our UEFA opponents lost 2-1 away to Rennes last night. Hopefully St. Sandy managed to spot some weaknesses in their set-up.
For Saints fans heading to Nice, it looks like Chez Wayne will be the favoured watering hole for Wednesday nights pre-match party. Check the Temple Guide to Nice & Monaco for more information. Weatherwise, it's 86 degrees there just now. There is a chance the game may be shown on Eurosport on Thursday night. It's definitely on live in France but that may not apply to the whole of the U.K.

September 12th- Latest news on the Forrest Gump (right) is that the player is in with an outsie chance of at least making the bench on Thursday night. With 7 substitutes allowed, St. Sandy isn't ruling anything out.
For those Saints not able to make it to Millionaireville for Thursday, Shrine of the Saintees is planning to do live updates from the radio commentary.
...and for those of us heading to Nice this week, Paula has been good enough to do a quick translation of the French pub descriptions. Updated comments are at the Temple Guide to Nice & Monaco.
A quick reminder for anyone who is trying to remain hopeful and optimistic about our chances midweek - don't watch Scotsport tonight - the Motherwell game is the main highlights.

September 11th- The new Temple Guide to Nice & Monaco is now on-line. Feel free to e-mail me with any additions - although do it before Monday otherwise I'll be en route to the South of France.
St. Sandy flies out tomorrow to for a spying trip on Monaco at their league match tomorrow night. No doubt we can rely on him to spot a weakness in their side.
For today's game it looks like we might have to come up with some more interesting chants since the Flying Turd has a hip problem and might not be in goal. Still Motherwell keepers have never really been a problem to us. Vouchers will be handed out at today's game allowing you to queue up for tickets for the home leg of the Monaco tie from 11am tomorrow.
7.00pm - Well despite the return to first-team action of Georgio, Saints still struggled to get a 1-1 draw with Motherwell. Even worse was the removal of Darren Dods in the first hald with what looks like the recurrence of his dislocated shoulder injury that forced him to miss the end of last season.
Looking forward to Monaco and Saints have decided to take the £100,000 on offer from French TV. The home leg of the tie will now kick-off at 5pm.

September 10th- Despite the minds of most fans being on the glamour trip to Monaco next week, tomorrow sees Saints try to repeat the 5-0 gubbing of Motherwell that marked the Fir Park side's baptism of manager Billy Davies. There is an outside chance of Georgio playing but apart from that the squad is likely to be unchanged from last week.
Meanwhile it emerges that our favourite chairman, Geoff Brown won't be buying the drinks in Monaco as he is set to miss the game to go on a cruise to the States booked last January. Recovering from heart surgery over the summer, he says that this time he'll "let his head rule his heart" despite having his wife's permission to go to Monaco. Still he won't miss out on the action with a transatlantic mobile phone set to be used to keep him up-to-date with Roddy's Birthday Party.

September 9th- Latest team news for this weekends visit of the Buckfast-quenchers is that long-term absentee George O'Boyle has declared himself fit. Whether or not he's rated good enough to get a place in the side with the 4 other strikers remains to be seen.
Having said all that, it looks like a worrying time for boss St. Sandy with two of his strike force "causing a wee bit of concern". Nathan Lowndes has been suffering from a dose of the flu, whilst Miguel Simao picked up a dead leg in training.
Meanwhile the return leg of the Monaco tie scheduled for the 30th may have a kick-off time of 5pm. French TV, unlike certain Scottish media organisations, is interested in showing the Saints game live and with the money the club can generate from selling the rights, a change to the earlier time is possible. Cue a rant from Leckie or Keevins about how the club are selling out the fans.
For the away leg, the club say that all tickets are being sent out by today from the 600 or so of the first allocation. A further 300 tickets are being allocated to Saints and these will be sent out by the weekend. More than 800 have already been confirmed and a delighted chief executive Stewart Duff said that "We’ll have an excellent travelling support, and it’s great to know the club are going to have such a big batch of fans at the game. The behaviour of our supporters at the last round away game in Vaasa was brilliant and we’re looking for more of the same in Monaco.". Whether or not that means a certain club chairman getting rat-arsed in an Irish bar we don't know.

September 8th- Well it's finally here (right), one of the precious 90FF tickets for the biggest game in Saints history, as the lads prepare to take on the spoilt millionaires of Monaco.
Elsewhere in Sainteeland, Kieran McAnespie played for an hour of the Scotland U-21 game against Estonia yesterday without getting on the scoresheet.

September 7th- Apologies for the lack of updates for the last few days but there's been little happening on the Saints front. Still yesterday saw the return to training of Father "Finnish Chat-Up Merchant" Dougal with a possible outing for the U-21s next week being seen as the next step on the recovery. Elsewhere George O'Boyle is continuing to make good progress but a thigh injury has prevented the Karaoke King from training.
Meanwhile congratulations to the Daily Record for pointing out that some Saints fans have bought all the tickets for the charter flight carrying the team to Monaco. As if that was the first time the club had done it. Arseholes.
With regards to the away leg, it looks like almost all of the 900 tickets Saints were allocated have gone. However, Stewart Duff is apparently trying to arrange for an additional allocation so it looks like 1000+ Saints fans will make the trip to France. Who knows, there might even be a wee pre-match drinkie a la O'Malleys. :-)

September 4th- In their infinite wisdom, BBC Scotland have picked the Kaiserlautern v Killie game to show live on the 16th. This means that probably the only way for Saints fans to see the Monaco game is to snap up one of the tickets and go there in person. Still at least it means the pundits will have to grovel to watch us in later rounds.
The club official trip is now sold out with around 100 fans snapping up places. However, the club may be able to arrange a second trip travelling on the Wednesday and returning after the game Thursday night. Priced around £425, if you're interested, phone the club on 01738 459090 by Monday afternoon. Kelvin Travel are apparently running a plane and bus to the game but despite reports to the contrary this does not include a match ticket which has to be bought from the club separately. The official trip sees fans based in Monaco itself in the Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel, which if there is an Irish bar nearby gives you an idea of where the party will be. For those of us heading to Nice, there are apparently several Irish bars in the centre of town which should make for good watering holes.

September 3rd- Not much to report with the club having a free weekend tomorrow. Letters have been sent out to all season ticket holders for the 2nd leg of the Monaco tie - voucher 30 and the cash to be returned to the club by September 10th to secure your normal seat.
Details have been announced of some of the events for the Roddy Grant (right) testimonial year. The long-serving hitman (who turns 33 on the day of the Monaco game), is having his testimonial sponsored by Stella Artois (not Embassy Regal as we all suspected).September 25th at Perth City Hall sees an Off The Ball Roadshow with Tam "Pie-Muncher" Cowan and Stuart "Vaasa Disco King" Cosgrove on stage. Theres also a golf day, a boxing night and a high-profile match to come to allow Perth fans to show their appreciation.

September 2nd- A couple of new links for all the Saintees. Firstly our favourite Monaco fan, rolf has an excellent Dutch/English website dedicated to Monaco with some great information on how to get to the stadium and their impressions of Saints - it's to be found at http://huizen.nhkanaal.nl/~monaco/.
Next up, Saints fans can download the free nostalgia videos from the new Dickens Pub website. A new video every week with the first one now available showing the Chosen Ones 1969 2-0 win over TFOD.
With Saints not playing this weekend, you can still watch the U-18s take on TFOD at Jeanfield Swifts Simpson Park, this Saturday at 11.30. Admission prices are £2 / £1. One interesting new youth signing is a certain Euan Hall (14), the son of the great Henry.
The papers report that Saints could be set to sign the trialist from Mondays U-21 match. 32-yr old left-sided midfielder Manuel Guinares is an ex-Benfica player and Portuguese internationalist available under the Bosman ruling. Expect a decision soon on this one.
More on the Monaco front. The Official Saints Site has details of the clubs package to the game featuring flights from Edinburgh to Nice, 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Monaco and match ticket for £475.

September 1st- Firstly, apologies for the lack of updates for the last couple of days but I've been out of town. Anyway the main news concerns a certain match a fortnight tomorrow. The Prince Rainiers Works XI game is definitely scheduled for the 16th with a 8.30pm kick-off local time (thats 7.30 in the UK). Saints have requested 900 tickets for the match priced £10 and they're available on a first come, first served basis from the club via postal applications only (and it's a different form from the Vaasa game!!!). There will be an official trip going and details will be announced tomorrow. So far, it looks like most fans will be based in Nice from the 15th onwards (well I will anyway). No-one is sure if the game will be all-ticket but according to rolf, a Monaco fan who has been in touch with the list, there is a possibility that tickets will be on sale over there. Prince Rainiers Works XI won 3-0 on Sunday night. Still they weren't up against classy opposition like Aberdeen.
For the return leg on Sept 30th, the club have decided to peg prices at SPL levels for the game. Tickets will go on sale to season ticket holders first, with a letter in the post tonight containing a tear off slip, to allow them to retain their usual seat for the game. After that voucher holders (who will get one at the Motherwell game on the 11th) can get a ticket then the general public. Whilst not totally happy about seeing season ticket holders excluded the club have at least got a decent solution to allow us to sit in the same seats.
On the park, the club fielded a 32-yr old Portuguese left-sided midfielder in Monday night's U-21 3-1 defeat against the Sheep but he was crap so won't be followed up on. George O'Boyle (right) played the full 90 minutes. The striker has also pulled out of the N. Ireland international squad for this weekend and St. Sandy is hoping to arrange a bounce match for this Saturday to help the returning players regain match fitness.

Top Of News

August

August 30th - Little news today - the club have slapped a gag on players talking about the UEFA tie and the media are obsessed with Aberdeen In Crisis headlines. A call to McD today found out that the club haven't even confirmed the match date for the Monaco game, despite the French side quoting the 16th. Never mind the ticket situation.

August 29th - A Sunday afternoon stroll saw Saints Gub Aberdeen 3-0 as the Dons put up a sorry display. Kevin "Messiah" Thomas, Jim Weir and Nat King Goals got on the scoresheet with their goals helping Saints to move to 4th in the league.
Elsewhere in the media, theres a report that John McQuillan is stalling about a new contract deal with his current one due to end at the end of this season.

August 28th - Little team news ahead of tomorrows SPL match. Saints have added Kevin "Messiah" Thomas to the squad. Meanwhile, one player set to possibly move out is out-of-favour striker Paddy Thingy (right)who is heading to Morton for a 1 month loan deal which the Greenock club hope to make permanent.
Europe still dominates though and with the bookies quoting Saints at 150/1 to win the Cup interest is hitting an all-time high. Atholl Henderson is flying out tonight to see Monaco play tomorrow. For Saints fans the official Monaco site can be found at http://www.asm-foot.mc/, although the site is a tad slow. Tourist info for the South of France can be found at http://www.monaco.mc/index.html to give you a chance to practice the posing early.
Finally theres a few more action photos from the Away and Home legs of the Vaasa games.
5.30pm - SPL results today saw the HIVBees lose 1-0 at home to TFOD whilst Scumdee got a 2-0 win at Motherwell. In the First Division, Paddy Thingy scored one of Mortons goals in their 2-2 draw at Livingston.

August 27th - The draw for the first round of the UEFA Cup is set to take place at 1.30 BST in Monaco. The 96 teams will be seeded based on their countries coefficient. This means we won't meet another Scottish team. It's a complicated process but should only take 30 minutes. The draw is live on Eurosport but can be seen on the WWW at http://www.uefa.com.
8.00pm - Well after the groupings saw Saints unseeded we've got one of the big guns in the 1st round of the UEFA Cup. Saints will be away to AS Monaco in the first leg scheduled for Sept 16th, with the return to McD a fortnight later. It might be the end of the tournament for Saints (as no doubt OAP Keevins will predict) but its a helluva place for a party.

August 26th - Ahead of tonight's big UEFA tie, St. Sandy has warned Saints to "expect the unexpected" from Vaasa. "Our approach to the game will be exactly the same as any other game, exactly the same as it was against Hibs on Saturday. We're gonna try and be sensible, try to defend sensibly and try and score goals. We appreciate that on paper we are technically a goal up but if we lose a goal it's like we're technically gonna be a goal down so I think we're gonna have to forget the first game and try and win this match. I think it's one where the coach of Vaasa has got to decide what he's going to do - they obviously have to get a goal so I would expect them to try and have a go at some point. I wouldn't expect it from the first minute but hopefully we're ready for the unexpected". Jim Weir said "...as the gaffer has stressed, there are shocks in every cup competition and this club has suffered not over the last few years but also in years gone by. We are hoping this won't be another one. It's in our own hands and if we can perform as we did in the first half against Hibs on Saturday and in the second half against Kilmarnock, I think that would be enough to see us through. Anything less and we can only cause ourselves problems.".
In terms of team news, the paper says that Georgio and Paddy Thingy both trained yesterday but are unlikely to feature tonight. For Vaasa reports state that a couple of Vaasa players are down with the flu, one of them being goalscorer Auntie Paula, whilst they will have a new keeper, Swede Bjorn Stringheim between the posts.
Midnight - Well Saints are int he first round proper courtesy of a Miguel Simao double as the sub led Saints to a 2-0 win over VPS Vaasa who lost their keeper early in the second-half. And for the benefit of certain senile journalists there were around 9500 Saintees in McDiarmid tonight.

August 25th - Not much Saints news in the papers today with the main media spotlight ahead of tomorrows match falling on VPS goalscorer Auntie Paula who reckons the Finns will win tomorrow night.
Stewart Duff and fellow director Dougie McIntyre are being lined up to fly to Monaco on Friday for the draw for the next round, assuming Saints get through. On the field, both Miguel Simao and Kieran McAnespie trained yesterday and will be fit for the game. Meanwhile, Guy Impou has returned south after probably the shortest trial period for Saints. The club aren't planning to sign him.

August 24th - Saints went down 2-1 in the U-21 league last night thanks to a last minute goal from Yogi Hughes. Still the game did see Miguel Simao (right)get a goal (although he limped off with 10 minutes to go) and the debut of French trialist striker Guy Impou who is over for a week's trial.
Other Saints action on Sunday saw a Roddy Grant captained Saints select run out 6-2 winners at Luncarty to celebrate the Perthshire junior clubs new ground. Allan Preston featured in the game but in the great Saints tradition, he aggravated a hamstring and will be out for a while yet. Also on the injury front, Alan "I'm Great" Kernaghan will see a specialist tomorrow to check on his injury - a further op may be required which could rule him out for another 8 weeks. It just get's better doesn't it.
The UEFA build-up has started (everywhere except the Scottish media who all seem to be in Parma), with the news that VPS top scorer, striker Ville Priha looks set to miss out with a hamstring strain. Meanwhile Saints have their own worries with Kieran McAnespie suffering from a back injury. Failure to make the team could mean the outside chance of long-term injury victim George O'Boyle occupying a seat on the bench.

August 23rd - Little of any interest in the papers with only the Daily Record's contributions to the 1999 Media Falsehoods to be updated. Theres also confirmation in today's Courier that an Austrian and Frenchman are on trial at the club this week.

August 22nd - Not too much to report on the aftermath of the HIVBees match. Paper reports say that Gary Bollan was being watched by Pa Broon yesterday with the Saints defender a possible replacement for the suspended Callum Davison in the forthcoming UEFA qualifiers.
Elsewhere Hugh "Senile Wanker" Keevins continues his one-man crusade to annoy Saints fans with todays column in the Hunday Mason having a go at Saints attendances - Writing "St.Johnstone will hand out 7,000 medals to supporters to mark their return to Europe on Thursday night after a long absence of 28 long years. It would be nice to think that there might not be enough to go around. But I have a feeling that won't be the case. If supply far exceeds demand you'd have to wonder what the player's effort was for" is rather ironic when he considers that the players were flops last season and the distinct less than capacity crowds which featured in the OF qualifiers. Arse.
8.00pm - The draw for the 4th round of the CIS Challenge Coca-Cola Skol Bells League Cup was made today. Saints have been drawn at home to the Unwashed Whores of Judas Land (sometimes known as Dundee Utd). The tie will be played on either the 12th or 13th of October.
Meanwhile tonight's SPL match saw a McSwegan hat-trick get a 3-0 victory for the Gorgie Gits over the Sheep, with Nigel Pepper red-carded for the Aberdeen side. In Finland VPS Vaasa continued their winning streak with a 2-1 victory over FC Lahti.

August 21st - A woeful refereeing performance saw Saints draw 1-1 with HIVBees with Ginger Bomber scoring for Saints for the third game in a row. Kevin Thomas had a quiet debut coming off the bench for the last 20 minutes or so.
It looks like the striker search continues as well with St. Sandy saying pre-match that a French striker will be over for a trial next week.

August 20th - Saints have announced an increase in profits of 58% with the pre-tax figure coming in at £844,000.
The e-Retard reports that we've tabled a £150,000 bid for Kevin Thomas (right) but Morton are wanting double that. Personally I can't see how he's worth even the Saints figure never mind £300,000.
6.00pm - ....which just shows what I know with Thomas signing in a £150,000 deal this afternoon. The players goes into the squad for tomorrow's Hibs game. The signing seems to signal the end of Saints interest in Ludwing Ernstsson with the Swede apparently a month away from fitness ruling out any UEFA action even if Saints signed him.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Il Biscotti looks close to a return following a full 90 minutes for the U-21s last Monday (Pope and Nosey getting Saints goals in a 2-1 win). George O'Boyle resumed full training yesterday, earlier than expected with a double session although Father "nice girls those Finnish lasses" Dougal seems set to be a while from returning to first team action.

August 19th - Ludwing Ernstsson's trial in Perth still dominates the Saints coverage in the media. Behind the times as always, the e-Retard reports that the "6ft 4in" striker may cost Saints £400,000. Saying that the player would "jump at a second chance to move to Scotland" the paper goes on "Ernstsson was targeted by Reading last season - but they baulked at the asking price. The player said: "Reading came to watch me during a league game and then contacted my club about my availability. But Austria Vienna said they wanted pounds 400,000 and Reading asked if that was for the whole team! Nothing happened then so I don't know what my future will be." . He scored 4 goals in 22 starts - not an impressive rate but apparently he wasn't being played in an out-and-out striker role.
Looking ahead to Saturday's clash with the HIVBees, the Edinburgh club look set to spend £400,000 on signing Grant Brebner from Reading. It won't help them though.

August 18th- Confirmation in the papers today that Ludwing Ernstsson will be flying in next week for a trial at McDiarmid. The player, who was looked at 3 weeks ago would have arrived earlier but has been suffering from a hamstring strain. If Saints want to sign him then they'll need to move fairly quickly as the UEFA signing deadline is August 31st.
On the subject of Europe, the club have announced that 7,000 commemorative badges have been ordered to be given to fans attending next Thursday's return match against Vaasa. This along with the 36 page special programme is designed to celebrate Saints first home match in Europe for 28 years.
The VPS-Vaasa players are due in Perth next Tuesday afternoon after a complicated journey involving flights from Vaasa-Stockholm-Manchester, then a bus trip North. There is still no word no how many fans can be expected to accompany them but hopefully they'll find a warm welcome in Perth.

August 17th- No sooner do our strikers start banging in the goals than it looks like a possible end in store for the Striker Search. Today's Sun reports that Mr X from Sweden (who has now been named as Austria Vienna striker Ludwing Ernstsson (right)) will fly in this week for talks (hopefully without worrying about quarantine regulations or his mothers love f