The Roy Barry Fan Club

Sat 7th Aug Ayr Utd 1 v Arbroath 0 Dunfermline1 v Partick 0 (1890, 62) Hamilton 1 v Morton 0 ICT 1 v Raith Rovers 1 QoS 0 v Killmarnock 3

Thought we were pretty dire in the first half (or at least the first half hour). Seemed to be nervous of our close passing game for some reason. Got into the groove more in the second half, and I thought were the better team. Good debut from Dorrans, who looks capable of controlling the play.. Not sure why Thomas was substituted? I'd play Kennedy in preference to Wighton and Gaspuitas in preference to Graham (? Breen might be an option otherwise). Two great chances missed in a Todorov header at end of first half and Cole's chance at the end of the second. I assume that the Morton second was an unlucky deflection that flew of Mehmet's head but I couldn't believe that it went in. Cappielow is one bumpy track but the same for both teams.

Important day next Tuesday, when Scottish Government announcement to be made regarding situation post 9 August. Hopefully will map the way forward with much larger numbers, and season ticket holders sitting in their own seats from the game on 28 August, against Arbroath, onwards.

I won't be going: for all the reasons above. Hope we pocket some serious money though. Might be the first week-end of bigger numbers in grounds depending on what Nicola says on Tuesday, as first week-end game after 9 August and the new system.

Back up now. Need to reserve your seats asap as the booking system 'do-nuts' your seats for covid purposes (no-one beside, behind or in front of you) and people are allowed to book groups of seats providing you have the 13 number bar code number for each seat. I've got mine booked -- near but not my actual seat - and this Centre stand block is rapidly filling up.

It's all about money. Wonder what the gate will be?

Trouble is we've got two dogs. One is a ball playing Pars fan. Jumps 8 foot and heads the ball on the command 'Roy', has shown off his football skills to Ross McArthur, and bites your ankles on the command 'Norrie'. He was all for staying in. The other is more of a rugby sort judged by the way he tackles visitors, and he demanded a walk. I'll indulge them with second half shortly.....

Small fraction of what Keyser worries about. Budgets are modest and well controlled. Still it's good to worry!

😃😃😃Worry not: it was just that dog walk meant that I had to bail out. I've still second half to go!

Enjoyed the first half!

Saturday 31st July Arbroath 1 v ICT 0 Morton 1 v Dunfermline 2 (Todorov, 15 , 1600) Partick 2 v QoS 0 Raith Rovers 1 v Hamilton 0 Monday 2nd August Killmarnock 2 v Ayr Utd 0

In answer to why Dunfermline: because we are a club of the right scale for the consortium, we are well run and financially transparent and there is long term growth potential. The personal chemistry is good, and they like our culture. They also think ( and so do I) that their personal skill sets bring something extra to the party. I'm optimistic but we all need to understand that this is a long term play.

Eight years and nine months since Billy George introduced me to Ross McArthur and we set out to save the Pars. End of a chapter. It has not been dull.

We're all Germans now: the next phase begins...

At a crossroad in his career: Covid has done no favours for people of his age. He'll be trying like heck to get himself established. I recall him as being pretty decent from his Thistle spell when 20 or so. Player of month whilst there. Good ball control.