buster.

I agree that it's up to every individual whether they want to go or not but I have heard a significant number say that they don't intend to attend away games in the top tier, hence the point.

Given that many Bears have said they won't be attending away matches, you wonder what kind of crowds will go to a league match, Motherwell v Rangers. With Motherwell, in May 2015 they provided a couple of added reasons for Bears not to attend.

"I have seen loads of people in their mid-30s at this tournament who are starring for their nations. And that’s what I’ll be looking for from our experienced guys in our next campaign because, as Slovakia showed the other day, it’s going to be a tough one." Strachan Those words don't inspire.

Having never seen the guy play or even heard of him prior to this week, I still have a feeling in my water that he can do a good job in the starting XI. When I heard Kenny Miller had been given another year, my immediate thought was a negative, why ?..... but KM has shown us that his level of professionalism is first class, his performance was excellent and his age, only a number. I'm now glad KM signed up for another year. As long as he can stay fit, I think Clint Hill sounds as if he can be effective as a player and an example. Signed Body Language Expert

The SPFL are the member clubs so if they don't like a league set-up that is prone to anomalies, change it.

Rousseau As per rule, just letting you know I've changed a prediction for tomorrow (Belguim game).

Still early doors in the Gersnet League, 20 played, 31 to go.

The way this tournament is set-up that goal could make the difference. It's likely that 3 points will see 3rd place teams go through and out dependent on GD.

With 4 points for a CS you can move up the table quickly if you get on a roll. I think most will have a purple patch at one point and now that I've posted this, I fully expect mine to come to an abrupt end

Physically, looks like he's taken care of himself (not a comprehensive judgment ) and one that can communicate well. How many Scousers have we got now ?

16 home and 17 aways leading up to the split. Leaves room for a planned post split Celtic (H) Other (A) Hearts (H) Other (A) Aberdeen (H)

Forgot about the short winter break. Take it as read that the sun will be out in January and Feburary will be bleak.

You could say an experienced 'spine' is being put in place with Hill, Barton and MIller but until we see what we have at the close of the transfer window and what first XI is favoured by the manager, it's difficult to say. I've never seen Hill play but Barton and Miller have quality aswell as experience. The other thing is about leading by example. We know that Miller has a great attitude and if Barton brings his 'A' game then that helps our midfield and defence greatly. The old phrase 'a team of captains' might apply next season. On the other hand, there will be the younger players in there beside the experience. It's about getting things right from the off and creating a competitive enviroment of excellence where you have to be showing at a good level to be considered for the first XI.

Tough first round of fixtures see us away at Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts. It won't be long now.

Ironic that in the Euros predictor we have French and German names at the top whilst the British flounder as per the norm in the summer finals. ....

Those changes were made prior to the 2nd round of games starting. Sods law if you make a change now, the original will come in so I've decided to let them role

Rousseau Quick question on rules Can you change a prediction prior to KO in any game or are you locked in once the 'round of games' start ?

There is obviously a limit to how much you can do this but MW seems to like going down this road. Eustace, Miller and now possibly Hill. I think it increases the motivation of the individuals in that they want to be seen as an example when and if they play, eg. Kenny Miller......... This significantly shortening the odds on getting a good return on the pitch compared to many other older players whose motivation can be a problem. Downside can be injuries, eg. Eustace.

With 16 of the 24 getting through the group stage, the tournament doesn't really start until the KO games kick-in. For the teams with a serious chance of winning the trophy, the group stages are almost an extension of their preperation and IMO the time to really judge is when the KO ties start. The Italians were always a team who would often start slowly, sneak through the group stage and then compete strongly with the best.

What is beautiful about the EPL fixtures released today is that Newcastle Utd aren't involved.

The English fans with some under the counter goading and perisope camera men poised, could almost secure qualification for their side.

Stat Attack In International tournament Finals, Ronaldo has taken 34 free-kicks (attempts on goal) and scored 0 goals. Source James Richardson (Guardian pod)

I'll put in an offer of 175K Brazilian Reals if the currency is fast and loose.

The rivalry with England is embedded in our history and it goes further back than football. In recent decades the footballing panorama has changed with England moving on with the times and more money whilst Scotland have went backwards. For youngsters today, they may not feel the footballing rivalry with our neighbours so keenly as the older generations, who watched the Home Internationals at the end of every season. Post referendum, everything that has national relevance and especially when connected with England has become a polarised 'war-zone' for making your point and any reason tends to go out of the window or is ignored.

That'll keep the green and grey busy for a bit.