tag:,2008:/346 2007-10-05T16:02:05Z A look at life in the lower leagues of Scottish football. Behind the scenes and all the news from clubs in Divisions 1, 2 and 3. Movable Type 3.31 tag:www.gordonparks.dailyrecordblogs.co.uk,2007://346.26715 2007-10-05T15:19:01Z 2007-10-05T16:02:05Z

Forget the Old Firm and the battle for the SPL Saturday as a football fan, manager, player or sports writer is all about one thing - the football. The first tought on my mind this weekend will be the big...

Gordan Parks Forget the Old Firm and the battle for the SPL Saturday as a football fan, manager, player or sports writer is all about one thing - the football. The first tought on my mind this weekend will be the big one at Hamilton where the league leaders face table topping rivals Dundee. Everything will be geared to getting ready to head to watch the Accies. Being paid for the privelage makes it all the more sweeter but no matter what capacity we attend a game it's all about the labour of love. Both of the teams taking the field at New Douglas Park have one thing in common - they're managed by individuals who've had to scrap to get to where they are. The First Division is an enviroment for footballng street fighters and make no mistake, both Billy Reid and Alex Rae have the stomach for a battle. This will be my first look at Hamilton kid James McCarthy who has had a £1 million price tag wrapped around his neck ever since he had a stint on trial at Liverpool. I cannot wait to see if it's just hype or if he's the real deal. The same applies to his midfield side-kick James McArthur, although shrewd judges tell me he's the pick of the current crop of Accies kids on the go. No doubt I'll be getting my lunchtime text message from Dundee's Paul McHale to inform me he's been stuck on the bench again. Paul's been a close friend of mine ever since I suggested to Clyde boss of the time Graham Roberts to sign him during the infamous Broadwood trials of a few years ago. I fear it'll be another counciling session coming his way. It's becoming something of an occupational hazzard, forget Jeff Sterling being first with the latest team news. He should have a camera pointing at my mobile in the build-up to kick-offs around the country. Honestly, beep, beep, 'the ba****** gone and dropped me again' should be my new ring tone. I can't wait for this game between the two teams who've started the season in some style. Having spoken to Accies striker Richard Offiong yesterday I know how much last weeks defeat at St Johnstone hurt so expect a backlash if the fixed odds are your thing. Hamilton are a sentimental club for me as they were the team I scored my first ever senior goal against. A John Sludden cross from the right was headed brilliantly past Allan Ferguson to earn Clyde a 2-0 win. It was at Old Douglas Park which is now Morrison's supermarket and I was hit by a pie thrown from the crowd as I took a throw-in minutes later. Then verbally abused by Hamilton's most famous fan, Fergie, who was later given a life ban by the club. My mum had to leave the game at half-time as the excitement was too much for her. So yes, I'll be having a walk down memory lane at three-o-clock tomorrow and taking a glance at Morrison's just down the road from the new ground. My fixed odds coupon will still be a hard luck story at quarter to five so the more things change the more they stay the same and Paul McHale will still be looking for answers as to why he cannot get a game. tag:www.gordonparks.dailyrecordblogs.co.uk,2007://346.26457 2007-10-03T15:30:25Z 2007-10-03T16:10:52Z

In a previous life... Take my word for it, the very mention of Junior football in the Senior game is a tabbo subject. The reason for that is simple.. the big boys know they've met their match against their poor...

Gordan Parks In a previous life... Take my word for it, the very mention of Junior football in the Senior game is a tabbo subject. The reason for that is simple.. the big boys know they've met their match against their poor relations, hence the reason they've spent over 100 years avoiding them. That's all about to change now that Pollok and Linlithgow Rose have forced their way into the sacred territory of the Scottish Cup Second Round. Having been a player and assistant manager with Dunipace Juniors as well as having a stint with Lesmahagow I feel equipped to pass comment. During a career playing up-stairs with seven Senior teams there have been plenty of occasions when I've turned my nose up at facing some Junior team in a friendly only to end up being turned over. The reason why is simple. The majority of big name junior clubs get the cream of the lower league talent snapped up by offering wages which most First, Second and Third Division clubs cannot match. Forget the snobbery of having a senior status, money talks, I've been one of those mercenary players who's gladly grabbed a buck to turn my back on the 'big time'. One former manager famously slaughtered a player who wasn't cutting it with our Junior club. "You keep performing as badly as that and you'll end up back playing senior!" Forget the miners helmet brigade who form the committee's who still run some of these clubs and you'll find a new batch of forward thinking Junior people who've bought into the SFA'S Pyramid system. It could be the only one of its kind which pays a dividend now the door is well and truly open for a lower league revolution. The Lok and the Rose are flag bearers this season and I for one believe they can make a real impact and reach the latter stages. The very thought of the Old Firm at Newlandsfield has me desperate to pull the boots back on. On second thoughts, maybe not. I'll settle for a ticket, a pie and bovril when it happens. And believe me, it will.