Here come the weak Oct. 2, 2007

Tough people have been produced in Ayrshire – including many young footballers and many canny managers.
On the first day of this season, the match in the Ayrshire League between Irvine Meadow and Glenafton was stopped mid-way through the second half by a 76 year old woman storming on the pitch.
Apparently she had sent her husband into the ground to complain that her driveway was blocked by a supporters car, only for him to be told to F Off by a Meadow supporter. She then invaded, forcing the game to be stopped and the announcement of the offending car registration over the tannoy. Nevertheless the car was still not moved until after the final whistle.

There wasn’t just anger – the old lady was extremely polite to the Glens goalkeeper Gary Matthews describing him as a big handsome goalkeepie.

The club official and unofficial internet sites were then full of speculations : Was she drunk? being one line of enquiry. No she was blind, being the retort.

Here come The Scots Oct. 3, 2007

The nation is expressing themselves through their football, again.

It had all gone a bit quiet.

Gretna are to be thanked for shaking things up from below – proving anything can be done by the small.

The showing-the-door to a prolific German manager put in charge of the national team, conversely also helped. Allowing another go at finding a Scottish manager – in a nation revered for its managers.

Then there came again Ally McCoist and Walter Smith.

And a crop of new players, showing that certain Scottish/celtic spirit.

Not forgetting the pop bands like Travis and before them Simple Minds and even The Wets, who helped forge the image of Scots as leaders or combattants in their field.

Less certain in terms of the effect on the young and the emerging is the Devolved parliament, supposedly giving more power to the Scots nation.