Historians normally refer to the first eight months of the second world war as The Phoney War for, although conflict had broken out, nothing actually happened in Western Europe, other than the odd battleship being sunk, and a lone RAF biplane throwing handfuls of gravel at the nearest German port. So it is in this close season. Even we've grown bored of repeating the fact that Paul Tosh has re-signed as a player/coach, and we've signed two new goalkeepers.
Patience is required, however. There is likely to be a lot of news as the season approaches, and news of real substance, rather than the pitiful noises-off in the Review to the effect that the club is at death's door financially. It really isn't hard to get stuff printed in the Review, however getting stuff in there that is actually backed up with some evidence may be a little harder- the getting the evidence bit, that is.
Although, like all lower league clubs, there isn't the money around that there was five or six years ago, nonetheless, a new look Montrose team will take to the park in August determined to put last season's truly calamitous campaign behind us, with a behind the scenes unity that has been missing from Links Park for at least four years. No one is claiming next season will be easy, but, whatever the results, it's going to be a heck of a lot more enjoyable knowing that the performance of the team and the results on the park are the only things that matter, and not Machiavellian intrigues, closed-doors puffing out of pigeon chests, and pathetic draining he said-she-said rumour-mongering piffle.
Perhaps the most important signing for next season has been made in the last few days. Former Loons boss, Anvil Abusers backroom boy, and sidekick to Jocky "Wha's in Cherge Here?" Scott at Dumpdee, Ray Farningham, will be Steven Tweed's new assistant for 2010-11. Farningham had several possibilities to work elsewhere but chose to resume his good working relationship with Steven. He brings a huge contact list and vast experience of the lower leagues with him, and this new appointment will certainly help improve the performances and fitness of the squad next season. Some have rather unkindly suggested that Steven has appointed his successor. In fact, the arrival of such an experienced and respected coach at the club, is just a wee reminder of the level and range of contacts that the manager brings to the table. Would a coach like that have shown up at Links Park without the personal contact with ST? Somehow I doubt it.
Astonishingly, the first pre-season friendly is scheduled for the day before the World Cup final, when a yawning, tubby and reluctant Raith Rovers will roll off their sun loungers and back into their absurdly coloured Nike predators, to face us. It seems that pre-season will be used to look at many new faces on trial, with the best of them to be signed at some point before the shooting begins in earnest up at Balmoor in late July. I'd say we need another striker, a pair of reliable and consistent central midfielders, and maybe one more defensive utility player type.
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