The Benchman needs a break after studying Rangers’ re-admission...
HIGHLAND TOUR: The trip to Aberdeenshire proved more than useful and manager Steven Pressley would have been well satisfied with the results and the attitude shown by his squad. The 4-1 win over Fraserburgh was probably the most notable result, although the comeback against Turriff showed that the side have a good team spirit. The Broch side finished sixth last season and some have tipped them as potential title chasers this time around. The general standard of play in the Highland League is good and the league is much changed from the old days, when seniors went up to play at the end of their league careers.
MIDDLESBROUGH: I came across an old Middlesbrough team picture from the early 1950s and there were some familiar faces in it. The keeper was none other than Rolando Ugolini, who is still seen in Edinburgh these days. In the front row was the great Wilf Mannion who played 26 times for England and scored 11 goals for his country. He was a real Middlesbrough folk hero and played 341 games for the club, scoring 99 goals in the process and earning the nickname of The Golden Boy. Just along from him was a slim, black-haired inside forward by the name of Alex McCrae- still fondly remembered in the town.
FARID EL ALAGUI: Good luck to Farid in his search of fame and fortune Down South. It was always his ambition to try his luck in England and who can blame him. It says a lot about Scottish Football that players prefer to take a job in the lower English leagues than play for SPL clubs. Farid was a lovely lad and his attitude was terrific. He took a few batterings, but never ducked the next challenge. He was really well-liked by the players and he will be missed by everyone at the club.
MYSTERY PIC: Can you name the player leading his side out? Did you recognise Lawrie Reilly, Billy Wright and keeper Alan Hodgkinson last week?
QUIZ: Which former Falkirk player played in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics as part of the GB football team? From last week: The Falkirk players at Under-23 level were Alex Parker, Ian Rae, Jimmy McIntosh, Eddie O’Hara, Bert Slater and Stuart Kennedy.
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