Benchman: Saturday afternoon alternative

A fair trek for Bairns fans- Greenock and then Dumfries. There is a noticeable decline in away support all across the country, and some are starting to ask if the old Reserve League might be an option to bring in more revenue. Play on a Saturday afternoon with a 3pm kick-off with a chance to see young players learn their trade against seasoned professionals. Income from programme sales and food outlets. Better than Under-20 games in front of friends and families on a Tuesday night?

WORLD PHOTO DAY

Desert Island Pics. What one picture from a Falkirk game would you take to your imaginary island?

Paul McGrillen’s goal against Celtic? Simon Stainrod’s diving header against Celtic? Mark Millar’s free kick against Rangers? Dougie Moran’s cup winner against Kilmarnock? Or one of Super Sam’s three against Airdrie? Let us know via Herald social media.

DREAM BAIRNS

We have received some interesting Falkirk Dream Teams from supporters and especially from older fans. Here is one which attracted a lot of support in the office. Willie Whigham, Alex Parker, Tiger McLaughlin, John Markie, George Miller, George Gibson, Kevin McAllister, John White, Russell Latapy, Simon Stainrod, Kenny Dawson.

PREMIER LEAGUE BAIRNS

Tracking my Fantasy Team, which is filled with former Bairns. Scott Arfield starred against Liverpool in a 2-0 home win for Burnley, despite the visitors having 81% possession.

Stephen Kingsley was at wing back for Swansea in a 2-0 home defeat to Hull, with Jay Fulton an unused sub.

Kasper Schmeichel was in his usual place between the sticks against Arsenal.

DIRECTING FOOTBALL

What’s in a title? There was a fair bit of chatter on social media about the respective roles of Robbie Neilson and Craig Levein at Tynecastle. There are some grandiose titles out there - Director of Football Operations? Does he do cartilage surgery?

The old days of the manager who did everything have clearly gone, but the key area is team matters. Who picks the players? Who recruits the players? There may be lessons to be learned from the recent fiascos at Newcastle. Any “manager” would need to feel he was running his team.

ANSWERS

Last week’s man in uniform was Andy Irvine, one of the 1957 cup heroes. The fictitious Falkirk Five -a -Side team would have been Ian Hunter, Jimmy McIntosh, Alex Duchart, Les Thomson and Billy Sinclair.

TEASER

From which club did Falkirk sign Russell Latapy?

ALLOA, ALLOA

Alloa have made an amazing start under Jack Ross with eight straight wins. Jack was always a popular figure at Falkirk and was very much a manager-in- waiting. Pleasant, confident, articulate and a very good coach who had served his apprenticeship. There are several clubs tracking his progress.

BENCHMARKS

Match rating: 6

Team rating: 6

Opposition: 7

Referee: Kirkland

Best Bairn: Paul Watson