Alphas

With Neil Lennon, I'd agree the hatred comes from his behaviour as a manager. The aggression he shows on the touchline, comments made about refs etc isn't behaviour you expect from a manager. He certainly needs to learn to control himself, not wade in with opinions and act with more respect towards his fellow officials. I can't stand Neil Lennon and I find his attitude disgraceful BUT in a way I'm glad he's in the game. Football has players you love to hate and fortunately the vast majority of fans know to treat such players/managers as panto villians. The downside is there are the knuckledraggers who take it too far and the bomb and death threats towards Lennon et al are an utter disgrace, beyond belief really. I dare say this level of hatred goes beyond football but I hope it means he doesn't walk away from the game, nobody deserves that.

As far as I'm concerned, whoever is organising this deserves a pat on the back for bringing a organising this in Aberdeen. Whether you like the line up or not, there are some decent names on the bill and if this year has positive results then there is potential for the festival to grow and improve in the future. If it is a success, then in two or three years time we could have a cracker of a festival in our back yard. With this and Wizard we may have some good small festivals on the go in the region. Personally, I like the look of some of the acts so I'll be in attendance. It also seems there will be some support going to local music so a big thumbs up from me.

Knightmare?

Two new songs being released on vinyl for Record Store Day according to their Facebook page.

Aye, I'd go along with that. I think the issue with the likes of Kris Boyd, Lee Miller et al is a case of thinking they've "made it" after getting a move to England. Moving to any league will require a degree of adaptation from a player, not just to fit into the league but also their new team's style of play. I wonder if the likes of Boyd moved to the Championship thinking it was going to be a walk in the park. That's a totally unsubstantiated opinion of mine but I'd see it being more likely that many of the players I originally mentioned, such as Dorrans, would move there and realise they need to knuckle down to become a success.

Laurent D'Jaffo. Easy. To be fair, if a player is a success down south then there won't be a great chance of them moving to Scotland. Tore Andre Flo is probably the best example I can think of and then you'd be looking at mid-table premiership players like James Beattie, Henri Camara, Marc-Antoine Fortune. I would actually say Scottish players' stock has risen over the last couple of years though. I think that was the point I was originally trying to make!

To be fair though, for all the players who have struggled after moving to England there are players who have done well for themselves - Graham Dorrans, Charlie Adam, Christophe Berra, James McCarthy, Steven Fletcher, Alan Hutton, Craig Gordon, Barry Ferguson etc all off the top of my head. Similarly there are several players who come up from England who struggle in the SPL so it certainly isn't a one way thing. Undoubtedly it is easier moving to Scotland but there are many cases of players carving out good careers and making a name for themselves in England.

Looks like his old boy called in a few favours. I wish my Dad was a football agent. Is it a bit late to point out I.T. was a poor choice of career for him?

There is something called a super moon happening just now where the moon is at its closest point to the Earth for, well, many moons. This photo was taken at Glastonbury recently.

I'd rather the Dutch spoke English, it's quite possibly the best accent ever. Except when Steve McLaren tries it, he just went and ruined it for everyone.

It was actually called "Seance". It's on Youtube here. You'll need a spare hour mind you but interesting nevertheless! I'm one of the individuals who struggles to believe in things like this though. For no other reason than I'd rather understand and have proof of something first. That said, it is something I'd be happy to be proved wrong about and perhaps certain things are just going to be unexplained. In a way it would be quite reassuring to know there is something more to this subject. It's a fascinating topic mind you.

Is that Private Pile from Full Metal Jacket? Looks like he needs beaten with bars of soap again.

I hate the consistency arguement. Each individual incident are separate from each other and should be treated and (if needs be) punished that way. Consistency is usually mentioned out of sour grapes when a decision doesn't go the way of someone's team. Refs need to get each individual decision correct not dish out a card to even things out.

I always thought something similar to this. I'm sure there are bands who have a good reputation and are already well known to the judges and on this basis have a far better chance of playing T-Break. However, if your songs are good enough then you'll be difficult to ignore.

I thought it might have been like that film Teeth. But that's fiction, right...right? Hope the hospital visit goes well though.

You have teeth where?!?!

Noah and the Whale - Last Night On Earth Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys!

I'd imagine both of these play a big part of it. They are more accessible through TV so gain more exposure than anyone other teams in Scotland. This would only increase when they play the Champs League games against the big sides. Plus those who started supporting them when the OF were becoming more popular a decade or two ago will pass those allegiances onto their children so I can't see it changing in a hurry. It's the same with English teams as well I guess, how many of your friends support an English premiership side (the vast majority of my friends do) and compare that to 10-20 years ago. Not me though, I support the Dons and only the Dons. Cut me and I'd bleed red.

That is just incredible. Well done SFA, showing your authority yet again.

Been looking out for reactions from Celtic and Rangers and these seem to be official statements: BBC Sport - Football - Neil Lennon defuses touchline spat with Ally McCoist BBC Sport - Football - Verbal abuse led to tension - Rangers chief Martin Bain To summarise, Rangers aren't to blame as their players were being called names (probably something like "you big jobby") and how very dare the SFA point the finger at them while Celtic should actually be getting a pat on the back. In fact Motherwell and St Johnstone are the bad boys really.

A point I was thinking as well. Closing the doors at the games would push the problems into the pubs and streets with people watching the games on TV. From what I understand, Glasgow ain't much fun on match days as it is. A blackout on the matches would perhaps be the best way around this.

Haven't watched this but I'm assuming it was Levein talking out against Mike McCurry? If so, it is a good point. I think refs need to be transparent in their decisions and it may actually help relations between match officials and opposing teams and supporters. If a ref has a chance to explain a decision this could go an enormous way to explaining things as much of the complaints come from fans not having the appropriate knowledge of the rules.

I reckon a good start to stop the fans misbehaving is for the players and officials to set an example. You don't want the passion taken out of the game and I'm sure everyone would love to see a blood and thunder match but when it descends into farce like yesterday's game then it only tarnishes the Scottish game...which isn't exactly in much glory as it is!

A summit is something at least but for a change can we have some action? Part of me can see this becoming a little PR exercise at the end with a Lennon/McCoist handshake and smile for the cameras. Hopefully the authorities will grow a pair and come down on them. Not just to punish Rangers and Celtic but to set an example for any other team who step out of line. As has previously been said, each team has their element but when the usual suspects can't control their players/officials/fans (again) then some firm action is needed. Neil Lennon's behaviour on the touchline this season has been dispicable. Squaring up to officials, witchhunting refs and picking fights with counterparts isn't punishable by a fine that takes away a fortnights wages, he really has got away with a lot this year. The best part was when the conspiracy theory against Celtic was raised again...by the Celtic chairman no less. Hopefully this time we'll see some proper punishment with promises of ongoing sanctions if anyone (Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, Buckie Thistle etc etc) can't control people associated with their club.