Another action packed season has gone and time to ponder again just what has happened in the last 12 manic months.
The first few games started well and with new boys Ian Baird, Danny McKenna and David McGinlay in the ranks, the Squad looked strong. Then came the bombshell news that championship-winning Manager Gary Wilson was planning to emigrate and suddenly change was required. Gary felt it was best to step down straight away. Into the breach came Benny Carey as he juggled his playing duties with management. As always, October and November were bad months. Elimination from both Scottish and West Of Scotland Cups was again a severe failure. Losing away to a good Stedfast side in the Scottish was no disgrace but the 3-2 home defeat to Blackstoun United in The West represented one of the most depressing days of the season. It was a game we should have won. Tellingly, only collecting 2 points from 3 home league games at that time too, had given us a mountain to climb already in the league. Blochairn had started brilliantly and were stacking the wins up and building a good lead. On a brighter note, we had reached the League Cup Semi-Finals but injuries and suspension had played a part in a bad first half of the season.
First up after New Year was a home game against leaders Blochairn. It was a simply must win game. We let a lead slip and drew
1-1. It turned out Gary Wilson’s emigration plans had been delayed and he then returned to the fray to release Benny to concentrate solely on playing duties again. In his second game back, we lost 2-1 away to Shawbridge in a game where we had enough chances to win 6 games. This completely ended the slim league hopes. In the background the controversial Vale/Blochairn fiasco was blundering on without decision for some time. Only massive points deductions for both clubs would have brought Windlaw back into the title equation. Both clubs effectively were fined and lost 3 points however Vale’s lifeline didn’t last much longer when their next game was abandoned and they were expelled from the League. Windlaw’s title that they had worked so hard to win was surrendered fairly meekly. Only the two cups remained, with League form hopefully a springboard to success. Form did improve slightly although we required penalties to beat Kelvinbank Star in the League Cup Semi-Final after an insipid affair. Vale’s expulsion meant we effectively had a bye into the Strathclyde Cup Quarter Finals against Greenhills.
Before the big cup games began though, yet another managerial blow as Gary’s emigration plans finally came to fruition and the
4-0 home league win against Forest marked Gary’s farewell to the club. The third and final incumbent into the hotseat this season was Assistant Manager Martin Kerr. Martin had previously shown an unwillingness to take on the job but decided that now was his time. His first game in charge was the League Cup Final against Airdrieonians. After a poor performance, Windlaw equalised in the dying seconds to take the tie into penalties where John Lunny was predictably the hero and the club’s 10th honour in 10 years was secured. Next up was the Strathclyde Cup and a relatively straightforward 2-0 win over Greenhills in the quarters was followed by a controversial 2-1 semi-final win over holders Tynecastle at their home ground. Tynecastle’s last minute equaliser was ruled out for offside. The Strathclyde Cup Final against Clydebank United was the chance to turn a mediocre season into a great one. It was a test we failed with the hungrier side running out deserved 2-0 winners. Our erratic league form ensured only a 4th place finish was possible. Blochairn had deservedly won it almost at a canter in the end. They were remarkable champions.
For a club of our stature, a solitary League Cup success rates as a reasonably poor season. On reflection though, three managerial changes represents too much upheaval and a period of continuity is now needed for Martin Kerr to put his own stamp on an ageing side. The players do deserve some credit for reaching two major finals despite the managerial changes. It should be noted that we were the only club to achieve this milestone and we were the only club that Blochairn couldn’t beat on their road to winning the league. With the formation of a Saturday afternoon side for next season and some players going from morning to afternoon, both teams have formidable challenges ahead in season 07/08. The morning side face a period of rebuilding while the fledgling afternoon side have foundations to build. Like a certain garden, it may take some time before the fruits of our labour is born. Perhaps success next season may not be measured in trophies but more in how work is progressing. Enjoy the summer!
Competitive Matches Played: 32
Won(including penalty-kick wins): 20
Drawn: 5
Lost: 7
Total Goals Scored: 79
Total Goals Conceded: 47
League Placing: 4th with 44 points
Strathclyde Cup: Losing Finalists
Strathclyde League Cup: Champions
Scottish Cup: Lost in Round 2
West Of Scotland Cup: Lost in Round 1
Top Goalscorers: David McGinlay-19, Eck McCaig-13, Benny Carey-10
Most Assists: Benny Carey-7, Shug Neeson-6, Allan Dougall-5
Most Free-Kicks Scored: Chris Kerr-2
Most Website Man Of The Match Awards: Shug Neeson-5, Eck McCaig-4
Website Best Player Average Ratings: Shug Neeson-6.70, Colin Sinclair-6.65, Chris Kerr-6.61
Website Goal Of The Season: Eck McCaig v Shawbridge on 02/09/06
Most Appearances: John Lunny-32,Paul McInally-32
Most Sub Appearances: John McCabe-7
Most Yellow Cards Received: 7-Shug Neeson
Most Red Cards Received: 2-Danny McKenna
