November & December 2009

We continued our good form in November and December and I was delighted to pick up the Manager of the Month award for the second consecutive month. I don't consider this a personal award and see it as a reflection of all the good work at the club and the dedicated people - from Joan the cleaning lady to our most important supporters.

Our win over Clyde in early November took us to the top of the league this season which was a magnificent achievement from the players. Our form since then has kept us in top spot and one of the notable features has been our ability to find important late goals - including the winners against Clyde and Dumbarton, and the stoppage time equaliser from young John Ferguson. This is a trait of all good and successful teams and is something we will endeavor to continue in the months ahead. It is a sign of the attitude, commitment and fitness of the players and also their positive mentality.

Our only real disappointment in the last couple of months has been our exit from the Scottish Cup at the hands of Alloa Athletic. There was nothing between the sides over the two games but it will be Alloa who will face SPL opposition in St. Mirren in the next round.

Of course the transfer window re-opens next month with many managers' looking to make changes to their squad. From my point of view I do not intend to make many changes to the squad as I am reasonably satisfied with the strength and depth at my disposal. Scott McBride's loan deal comes to an end next month and we have a deal agreed in principle to extend Scott's stay at Central Park. I am hopeful he will remain with us until the end of the season at least as Scott has made a big contribution. Also Darren McGregor, John Dempster and Danny Mackay are all nearing full fitness - they will need time to build up their match fitness before competing for a 1st team place - after long spells out with injuries and their return will be like having three new players. One or two players are also likely to depart.

In addition, one or two of our youth players may join some of their colleagues on loan with junior clubs. The young lads, who are out on loan at the moment, are gaining valuable experience of the physical challenges that junior football provides and also the pressures that come with 1st team football. We have found this to be real positive in their progress and development and I think the progress that Scott Linton, Dene Droudge and Jon Robertson have made for us has been helped by their spell in the juniors last season.

Off the pitch the Club has been working hard to develop and promote its community programme. Keith Harvey has been driving this forward for us and is doing a great job. He is working hard to get the programme up and running and the response we have had has been really positive. Our aim for the current initiatives is to provide a fun and safe environment for all kids in the local community to participate at grass roots level. Our medium to long-term strategy is to forge a strong link between CFC and the community and is something we will continue to strive and work hard for.

On a personal note, I recently spent four days with Real Valladolid as another component of my Uefa pro licence. I started the course when I was assistant manager and my studies have helped me develop as both a manager and coach. The course has been demanding, informative and time consuming but most of all enjoyable. My tutors have included Lars Lagerback (former Sweden boss), Carlos Perrera (Brazilian coach) and Kevin Keegan. I am due to complete in February 2010 with a presentation delivered to Craig Levein, George Peat, Gordon Smith, Campbell Ogilvie and Billy Stark. Taking of Craig Levein, it was great to see a true Blue Brazil legend appointed as the new national coach.

Finally, I would like to thank the supporters for the backing you have given us this season and also wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Best wishes.

Danny.