Voice of Reason: 29 December 2008

Jan 2 2009

AS the curtain falls on another year at Somerset Park, there is no time to look back.

For we stand on the verge of Scottish football’s biggest game of the season.

The Ayrshire derby makes a mockery out of so-called grudge matches like the Old Firm and Real Madrid v Barca.

None of our players were around to play in the four recent drubbings of them up the road. Which is why they must be educated over the coming week. Old newspaper cuttings, DVD clips – all of it must be sent their way.

This will be the biggest moment of their careers so far - and the homework starts now.

ALL the big names are heading to Somerset to witness five in a row. Ticket requests have already been slammed in by some heroes from yesteryear, with the likes of Iain Ferguson and Jim Dick set to attend.

And watch this space for the earth’s best ever penalty taker to make his presence felt.

There clearly is only one place to be on January 10.

LOOKALIKE corner is hotter than the sun at present. And it shows no sign of cooling as we fry up another stonker this week.

It’s a comparison that will probably raise many eyebrows, but veteran lookalike fans know this has been coming.

Ayr boss Brian Reid is a man who can live in younger company when it comes to cutting a dash.

He may be touching 40, but there’s plenty left in the tank according to females whose opinion the VoR trusts.

And it seems the reason for Reid’s popularity is his likeness to film hunk Tom Cruise.

One in the same person, it could be said. Although Reid’s about five foot taller, but that’s a mere side issue.

The pictorial evidence has both men damningly banged to rights.

INTERESTING news coming from TV land. An ex-Ayr player is set to star in the new series of Sky One mega-show Gladiators.

Let’s be fair, it’s a pale shadow imitation of the genius that graced our screens in the 90s featuring such legends as Jet, Lighting and John Fashanu.

But the upcoming appearance by our former midfield ace will make the new incarnation worthwhile.

The VoR always did fancy a go on the travellator.

ALL hopes of competition in the betting challenge are in danger of going out the window.

Battling Dougie Morton is struggling to stay in the same postcode as the pedigree horse in the race.

I’m thinking of attaching a newspaper to my back so poor Dougie can have a read of it as we plunder through the second half of the season.

Yes, it’s been another good week for the VoR with my lead stretching to four points at the summit and the Ladbrokes trophy is looming into sight.

Next week’s FA Cup offers an easy chance for Mr Morton to notch at least one point, so he’s going for Southampton 0, Man Utd 3. I’m taking Leeds to beat Hereford 2-0.

HAPPY New Year to the VoR’s legion of readers who come from all corners of the earth.

And remember; treat 2009 like one big party. Because you’re only here once.