Voice of Reason, 3rd December

Dec 3 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SO winter has arrived.

And clubs in the lower tiers of Scottish football are now chittering.

Crouched by the fire desperately trying to get a heat.

But for some, the fire may go out this year.

I’m afraid it’s time to admit defeat – we need change.

The era of summer football has surely arrived.

We’re now embarking on a barren run of three months where, let’s face it, little football will be played.

Financial disaster. Punters drifting away from the game.

It all adds up to not very good news.

Those in power must be forced into acting before several of our historic clubs go to the wall.

Forget disputes with officials – this could be the real crisis.

Let’s act before it’s too late.

SPEAKING of the ref row, what an absolute farce it’s been.

You can understand the position of our whistlers.

But the way this mess has been handled has left egg on the face of many.

The men in ivory towers have blundered since day one.

Dougie McDonald should have been removed – and a lot of this pantomime would have been resolved.

Hugh Dallas getting silly on the emails is another matter.

And it sure couldn’t have happened at a worse time.

But hey, at least we can fly in refs from around the world to rescue the situation.

You really couldn’t write this nonsense.

GREAT news from the Henry Thow Oval.

Prestwick Cricket Club are already gearing up for next season.

Many a glorious day in the sun will be enjoyed by the Barmy Army.

And the team will be led, once again, by top teacher Gavin Pitt.

The mercurial Fraser MacDonald will be vice-skipper.

Hopefully they take inspiration from the wonderful Ashes action in Australia right now.

Sporting theatre doesn’t come much better.

The all-night sessions watching bat on ball down under will warm up the VoR’s winter.

It’s liquid cricket.

LET’S hear it for soaraway juniors Whitletts Vics.

Many believe they’re punching above their weight at the top of the West First Division.

But I can reveal the secret. It’s kickboxing at Wossobama Gym.

The troops have been led for a spot of martial arts under the gaze of coach Alan Currie.

But this weekend, Vics have more delights in front of them.

Boss Jim Geddes will take them to Ayr beach for a touch of sand dancing.

Well done the Vics.

BETTING corner is coming alive.

Allan Haggo scores with a two pointer to cut me back to just a couple.

Idle Iain Ferguson committed an own goal by choosing a game which fell victim to the weather.

The VoR just fell foul of poor tipping.

So it continues to be a thrilling joust between myself and Haggs as we charge towards Christmas.

This week, Haggo goes Chelsea 2, Everton 0.

Fergie says Cardiff 3, Preston 0.

The VoR will set the pace with Man City 2, Bolton 0.