GREY DAY BRIGHTENS FOR HDB'S

So the end of a long and arduous season finally arrived ,the roller coaster ride that is following DFC reached its climax, unfortunatley, the momentum built up on the final downhill was too great to negotiate the final bend and the whole thing came crashing to a devastating ending after what could and should have been a comfortable run in, had certain team members not switched on the cruise control several weeks early!!(we all know who they are and I,m sure they do too)

After the trauma of Almondvale and the terrible realisation sinking in that relegation was upon us,all that was left was the annual Player of the year awards !! How would the supporters respond to a team that had ultimately failed us in our hour of need?Anger and retribution could be swift and merciless at the hands of many terraceing Tams,Would they round on their hero's or give those who had indeed given their best efforts the praise they deserved.With many questions unanswered and a mixture of emotions the Highland Dark Blues set off once more down the road and the miles, this time not to Dens, but to the more palatial surroundings of the Apex hotel

On arriving in Dundee, Mennies up the Perth road was the first port of call for a wee refreshment and reminiscing for myself amd Mao,good to see some things in life dinna cheenge , certainly no the wallpaper in Mennies anyway!!After a few beers and memories of the seventies we headed to the hotel and prepared for the evening ahead,abody getting changed into full highland regalia in about six and a half minutes flat after realising we had spent a wee bit too long in Mennies (these things happen when Jabba's no there to chivvy you along)

Once ensconsed at our table, well situated in a prime spot by the stage,the evening got under way with an impessive turnout, considering the previous days events there were few empty seats in the hoose and the HDB's were well represensted by Mao, Derek, Iain A, Ian and Alan Smith,Garry,John,Phil and myself all resplendent in Highland dress for the occasion .

The players were announced in and despite some reservations all were applauded warmly with Jim Duffy recieving the loudest cheers for the present sqaud,but the best response of the evening was reserved for the Legends ,especially Simon Stainrod,who's companion raise a few eyebrows and John's blood pressure.

(prayer of the year John?)

After a few words from the compere the meal got under way with a soup starter which Mao decided enhanced the design on his tie and skelt a a large dod doon his front accompanied by a few well chosen expletives,(you canny take some folk anywhere),this was follwed by Mao's steak peh,which, like the team was seriuosly light on beef in the middle,however John came to the rescue donating some of his red meat to the cause.

After pudding (no Kitemarike didnae turn up) it was on to the main part of the evening and the presentation's,Stevie Lovell taking the bulk of the awards....

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and Steve Robb making a clean sweep of the young POTY .

 

Our main award went to Soapy

who must have heard "now dinna drap it "1,000 times after his EEP misadventure,however, as was pointed out, without his performances it wouldn't have come down to the last day.Gary as ever did us pwoud as Toastmeister,and could mebbes teach a few of the players the art of saying "Thanks" in public.A few players performed on the night as they had all season, making as little effort as possible and leaving at the first opportunity,however many stayed the course mingling with the fans and Bobby Mann, Soapy, Barry and Lee in particular staying into the wee sma oor's.

The comedian for the evening did a grand job with some great gags,keeping Mao writing furiously trying to get some material for future speeches,and in the process ensuring he remains on a dry toast diet ....just in case...

Mr Magner was reportedly disgruntled at the disapearance of his stage banner after a misunderstanding with the HDB's,Iain Addo was seen attempting to smuggle it into the lift discretly placed up his kilt (at least i presume that was what it was!!!!)however, big Lee turned informer after signing it to "Jabba" on realising the man was genuinly pertubred at his loss,the HDB's were most put out at this further piece of treacherLee,speshly after Derek offering him his ligaments to speed up recovery.

The following morning saw the battle weary troops muster in the Apex foyer for the long haul back to Sneck,John still jangling his loose change everytime he mentioned MMS Stainrod,Iain looking nervously over his shoulder for Mr Magner ,Derek checking his kneecaps to see how far he'd gone in his promises to Lee,Mao trying no to spill anything,Gary hadn't turned up as we left to pick up Alan Smith,but shortly after we got a text saying "tyre flat will be late getting away"....Ah well just another let down in a long series this year eh?

At the end of an emotionally draining weekend, the evening it was felt was an outstanding success,helping to rally the troops and players for what will surely be an even greater challenge next season......

POTY 2006 ANYONE?

ALANMAC