The Ballad of Charlie McGhee – 2nd Stanza
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Cheers mate! Absolutely loving your Dug Out to the Dugout story too!
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13 February 2016 - Desperate times call for desperate measures
McGhee couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of him. The Peterhead squad was already bare-bones and now first choice 'keeper Nicolas Caraux had pulled up lame after stretching for a routine save in training. "**** me," McGhee muttered under his breath as he walked over to help Nicolas up.
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That caused McGhee to put into action a plan he had been formulating over the past few days. He called up Chairman Roger Morrison and said, "Right the open trials, lets do it." Out of the open day over 30 players would be offered the opportunity to spend a week on trial with the Blue Toon.
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Out of the 30 players who spent the week training 6 were signed on a permanent basis covering all positions. In terms of potential the pick of the group appears to be goalkeeper Taylor. All though represent signings for the future as well as the present.
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Looking to get something happening Peterhead welcomed Forfar to Balmoor Stadium. The game started off relatively fast and Peterhead fans were cheering on 16 minutes when McAllister bundled in to put them ahead.
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On 37 minutes things were level when Urquhart equalised with close range effort after some confusion in the Peterhead penalty area following a corner.
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Just before halftime though Peterhead regained the lead. Some good lead up work from McAllister drew a number of defenders and when he rolled the pass across Nicky Riley had the relatively easy task of tucking it away.
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The game was still extremely even and Peterhead, despite their best efforts, couldn't keep the scoreline at 2-1. Forfar equalised for a second time in the 64th minute when Hay controlled a long ball well and slammed home with his second touch.
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All in all then a up and down game for the Blue Toon. McGhee felt that was to be expected though with the new additions to the squad but there were enough positive to make him fell like a first victory as manager of Peterhead is just around the corner.
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13 February 2016 - Desperate times call for desperate measures
McGhee couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of him. The Peterhead squad was already bare-bones and now first choice 'keeper Nicolas Caraux had pulled up lame after stretching for a routine save in training. "**** me," McGhee muttered under his breath as he walked over to help Nicolas up.
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That caused McGhee to put into action a plan he had been formulating over the past few days. He called up Chairman Roger Morrison and said, "Right the open trials, lets do it." Out of the open day over 30 players would be offered the opportunity to spend a week on trial with the Blue Toon.
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Out of the 30 players who spent the week training 6 were signed on a permanent basis covering all positions. In terms of potential the pick of the group appears to be goalkeeper Taylor. All though represent signings for the future as well as the present.
View attachment 212831
Looking to get something happening Peterhead welcomed Forfar to Balmoor Stadium. The game started off relatively fast and Peterhead fans were cheering on 16 minutes when McAllister bundled in to put them ahead.
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On 37 minutes things were level when Urquhart equalised with close range effort after some confusion in the Peterhead penalty area following a corner.
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Just before halftime though Peterhead regained the lead. Some good lead up work from McAllister drew a number of defenders and when he rolled the pass across Nicky Riley had the relatively easy task of tucking it away.
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The game was still extremely even and Peterhead, despite their best efforts, couldn't keep the scoreline at 2-1. Forfar equalised for a second time in the 64th minute when Hay controlled a long ball well and slammed home with his second touch.
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All in all then a up and down game for the Blue Toon. McGhee felt that was to be expected though with the new additions to the squad but there were enough positive to make him fell like a first victory as manager of Peterhead is just around the corner.
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20 February 2015 - Things can only get better...
Today saw Peterhead travel to Cowdenbeath in a game where they are all fast becoming must-wins for the Blue Toon. Unfortunately a the game turned on a moment of madness from left back Steven Noble. His dissent lead to both his second yellow card and the free kick from which a long ball into the box won Cowdenbeath a penalty. Beaumont converted it with ease.
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The ten men of Peterhead just couldn't find a way back into the match and it ended 1 nil.
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Following the Cowdenbeath match McGhee was advised by youth Manager Jimmy Boyle that a new batch of youth product had been taken in. By far the best prospect of the bunch is central defender Darren Robertson.
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To finish off the week McGhee got some news from Newcastle. Following his departure JP had been appointed interim manager but unfortunately hadn't been able to do well enough to lock down the spot long term. Instead another former Socceroo Tony Vidmar has been appointed to replace Charlie.
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20 February 2015 - Things can only get better...
Today saw Peterhead travel to Cowdenbeath in a game where they are all fast becoming must-wins for the Blue Toon. Unfortunately a the game turned on a moment of madness from left back Steven Noble. His dissent lead to both his second yellow card and the free kick from which a long ball into the box won Cowdenbeath a penalty. Beaumont converted it with ease.
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The ten men of Peterhead just couldn't find a way back into the match and it ended 1 nil.
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Following the Cowdenbeath match McGhee was advised by youth Manager Jimmy Boyle that a new batch of youth product had been taken in. By far the best prospect of the bunch is central defender Darren Robertson.
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To finish off the week McGhee got some news from Newcastle. Following his departure JP had been appointed interim manager but unfortunately hadn't been able to do well enough to lock down the spot long term. Instead another former Socceroo Tony Vidmar has been appointed to replace Charlie.
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27 February 2016 - Moving in the right direction
Well here it was. McGhee's first victory in charge of Peterhead. Things hadn't looked so well early in the game when McNeil put Brechin ahead in the 27th minute.
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After that it was the Shane Sutherland show as he first equalised just before half time and then directly after the restart he put the Blue Toon ahead.
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Not to be outdone though McNeil decided to grab a double of his own and level things up with 40 minutes still to play.
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This was an incredibly even game and it was going to take something special to win. Brown was the man for the moment when he got on the end of a Ferry cross and volley home from just inside the area. Amazing finish.
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McGhee was just relived to have finally got off the board as manager of Peterhead. After the match his took control of the team talk to congratulate the guys but to also remind them that this was just the start of what he wanted to achieve.
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Ferry and Sutherland's great performances saw them recognised in the Scottish League 1 team of the week.
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27 February 2016 - Moving in the right direction
Well here it was. McGhee's first victory in charge of Peterhead. Things hadn't looked so well early in the game when McNeil put Brechin ahead in the 27th minute.
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After that it was the Shane Sutherland show as he first equalised just before half time and then directly after the restart he put the Blue Toon ahead.
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Not to be outdone though McNeil decided to grab a double of his own and level things up with 40 minutes still to play.
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This was an incredibly even game and it was going to take something special to win. Brown was the man for the moment when he got on the end of a Ferry cross and volley home from just inside the area. Amazing finish.
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McGhee was just relived to have finally got off the board as manager of Peterhead. After the match his took control of the team talk to congratulate the guys but to also remind them that this was just the start of what he wanted to achieve.
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Ferry and Sutherland's great performances saw them recognised in the Scottish League 1 team of the week.
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Cheers mate! Im looking forward to the next installment of Billy the Greek too!
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5 March 2016 - 2 in a row!!
The win over Brechin had lifted Peterhead off the bottom of the table - in Charlie's mind now it was time to consolidate and start their march to safety. First up was the new cellar dwellars Albion Rovers. Seeing as this game was at the Rovers home ground McGhee knew Peterhead would need to be at the best to get all three points.
In only the 3rd minute though McGhee's plans looked like they were going to have to be thrown out the window as Ross conspired to score an own goal with the back of his head... Quite a feat when you think about it...
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Charlie decided to stay the course though and resisted making too many sweeping changes to the system that had got them all 3 points the week before and was repaid for his persistence when McAllister equalised in the 24th minute.
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Knowing this game was a must win McGhee sent his troops out to attack after the break and Peterhead took the lead 7 minutes after the restart when Ferry found himself on the end of a cross and volleyed home.
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Once ahead Charlie asked the team to be more mindful of their defensive responsibilities and for them to drop off a little. There were a couple of nervy moments towards the end but Peterhead escaped with a solid 2-1 win.
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For the second successive week Peterhead got two players in the team of the week. This time it was left back Noble and striker McAllister.
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5 March 2016 - 2 in a row!!
The win over Brechin had lifted Peterhead off the bottom of the table - in Charlie's mind now it was time to consolidate and start their march to safety. First up was the new cellar dwellars Albion Rovers. Seeing as this game was at the Rovers home ground McGhee knew Peterhead would need to be at the best to get all three points.
In only the 3rd minute though McGhee's plans looked like they were going to have to be thrown out the window as Ross conspired to score an own goal with the back of his head... Quite a feat when you think about it...
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Charlie decided to stay the course though and resisted making too many sweeping changes to the system that had got them all 3 points the week before and was repaid for his persistence when McAllister equalised in the 24th minute.
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Knowing this game was a must win McGhee sent his troops out to attack after the break and Peterhead took the lead 7 minutes after the restart when Ferry found himself on the end of a cross and volleyed home.
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Once ahead Charlie asked the team to be more mindful of their defensive responsibilities and for them to drop off a little. There were a couple of nervy moments towards the end but Peterhead escaped with a solid 2-1 win.
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For the second successive week Peterhead got two players in the team of the week. This time it was left back Noble and striker McAllister.
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Interesting switch of clubs! You sure are taking the road less traveled.
Nice start to the Scotland chapter too.
Thanks Mate!
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12 March 2016 - Triple Kill!!
Next up was Stenhousmuir, they were sitting one spot about Peterhead in 8th. Although Peterhead couldn't catch them with a victory today they could close the gap considerably.
The game started well for Charlie with Peterhead on the ascendancy and they deservedly took the lead in the 31 minutes when McAllister rose highest to meet a cross from deep and headed home.
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That was the catalyst for Stenhousmuir, who had been quiet to that point, to attack with vigor. They were peppering the Peterhead goal with shots and it was only a matter of time until they equalised. The goal came in the 84th minute when McCroary scored an absolute screamer from range.
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Knowing that 3 points could prove critical in the long run McGhee asked his men for more again and there was late drama as the Peterhead pressure resulted in Young scoring an own goal in a mixup with Stenhousmuir 'keeper Shaw.
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McGhee knew his Peterhead team had been extremely lucky here but he's been around football long enough to know that luck is circular. Wherever this team ends up finishing this season is exactly where they deserve to do so.
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12 March 2016 - Triple Kill!!
Next up was Stenhousmuir, they were sitting one spot about Peterhead in 8th. Although Peterhead couldn't catch them with a victory today they could close the gap considerably.
The game started well for Charlie with Peterhead on the ascendancy and they deservedly took the lead in the 31 minutes when McAllister rose highest to meet a cross from deep and headed home.
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That was the catalyst for Stenhousmuir, who had been quiet to that point, to attack with vigor. They were peppering the Peterhead goal with shots and it was only a matter of time until they equalised. The goal came in the 84th minute when McCroary scored an absolute screamer from range.
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Knowing that 3 points could prove critical in the long run McGhee asked his men for more again and there was late drama as the Peterhead pressure resulted in Young scoring an own goal in a mixup with Stenhousmuir 'keeper Shaw.
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McGhee knew his Peterhead team had been extremely lucky here but he's been around football long enough to know that luck is circular. Wherever this team ends up finishing this season is exactly where they deserve to do so.
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19 March 2016 - What!? What!?!?
The final whistle went but Charlie couldn't believe it. League 1 leaders Airdrie manager Gary Bollan shook his hand and he was still coming to grips with it. In fact, it wasn't until the delirium among his players died off in the dressing rooms that it finally sunk in. How had they won here???
The game had been goalless at half time when McGhee subbed Riley on for an ineffectual Murray and the move paid dividends on 67 minutes when Riley found some space at the back post and guided his finish in.
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Their lead was short lived though as Airdrie equalised when a deep cross from Sumsky nipping in behind Peterhead right back Strachan and he wouldn't miss.
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It was proving to be an end to end match and Peterhead scored effectively form the restart when McAllister stretched to meet a cross and guide it just inside the near post - tremendous effort.
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Airdire aren't top for nothing though and they equalised for a second time when yet again Sumsky got in behind the Peterhead right back, this time Cheyne who had replaced Strachan, and scored his and Airdrie's second.
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As the game reached ninety minutes the referee's assistant held up the board to indicate 3 minutes of injury time. McGhee looked a his bench, he'd made all 3 subs so he couldn't change the game through a substitution, but, throwing caution to the wind, he asked his team to press on for the final moments. With two of the additional 3 minutes gone Peterhead won a corner. It was floated across to McAllister who had taken up a deep position. With his first touch he opened up and angle and with his second he curled the winner in. Cue delirium.
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You'd be surprised how much noise the 500 home fans made when that goal went in!!
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19 March 2016 - What!? What!?!?
The final whistle went but Charlie couldn't believe it. League 1 leaders Airdrie manager Gary Bollan shook his hand and he was still coming to grips with it. In fact, it wasn't until the delirium among his players died off in the dressing rooms that it finally sunk in. How had they won here???
The game had been goalless at half time when McGhee subbed Riley on for an ineffectual Murray and the move paid dividends on 67 minutes when Riley found some space at the back post and guided his finish in.
View attachment 212296
Their lead was short lived though as Airdrie equalised when a deep cross from Sumsky nipping in behind Peterhead right back Strachan and he wouldn't miss.
View attachment 212291
It was proving to be an end to end match and Peterhead scored effectively form the restart when McAllister stretched to meet a cross and guide it just inside the near post - tremendous effort.
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Airdire aren't top for nothing though and they equalised for a second time when yet again Sumsky got in behind the Peterhead right back, this time Cheyne who had replaced Strachan, and scored his and Airdrie's second.
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As the game reached ninety minutes the referee's assistant held up the board to indicate 3 minutes of injury time. McGhee looked a his bench, he'd made all 3 subs so he couldn't change the game through a substitution, but, throwing caution to the wind, he asked his team to press on for the final moments. With two of the additional 3 minutes gone Peterhead won a corner. It was floated across to McAllister who had taken up a deep position. With his first touch he opened up and angle and with his second he curled the winner in. Cue delirium.
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You'd be surprised how much noise the 500 home fans made when that goal went in!!
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26 March 2016 – How does that even happen?
Things didn’t get any easier for Peterhead – next up after the visit of league leaders Airdrie they had to contend with a visit from 3rd placed Cowdenbeath. What followed was a match no less incredulous.
To the goals then. In the 24th minute Connor Murray slotted home across Cowdenbeath goalie Hunter after he made a nice run into the penalty area.
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In the 36th minute Rory McAllister double the Peterhead advantage with a powerful header from the penalty spot.
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Just before halftime Cowdenbeath reduced the deficit to one. Greg Spence went on a mazy run attacking the right side of the Peterhead defense before he cut in and lashed a shot in across Caraux.
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After the break Peterhead regained the 2 goal lead when Connor Murray again exposed the lack of pace in the Cowdenbeath defence, bursting through before sliding his shot in off the foot of the post.
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Amazingly, just on the hour mark, Peterhead were 3 goals up. This time McIntyre got in on the action, smashing his shot into the roof of the net after picking up a rebound from a McAllister header.
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Despite intense pressure for the remaining half hour Peterhead held on for a seemingly easy 4-1 win – that is, until you look at the stats. McGhee had deliberately set up the team to play on the counter but the scoreline in no way reflected the balance of play.
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No matter, another 3 points for Peterhead meant this was the fifth game in a row that they had won and they had finally worked their way out of the relegation spots for the first time all season!!
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26 March 2016 – How does that even happen?
Things didn’t get any easier for Peterhead – next up after the visit of league leaders Airdrie they had to contend with a visit from 3rd placed Cowdenbeath. What followed was a match no less incredulous.
To the goals then. In the 24th minute Connor Murray slotted home across Cowdenbeath goalie Hunter after he made a nice run into the penalty area.
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In the 36th minute Rory McAllister double the Peterhead advantage with a powerful header from the penalty spot.
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Just before halftime Cowdenbeath reduced the deficit to one. Greg Spence went on a mazy run attacking the right side of the Peterhead defense before he cut in and lashed a shot in across Caraux.
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After the break Peterhead regained the 2 goal lead when Connor Murray again exposed the lack of pace in the Cowdenbeath defence, bursting through before sliding his shot in off the foot of the post.
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Amazingly, just on the hour mark, Peterhead were 3 goals up. This time McIntyre got in on the action, smashing his shot into the roof of the net after picking up a rebound from a McAllister header.
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Despite intense pressure for the remaining half hour Peterhead held on for a seemingly easy 4-1 win – that is, until you look at the stats. McGhee had deliberately set up the team to play on the counter but the scoreline in no way reflected the balance of play.
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No matter, another 3 points for Peterhead meant this was the fifth game in a row that they had won and they had finally worked their way out of the relegation spots for the first time all season!!
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2 April 2016 – Unexpected but welcome
McGhee was a bit lost for words, on the other end of the line was Roger Morrison, chairman of Peterhead, congratulating McGhee on picking up the Manager of the Month award for March. “Er, yeah, it’s great I guess, I’ve just been too caught up in what we’re doing to get wins to even notice that I might have been in the running!” McGhee fumbled out. “Well it’s a testament to your hard work Charlie, you still hold a place in the hearts of the fans here with your hard work as a young player and now you’re well on the way to winning them over as a manager.” Morrison said. “Moving on from Jim was hard but I’m already convinced I’ve made the right choice. Also, let Connor know he has won the Young Player of the Month award.“
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The next opponent for Peterhead was Forfar Athletic. Sitting only one spot above Peterhead in 6th it seems like these two side are closely matched – the reality is that there is 10 points separating them – not that you would have really known if from today’s game. Forfar come into this one on a decent form themselves so it was always going to be a close one.
In the end a single goal decided it. McGhee, being that Peterhead were the away team, has sent his team out again to work on the counter and it worked to perfection in the 64th minute. Kjeld McIntyre, one of the signing to come out the open trials, has been solid if a bit unspectacular in the attacking midfield role in Charlie 442 narrow diamond and he found himself on the end of a Blockley through-ball before finding the back of the net.
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Forfar would attack all game but the Peterhead defense held firm as they ran out narrow winners. This game hasn’t quite made Peterhead’s survival certain but it has certainly helped!
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Also, this win represented the 6th in a row for Peterhead which is a new club record. McGhee is hoping that this run can go on for quite a while yet!
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2 April 2016 – Unexpected but welcome
McGhee was a bit lost for words, on the other end of the line was Roger Morrison, chairman of Peterhead, congratulating McGhee on picking up the Manager of the Month award for March. “Er, yeah, it’s great I guess, I’ve just been too caught up in what we’re doing to get wins to even notice that I might have been in the running!” McGhee fumbled out. “Well it’s a testament to your hard work Charlie, you still hold a place in the hearts of the fans here with your hard work as a young player and now you’re well on the way to winning them over as a manager.” Morrison said. “Moving on from Jim was hard but I’m already convinced I’ve made the right choice. Also, let Connor know he has won the Young Player of the Month award.“
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The next opponent for Peterhead was Forfar Athletic. Sitting only one spot above Peterhead in 6th it seems like these two side are closely matched – the reality is that there is 10 points separating them – not that you would have really known if from today’s game. Forfar come into this one on a decent form themselves so it was always going to be a close one.
In the end a single goal decided it. McGhee, being that Peterhead were the away team, has sent his team out again to work on the counter and it worked to perfection in the 64th minute. Kjeld McIntyre, one of the signing to come out the open trials, has been solid if a bit unspectacular in the attacking midfield role in Charlie 442 narrow diamond and he found himself on the end of a Blockley through-ball before finding the back of the net.
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Forfar would attack all game but the Peterhead defense held firm as they ran out narrow winners. This game hasn’t quite made Peterhead’s survival certain but it has certainly helped!
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Also, this win represented the 6th in a row for Peterhead which is a new club record. McGhee is hoping that this run can go on for quite a while yet!
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PatrickLFC
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Charlie is working wonders!!
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9 April 2016 – Safety?
A bumper crowd of 600 had arrived at Balmoor Stadium in anticipation of todays’s game against 9th placed Stranrear. In the Scottish Ladbrokes League 1 the team that finishes 10th is automatically relegated whilst the team that finished 9th is required to play-off against the team that finished 2nd in League 2 for the right to play in League 1 the following season. As such, this represented a wonderful opportunity for Peterhead to really distance themselves from any chance of relegation.
Given that this was more of a must win for Stranraer than it was for Peterhead McGhee expected the visitors to attack from the outset and saw no reason to change from the counter attacking style that had served them well over the past few weeks.
Come the 84th minute and it looked like the game would be heading for a draw, a result McGhee would have been more than happy with. His players had other ideas though, breaking from defense right back Strachan sent a deep cross into the Stranraer area. Murray adjusted quickest and guided his finish in just inside the far post.
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Content with the scoreline McGhee told the players to sit and contain even deeper so he was surprised when McAllister sent them 2 goals clear in the 87th although this goal owed much to a back-pass mixup between Stranraer central defender Keenan and goalkeeper McGurn that allowed McAllister to nip in and tuck home into an empty net.
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Although this result hasn't mathematically made Peterhead’s safety 100% certain it is now almost inconceivable any future that doesn’t involve Peterhead playing in League 1 next season.
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9 April 2016 – Safety?
A bumper crowd of 600 had arrived at Balmoor Stadium in anticipation of todays’s game against 9th placed Stranrear. In the Scottish Ladbrokes League 1 the team that finishes 10th is automatically relegated whilst the team that finished 9th is required to play-off against the team that finished 2nd in League 2 for the right to play in League 1 the following season. As such, this represented a wonderful opportunity for Peterhead to really distance themselves from any chance of relegation.
Given that this was more of a must win for Stranraer than it was for Peterhead McGhee expected the visitors to attack from the outset and saw no reason to change from the counter attacking style that had served them well over the past few weeks.
Come the 84th minute and it looked like the game would be heading for a draw, a result McGhee would have been more than happy with. His players had other ideas though, breaking from defense right back Strachan sent a deep cross into the Stranraer area. Murray adjusted quickest and guided his finish in just inside the far post.
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Content with the scoreline McGhee told the players to sit and contain even deeper so he was surprised when McAllister sent them 2 goals clear in the 87th although this goal owed much to a back-pass mixup between Stranraer central defender Keenan and goalkeeper McGurn that allowed McAllister to nip in and tuck home into an empty net.
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Although this result hasn't mathematically made Peterhead’s safety 100% certain it is now almost inconceivable any future that doesn’t involve Peterhead playing in League 1 next season.
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16 April 2016 – Well that could have gone better…
Prior to the match with Brechin McGhee gathered all his coaching staff for a meeting.
“Well, seeing as we are pretty much safe I want to start looking at building a style of play I want to take through to next season. The sit deep and counter has been ok for what we’ve needed to do this year but come next season I want to change things up a little. I want to press higher up the pitch and if possible play a wide diamond – to do that though, we’ll need some new players. “ McGhee started, “I know for the remainder of this season we’ll have to stick with the narrow diamond but I want to see what else anyone has to suggest.”
“Our lack of width has been painfully obvious this season boss,” Assistant Manager Dave Nicolls replied, “I’m all for the wide diamond too when we get the cattle – it looks like we are going to lose a number of players this coming off season too as there have been a few that have already indicated they wont be resigning regardless of where we finish.”
“Hard to blame them after the start to this year.” McGhee said matter of factly. “There’ll be replacements about though. Also there’s been one precious commodity that we have really lacked this season – pace. I want more speed on the field next season.”
“Aye, I’ll get Evans looking into it.” Kyle Bruce said. “I think we keep the narrow diamond then for the next couple of games at least but look to get the boys to press higher up the pitch.”
“Sounds good – lets get to work on playing that way then. Thanks everyone.” McGhee said, finishing the meeting.
The game against Brechin then would represent a tactic testing ground for McGhee. As it turned out, the results weren’t good. Brechin’s first goal actually came from a corner. Peterhead ‘keeper Caraux horribly misjudged the flight of the ball and left McNeil with the simple task of nodding in. Poor effort from the ‘keeper there – that should be his ball everyday and twice on Sundays…
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Brechin were dominating – continually getting in behind the Peterhead fullbacks – and we deservedly 2 goals ahead when Molloy scored a screamer ahead a cross had only been half-cleared. Amazing strike.
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Peterhead were gifted a lifeline just after the halftime restart when Montgomery made a complete hash of his goal-line clearance from a goal-bound Ross header and the ball simply rebounded off his standing leg and in.
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That would end up being all the scoring as Brechin were by far the better side and, frankly, unlucky not to score more. McGhee came away from this one realising that, although he had done well to effectively steer Peterhead to safety, there was still much work to be done to create a side that can push for promotion next season.
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16 April 2016 – Well that could have gone better…
Prior to the match with Brechin McGhee gathered all his coaching staff for a meeting.
“Well, seeing as we are pretty much safe I want to start looking at building a style of play I want to take through to next season. The sit deep and counter has been ok for what we’ve needed to do this year but come next season I want to change things up a little. I want to press higher up the pitch and if possible play a wide diamond – to do that though, we’ll need some new players. “ McGhee started, “I know for the remainder of this season we’ll have to stick with the narrow diamond but I want to see what else anyone has to suggest.”
“Our lack of width has been painfully obvious this season boss,” Assistant Manager Dave Nicolls replied, “I’m all for the wide diamond too when we get the cattle – it looks like we are going to lose a number of players this coming off season too as there have been a few that have already indicated they wont be resigning regardless of where we finish.”
“Hard to blame them after the start to this year.” McGhee said matter of factly. “There’ll be replacements about though. Also there’s been one precious commodity that we have really lacked this season – pace. I want more speed on the field next season.”
“Aye, I’ll get Evans looking into it.” Kyle Bruce said. “I think we keep the narrow diamond then for the next couple of games at least but look to get the boys to press higher up the pitch.”
“Sounds good – lets get to work on playing that way then. Thanks everyone.” McGhee said, finishing the meeting.
The game against Brechin then would represent a tactic testing ground for McGhee. As it turned out, the results weren’t good. Brechin’s first goal actually came from a corner. Peterhead ‘keeper Caraux horribly misjudged the flight of the ball and left McNeil with the simple task of nodding in. Poor effort from the ‘keeper there – that should be his ball everyday and twice on Sundays…
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Brechin were dominating – continually getting in behind the Peterhead fullbacks – and we deservedly 2 goals ahead when Molloy scored a screamer ahead a cross had only been half-cleared. Amazing strike.
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Peterhead were gifted a lifeline just after the halftime restart when Montgomery made a complete hash of his goal-line clearance from a goal-bound Ross header and the ball simply rebounded off his standing leg and in.
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That would end up being all the scoring as Brechin were by far the better side and, frankly, unlucky not to score more. McGhee came away from this one realising that, although he had done well to effectively steer Peterhead to safety, there was still much work to be done to create a side that can push for promotion next season.
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23 April 2016 – Back to drawing board, again…
Keen to continue experimenting McGhee and Peterhead welcomed high-flying Ayr to Balmoor Stadium. Unfortunately it is fast becoming apparent that the high pressing style McGhee would love to play isn’t going to work with the current squad and, in particular, using the narrow diamond formation.
Things started going pearshaped by the 2nd minute when Donald put Ayr ahead and by the 33rd minute the game was over as Donald grabbed a second sandwiched by two goals to Trouten.
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Given that the game was over at 4 nil McGhee rang up the changes and asked his team to be even more attacking. This had somewhat of a positive effect as Peterhead scored 2 goals through Murray and Strachan.
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That is as close as they would come though. Despite being handily beaten Stranraer could only draw in their match played at the same time meaning it was now a certainty that Peterhead will be playing in League 1 again next season. Despite this McGhee knows he has a long road ahead of him to get this team playing the way he wants them to.
View attachment 211160
23 April 2016 – Back to drawing board, again…
Keen to continue experimenting McGhee and Peterhead welcomed high-flying Ayr to Balmoor Stadium. Unfortunately it is fast becoming apparent that the high pressing style McGhee would love to play isn’t going to work with the current squad and, in particular, using the narrow diamond formation.
Things started going pearshaped by the 2nd minute when Donald put Ayr ahead and by the 33rd minute the game was over as Donald grabbed a second sandwiched by two goals to Trouten.
View attachment 211180
View attachment 211167
View attachment 211166
View attachment 211165
Given that the game was over at 4 nil McGhee rang up the changes and asked his team to be even more attacking. This had somewhat of a positive effect as Peterhead scored 2 goals through Murray and Strachan.
View attachment 211164
View attachment 211161
That is as close as they would come though. Despite being handily beaten Stranraer could only draw in their match played at the same time meaning it was now a certainty that Peterhead will be playing in League 1 again next season. Despite this McGhee knows he has a long road ahead of him to get this team playing the way he wants them to.
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PatrickLFC
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Congrats on a brilliant turnaround, hopefully you can start implementing your style next season! 