DerbyJack Posted December 10, 2021 Author Share Posted December 10, 2021 (edited) April 2023 _______________________________ 1st April 2023 - League Two Signed. Sealed. Delivered! Back to back promotions are in the bag! A Four goal thrashing of Albion Rovers has the usual suspects all find a way on to the scoresheet as we send the Sheilfield crowd into a party atmosphere by securing the victory in just Seven minutes. With everything done and dusted in near dominant fashion, it just remains to cap our return to the football league in style. _______________________________ 8th April 2023 - League Two With the celebrations still rolling throughout Berwick, the boys manage to remain brutally efficient as they return to the action. Gifted a rare start following our title claim, Connor Wickham quickly grabs the opportunity with the only goal of the game to send Cowdenbeath packing. With the experienced finisher kept frustrated on the side-lines behind the near unstoppable Sam Bellis, the former Palace striker has been reduced to a handful of appearance off the bench since signing for the club but remains ever lethal when called upon. _______________________________ 15th April 2023 - League Two A bizarre game against Stirling sees us once again field a host of appearance starved players but its a sliced clearance from Stirling that opens the scoring on the day with Mbeka putting a cherry on top with a last minute finessed finish. With the club seemingly blessed by the footballing gods, its hardly any surprise that we have found ourselves picking up the title. _______________________________ 22nd April 2023 - League Two Our regular first team is reinstated for the final Two games of the season as they secure their final victory on the road in League Two by dismantling Peterhead with relative ease. With Bellis, White and Crawford all beginning to draw interest from across the Country and beyond, it remains to be seen if they will still be in Black and Yellow next season but non the less, they remain ever committed to stamping their authority over the League they have come to dominate with yet another complete performance. _______________________________ 30th April 2023 - League Two Now that's how to end a season. In front of a jumping Sheilfield Park, we cap a remarkable season for the Borderers with a thumping victory over a sorry looking Annan. With the visitors seemingly accepting defeat before the game even kicked off, we dominated proceedings from start to finish, with the goals only adding to a delirious atmosphere in the Northern most tip of the Country. _______________________________ April 2023 - League Two The industrial wing back has been ever present throughout nearly the entire season and manages to came a well deserved award just before the end of the season with Two drilled crosses helping us maintain our perfect record for the month. With the wingbacks perhaps the most important position in my 4-3-2-1 formation, its good to know we are in safe hands with young Finlay Armstrong. Five. In a row. Attempting not to walk in to every Stadium with a swagger has become a real challenge whilst at the helm of this seemingly blessed squad and with yet another perfect month capping the season, my ego and trophy shelf having now grown to dangerously swollen levels. That's how to cap a remarkable season in style. With just Two defeats to our name and a host of impressive victories seeing us eventually run away with the title, things are looking blindingly bright for the Borderers. With Hartson's Forfar unable to bridge the gap and bogey team, Edinburgh City thankfully kept at bay, we romp into League One with all the style of the finest English dandy. The Revolution marches on! Edited December 10, 2021 by DerbyJack 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted December 11, 2021 Share Posted December 11, 2021 What an incredible season especially being the new boys on the block! As a Scotsman I woulda have preferred to see it Scottish only but I must admit your recruitment has been second to none! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 11, 2021 Author Share Posted December 11, 2021 (edited) I'm sorry @SixPointer, I just couldn't resist the challenge! For the record as someone trapped in the midlands I would much rather be North of the border myself! Thanks as always. _______________________________ 2022/23 - League Two A hallmark season for the Borderers comes to a close but as someone who is always quick to grab an opportunity to flaunt some rare success, their is still time to look back at our second promotion season. It's safe to see, I enjoyed myself... I've never actually enjoyed such success in a season before. It seems the clubs escape from the depths of the Lowland League has unleashed a fearsome beast upon the Scottish Football Leagues. With the Non-League so incredibly difficult to escape in Scotland, we have shot out like a cork from a bottle in stunning style, snatching up a collection of records on our way. Capping a historic season for the Borders comes the biggest award of my young career. Landing firmly in the middle of my trophy horde, the League 2 Manager of the year award is quickly stashed away before the panel realise I was simply carried by the sheer brilliance of Sam Bellis and co. _______ We didn't let this one slip. With the Lowland League title slipping through our fingers last season, the boys made no mistake this time around as they eventually romped to the title. For far too long, this historic team has floated between the bottom tiers unable to make an impact upon the their adopted home, without an impressive slice of good fortune but this season The Borderer's truly deserved their title and a hard earned crack at finally breaking out of the bottom two divisions. _______ With the club heading towards the dizzying heights of League One, I opted to try my hand haggling with the Chairman to try and get the club to take another gigantic step forward by going professional. It didn't quite go to plan... Frustrating but understandable. With the club still valued well under one million, the idea of full-time contracts for staff and players is still somewhat of a distant dream, however the realisation seemed to have a rather alarming affect on the clubs long standing Chairman... Was it something I said? With the club rapidly travelling towards a takeover, we can only hope the transfer embargo is lifted before what could prove to be one of the most important windows in the clubs entire history. There is however some good news from the sudden apparent departure of our Chairman. He is....Scottish. Time for a complete English takeover? Edited December 11, 2021 by DerbyJack 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlivierL Posted December 11, 2021 Share Posted December 11, 2021 Good job, do you have any issues with the u18 like I have ? See my topic please 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 12, 2021 Author Share Posted December 12, 2021 (edited) With back to back promotions we blitz into League One, barely blinking an eye in the process. With the club now set to face a much sterner test in another equally difficult division, we desperately need a strong window to secure our place at our new lofty high. Before we get down to business there is the small matter of the ownership of the club itself. We didn't have to wait long. We have new ownership! With the club now owned by the Supporters trust, it's safe to say we have the support of the entire Town but it comes with two very distinct problems. Promising to invest precisely nothing into the funds, the new takeover has not exactly filled me with excitement but worst of all, new chairman Andy Naismith....is Scottish. Sabotage! _______ Despite the lack in investment, the finances still remaining surprisingly healthy as we head into the transfer window keen to add some much needed depth to the team. With the boys tipped to narrowly avoid relegation, this window could very well prove crucial in the raise of the Borderers. Before we open the floodgates to another wave of English talent, there is the small matter of once again clearing some space. _______ _______ On the opening day of the window, we say goodbye to no fewer than Five players. With the majority of departures clearing out the last of the Scottish contingent stewing in our development squad, the only release of note comes in the shape of left-back Dan Jones. Having been usurped by the sprightly Finlay Armstrong, Jones found himself surplus to requirements heading into League One. _______ Well damn. The new board's first impact at their new club is to accept a whopping bid for our attacking midfielder, Joe White. The former Newcastle prospect tore it apart in League Two and with a host of interest growing in him, the new record transfer for the Borderers departs for Huddersfield injecting a whopping quarter of million into the books in the process. I'm not even mad. Now let's spend these new found riches... _______ Yeah. I was expecting more too. With the exit door seemingly wide-open, it's a relatively quiet entrance at Shielfield Park as we welcome just Two players, starting with new first-choice right-back, Kyle John. Born in London and moulded in the ranks of Everton, the recently released Twenty-two year old marches straight into the line-up with his impressive stats seeing him easily push Owen Moxon into the side-lines. _______________________________ Final arrival of the window comes in the shape of the supremely talented Zane Monlouis. With defensive skills above and beyond everyone else within the squad, the former Arsenal youngster is set to be kept busy in our first season in League One but with the Natural fitness of a marathon runner, the ball-playing centre back should be more than capable of keeping up with the League's finest strikers. _______________________________ With the huge cash injection from Joe White's surprise transfer the finances are drastically transformed. Things are certainly looking up. Despite the club pulling in just Fifty fans more than last season, the club manages to glide over the £300,000 mark courtesy of our record transfer fee for newly acquired Terrier, Joe White. With the club continuing to bring in young English talent on a free and developing them into overpriced but decent prospects, the potential to continue this rate of profit is looking decidedly promising. _______ With Six departures, a massive cash injection and some gigantic holes in the squad, the quiet window is an altogether disappointing one for the Berwick faithful. With both John and Monlouis certainly solid acquisitions for this level, we can at least hold some credit but the very fate of the English invasion lies almost solely with the same players that shot through League Two in rapid fashion. With little mercy spared in League One, this is set to be one almighty test. Edited December 21, 2021 by DerbyJack 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 12, 2021 Author Share Posted December 12, 2021 (edited) 2023/24 - cinch League One With League One looming, there is just enough time to review where the club stands, Two seasons into the English transformation. The entire challenge of this career is to transform Berwick into an English powerhouse, its safe to say we have taken a rather giant step forwards… The transformation is complete. With not a single other nationality in the entire club, staff and even youth team, the club has finally emerged out of a cloud of Earl Grey Tea and Pimms as a completely English club. With the club's vision firmly in place, the only remaining challenge is to conquer our adopted nation and regally crown ourselves as Scottish Champions. _______ The Christmas tree remains standing. Having proven to be drastically effective in League Two our narrow 4-3-2-1 formation is set to remain in place as we head into League One. With Joe White departing, all eyes will now be squarely focussed on Lewis Warrington and Tom Crawford to fill in the large hole he has left behind as they look to keep the ruthless Sam Bellis firing in the goals. With the club now fully comfortable with our throwback formation, it only remains to get the season underway... Edited December 21, 2021 by DerbyJack 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 12, 2021 Author Share Posted December 12, 2021 July 2023 _______________________________ 15th July 2023 - Premier Sports Cup Before we can try our luck in League One, we once again replace the preseason with the Scottish Football League spanning, Premier Sports Cup. Having demolished Clyde by a monumental eight goals , last time we met in this competition, the visiting faithful were hopeful of a repeat performance but were instead left to settle for a narrow Bellis inspired victory. _______________________________ 19th July 2023 - Premier Sports Cup Well that was dull. Championship favorites, Queen of the South refuse to hand us a morale boosting victory, as a lacklustre performance from the boys sees them forced to accept a lifeless one goal defeat with a wayward performance from our hastily reassembled midfield worries the Shielfield faithful. _______________________________ 22nd July 2023 - Premier Sports Cup It counts. We pick up a giant killing in the cup as we claim a victory over Premiership strugglers Partick Thistle. In what proved to be yet another lifeless performance in the Cup, neither side showed any signs of wanting to win this match, with only Penalty shootout specialist, Sam Howes stealing the spotlight to secure the surprise victory with another string of saves. _______________________________ 26th July 2023 - Premier Sports Cup One day you're slaying the giants, the next you're the ones being humbled in your own Stadium. With Lewis Warrington going from hero to villain all in the space of just one hour, Lowland League side East Kilbride returned to exact a small form of revenge following our dominant season in Non-League football, by claiming a penalty shootout victory to confirm our exit from the competition. _______________________________ July 2023 - Premier Sports Cup It'll do. A mixed showing in the Cup at least see's us hold a respectable Third place finish in the table, as the Two biggest teams in the Group avoid a humiliating early exit to secure their places in the knockout stages. Another humiliating showing in the cup for a sorry looking Clyde, at least suggests we may at least have one team to take points from in our much anticipated and rapidly approaching League One debut but with anticipation now at an all time high, we can finally get down to the business of taking on League One's finest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 12, 2021 Author Share Posted December 12, 2021 August 2023 _______________________________ 5th August 2023 - League One We have arrived! Clyde have not enjoyed the sight of Berwick since our return to the Scottish Football League, with The Bully Wee shipping in Ten goals in our last Two meetings and Sam Bellis is quick to add to the already impressive tally. With our lethal frontman seemingly taking to League One like a duck to water, it seems we are set to once again take the League by storm. This Football League lark is easy... _______________________________ 12th August 2023 - League One ...or maybe not. Morton are quick to slap the new boys back down to earth as we are soon on the back of a hiding on the road. With midfield maestro Jay Spearing opening the scoring after just Four minutes, hopes of a smash and grab victory are soon wiped out as the Home side dominate the remainder of the game to humble the Wee Rangers. _______________________________ 19th August 2023 - League One This is going to be painful isn't it? Once again taking the early lead courtesy of Tom Crawford's drilled effort, we are once again taught to show some respect to our new found competitors as an early red card and another dominant performance brutally slaps us back down. Three games into the season. No need to panic quite yet right? _______________________________ 26th August 2023 - League One Maybe just a mild fret? With our early openers apparently only serving to fire up the opposition we this time ship in Four goals as another unneeded red card see's Airdire romp to victory. With our recently reinforced defence looking decidedly fragile, it seems we are about to pay for our low-key transfer window. _______________________________ August 2023 - League One Four games in and the intimidating relegation playoff spot is already within sight. With fellow promoted club Forfar thankfully keeping us out of the danger zone, the boys are going to need to find their feet in League One in rapid fashion if we are to avoid being pulled into a much feared relegation dog-fight. For a manager used to dominant performances, the earth-shattering reality of life in League One is certainly bruising my ego. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 do you feel you may adjust tactically to the higher level or are you a man made of steel who likes to stick to his principles at all cost? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 13, 2021 Author Share Posted December 13, 2021 I would love to say I have principles but its more that I stumbled my way into a half decent tactic about 3 FM's ago and I'm too petrified to try anything else! The fact I even get promotions is truly a miracle. My ability to actually manage is far below everyone else here, I kind of just blunder along! Thanks as always @SixPointer! _______________________________ September 2023 _______________________________ 2nd September 2023 - League One The bad form continues into the next month as we are efficiently seen off by Cove Rangers. With the home side comfortably swatting aside our attempts on goal, the Toonsers dominance is eventually rewarded with a breakthrough just beyond the half-time whistle. With the club now on a Four game losing streak, we are in desperate need of a turnaround in form... _______________________________ 9th September 2023 - SPFL Trust Trophy Second Round I knew these Cups were good for something. Struggling Motherwell's B Team are swiftly sent packing as our rapid start to matches finally pays off courtesy of a quick-fire Bellis-brace. With the boys tasting victory for the first time in nearly a month, hopes are high that we can build on this surprise victory. _______________________________ 16th September 2023 - League One That's more like it! My brewing rivalry with Welsh former striker, John Hartson continues in to League One as the Two promoted sides clash at Shielfield Park. Another early showing from the Borderers see's us pile the pressure upon my bitter nemesis as Sam Bellis's solo effort proves to be enough to send the visitors further into the mire at the bottom of the table. _______________________________ 23rd September 2023 - League One From Relegation to Promotion? As I get way too far ahead of myself, we continue to gather points against the clubs towards the foot of the table as we march past a struggling Ayr. Lewis Warrington this time opted to open the scoring just Eleven minutes after the opening whistle, with Sam Bellis eventually joining him on the scoresheet to put a gloss on a fine defensive performance from our drastically improved team. _______________________________ 30th September 2023 - League One We're well and truly back in form. A struggling Kelty Hearts are next to feel the wrath of my reformed side as we sneak out a one goal victory on the road. With the home side predicted to be amongst the promotion candidates, a rare Matt Williams header proves to be just about enough to steal all Three points as we continue our impressive turn-around in form. _______________________________ September 2023 - League One He's still got it. One of the burning questions ahead of this season was whether our young prolific striker had enough in his locker to still be effective in the rough and tumble of League One. With Two goals and an assist to his name, it seems Sam is once again doing all he can to drag the club up the table by the scruff of their necks. From just outside the relegation playoffs to equal points with the promotion contenders. The uber competitive League One is certainly living up to its billing as we transform our season in convincing fashion. With the boys ending the month as the inform team in the League, could we really be about to make it Three back to back promotions in a row? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 13, 2021 Author Share Posted December 13, 2021 October 2023 _______________________________ 7th October 2023 - League One We continue to defy the odds as we smash through a hapless Alloa. Having held us at bay for the entirety of the first-half the boys eventually make the breakthrough just after the hour mark courtesy of the ever reliable Lewis Warrington, with the award-winning Sam Bellis adding to his recent tally with a late brace just before the final whistle putting a fresh shiny gloss on the finish. _______________________________ 14th October 2023 - SPFL Trust Trophy Third Round With the Trust Trophy setting our winning spree in motion last month, we continue to march forward in the early season's knock out competition as we this time cruise past Hearts’ 'B’ team. A rare goal for our play making midfield Callum Hulme opens the scoring on the day, with the seemingly unstoppable Sam Bellis continuing his relentless run of form with a goal sealing the victory just before the break. _______________________________ 21st October 2023 - League One We continue our dominance over Clyde with yet another ruthless showing from our attacking trio. Lewis Warrington continues to fill the void left by Joe White with apparent ease as he curls home a looping opener, allowing our outstanding poacher Sam Bellis to once again steal the plaudits with his game killing goal sealing all Three points before the end of the first half as we make it Five League victories in a row. Unstoppable! _______________________________ 28th October 2023 - League One Stopped. Despite a late rallying effort, our remarkable winning streak is brought to a shuddering halt as we are once again humbled by a promotion chasing Greenock Morton. Despite winning Five games in a row, it seems that against the biggest and best clubs in this league we still have some work to do. _______________________________ October 2023 - League One He's just too good. Continuing to draw plaudits in the League and beyond, Sam Bellis continues to prove he is more than capable of mixing it up with the best League One has to offer as he makes it back to back young player of the month awards. Three goals in three appearances. Impeccable. We've squeezed our way into the playoffs! With the League table looking to be about as tight as possible, our hold on the final spot might be fragile but non the less my debut in League One is certainly proving to be an impressive one. With plenty left to play this season, we could just as easily find ourselves at the bottom of the league with a slide in form but non the less, this has been an impressive start for the Borderers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 13, 2021 Author Share Posted December 13, 2021 (edited) November 2023 We finally found our Joe White replacement. Having courted Finn Azaz since the transfer window opened back in the Summer, we finally whittled down the former West Brom and Aston Villa product to a reasonable wage and quickly snapped up his services for the next Three years. With technical ability far beyond the majority of the league's midfielders, the Twenty Three year old will be our leading playmaker for years to come. _______________________________ _______________________________ 4th November 2023 - League One A disappointing month for the Borderers starts off with another preventable defeat. Having again started brightly an opening goal from Callum Hulme was wasted as our Fourth Red Card of the season handed our playoff rivals, East Fife an all important victory. A complete collapse before the break signals the end of our impressive run of form. _______________________________ 11th November 2023 - League One We're unable to make a quick amends for the disappointing defeat as we are held to a goalless draw with a high flying Airdrie. With Sam Bellis unable to break down some resilient defending and Airdrie seemingly happy to soak up the pressure and settle for the point, a drab affair sends the Six Hundred fans in Shielfield swiftly to sleep. _______________________________ 18th November 2023 - League One Turns out, goalless draws aren't all that bad after all. Having struggled to adapt to life in League One, Forfar ended a barren run of form by soundly sending Berwick packing back across the border on the back of a comfortable Two goal defeat. With Hartson's job potentially on the line, my first attempts at quashing a bitter rivalry end in humiliating disappointment. _______________________________ 25th November 2023 - League One A thrilling first-half of football see's both sides throw defending out of the window as they attempt to outscore each other in an end to end Forty-Five minutes. With neither side able to break the other down in a comparably lifeless second half, a hard-earned point against promotion chasing Cove Rangers at least see's us end the month on a slightly positive note. _______________________________ November 2023 - League One A winless month of football see's our playoff hopes quickly dampened, as we find ourselves now Six points behind the pace setters. With a healthy gap over the battle at the bottom we can at least take some comfort in not having to worry too much about the relegation dog-fight but with this League seemingly capable of transforming at a moment's notice we can ill afford to suffer any more months like this one. Edited December 13, 2021 by DerbyJack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 14, 2021 Author Share Posted December 14, 2021 (edited) December 2023 Continuing to slowly make amends for our quiet Summer transfer window, we land Central defender, Brandon Bryan-Waugh to increase our strength at the back. The former Spurs product bided his time following his release at the end of last season but with an opportunity to reignite his career North of the Border and the chance to be a part of history, Brandon quickly jumps at the opportunity to join the Black & Yellow ranks on a Two year contract. _______________________________ _______________________________ 2nd December 2023 - Scottish Cup Round Three A bumper month of football kicks off with Cup action, with the biggest knockout contest in the Nation leading the way. We secure our progress into the next round with a narrow victory over fellow League One side, East Fife, with Tom Crawford's early goal enough to send the Forty Five traveling fans South of the border happy. _______________________________ 6nd December 2023 - SPFL Trust Trophy Fourth Round Our impressive SPFL Trust Trophy progress comes to a grinding halt as we are dumped out of the competition by Scottish Championship side, Raith. With the home-side chasing promotion to the Premier League, their dominating performance comes with few surprises as our young defence is systematically taken to pieces. _______________________________ 9th December 2023 - League One We return to League action with our Fifth game without a win. With Lewis Warrington seemingly determined to end the clubs barren run, The Scouse attacking midfielder's efforts are sadly in vain as the visitors cling on to a point all the way up until the final whistle. With the Borderers now long distanced by the leading pack, we are going to need one impressive turn around in form... _______________________________ 16th December 2023 - League One ...Well that's handy. We kick-start a complete turn around in form by thrashing Ayr in a completely dominating performance from start to finish. New Signing Azaz, bags his first for the club as he opens the scoring in a near flawless display from our midfielders. _______________________________ 23rd December 2023 - League One We continue the drastic turnaround by firing a festive Four goals past Kelty Hearts. Finn Azaz continues to lead the much needed comeback by bagging a quick-fire brace, including another opening goal just seconds into the match. With fellow new arrival Bryan-Waugh slamming home a well worked corner, the club's latest acquisitions look to have made an instant impact. _______________________________ 26th December 2023 - League One I just love playing Clyde. We continue to dominate The Bully Wee with a Six goal demolition job. A rare brace from our midfield general Jay Spearing is quickly eclipsed by yet another show stealing performance, as hat-trick hero Sam Bellis ensures theirs no Christmas hangover in Berwick as we romp to our most convincing victory in the league thus far. _______________________________ 30th December 2023 - League One We even beat Morton. Having previously shut down every attempt we made at stringing together some wins, we eventually get one over Greenock Morton courtesy of a rare goal from experienced Striker, Connor Wickham. The now Thirty Year old striker has been patiently waiting behind the seemingly lethal Sam Bellis but at least gets to end the year on a much deserved high. _______________________________ December 2023 - League One 2023 is the year of Sam Bellis. Rounding off a convincing Twelve months in a Berwick shirt, the lethal finisher picks up his Third award of the season with his emphatic hat-trick and Two assists enough to scoop another prize for his already impressive career. My first monthly award in League One! On the back of a thoroughly disappointing November, we rally in the busiest month of the season thus far to have us once again pursuing a playoff spot come the end of the year. With the January transfer window approaching and half of the season still remaining, hopes of another promotion push have cautiously begun to re-emerge. Sadly it seems I forgot to take a screenshot of the League standings. Sorry! Edited December 14, 2021 by DerbyJack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 14, 2021 Author Share Posted December 14, 2021 It's the New year, it's transfer time! With the club charging back towards the playoff spots, I head into the January window looking to merely pass through whilst holding on to my promising young team. it's safe to say things didn't quite go to plan… On first appearances one departure would suggest a quiet window for the Borderers... Having been frustrated behind our defensive duo and shunted even further down the pecking order by last month's arrival of Bryan-Waugh, Maxwell Statham hands in a transfer request that sees him quickly shuttled out to League rivals Greenock Morton. With no real space of note cleared, we coasted through the remainder of the transfer window without any real drama... ...For all of Five days... _______ Spoilers: I don't. Jumping at the opportunity to land a former England International we quickly snap up a bemused and seemingly dazed Theo Walcott as he is quickly bundled into a Yellow and Black kit before he can even realize what has happened to his once glittering career. From the bizarre appearance on Sven's team sheet, a hat-trick on his first International start and Forty-Seven caps to his name, Theo reaches an all time high as he lends the last of his legs to the English cause as he looks to power us further into the race for promotion. With Whickham and now the marquee signing of Walcott behind him, Sam Bellis faces some immense pressure to hold on to his place at the tip of our Christmas Tree formation. _______________________________ Why settle for just one? Old Trafford, San-Siro, Shielfield Park. Having experienced the culture of Manchester and the style of Milan, Ashley Young is welcomed to Berwick with a Greggs sausage roll and a milky cup of tea. With only Finlay Armstrong providing cover down the left, the nearly Forty Year old wing-back will look to jump straight into our starting line-up. Provided he is not expected to run for more than 30 minutes and no one challenges him, this could prove to be a master-stroke. _______________________________ I'm not quite sure what just happened. Adding some rarely seen superstar glamor to Scottish League One, The Borderers English revolution gets the backing of Two former International players in one of the most bizarre transfer windows the people of Berwick have ever seen. With both men somehow accepting our pitifully small maximum wage, hopes are high that they adjust to the bitterly cold-life on the North East coast and carry this club to glory before they realize just what has happened to their once impressive careers. I wish every window was this fun… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 14, 2021 Author Share Posted December 14, 2021 January 2024 _______________________________ 2nd January 2024 - League One That's one way to start the year... Conceding within Three minutes and down to ten men by Nine, the game all but ended after a completely disastrous opening ten minutes. With veteran midfielder Jay Spearing eventually ending the one-way traffic, the ten men are unable to complete the comeback as we labour to a disappointing draw, made all the worse by an injury to our one and only left-back, Finlay Armstrong. _______________________________ 6th January 2024 - League One Theo! Theo! Theo! A debut goal for our recently signed superstar makes history for the Borderers, as the only former England International to not only make an appearance but also find the back of the net for the Wee Rangers. Sadly an impressive opening Half an hour and the relentless chants for our new arrival are eventually cancelled out, with a punishingly late East Fife comeback snatching back a point with just seconds of the match remaining. _______________________________ 13th January 2024 - League One We return to winning ways in the best way possible as we narrowly squeeze past a struggling Forfar. With John Hartson once again stoking the fires of our little rivalry ahead of the game, former Fox, Callum Hulme has me smuggling sending the Welshman packing with a smile, as his fine long range effort eventually makes a long awaited breakthrough to seal all Three points and resume our hunt for a playoff spot. _______________________________ 20th January 2024 - League One We're unable to build any momentum as we hold Cove Rangers to a drab goalless draw. With the home side sitting up in Second place and Berwick desperately clinging on to the final spot in the playoffs, the solitary point will hardly have helped any team but with neither side willing to throw caution into the wind, a decidedly unimpressive afternoon of football at least has us leave Scotland with our pride intact. _______________________________ 27th January 2024 - Scottish Cup Fourth Round Our mini Scottish Cup adventure is ended in the Fourth Round as we are knocked out by a high-flying Dundee. The once supremely exciting left-foot of Jason Cummings rolls back the years to send the Borderers crashing out of the competition against the Championship side, as our promotion hopes are given a stark wake-up call from our potential future League rivals. _______________________________ January 2024 - League One Despite just the solitary victory this month, Zane Monlouis collects a long overdue Monthly award. As the cornerstone of our Hadrian's wall inspired defence, Monlouis has defied his young age to bat away a number of much more experienced and bulky forwards then himself as he continues to show all the signs of being a leading Premiership defender in the not too distant future. It's going to be a challenge to hold on to Zane come the Summer. Our weak grip on the playoff spots is quickly ended as we lose ground to the leading pack following a mixed month of results. With the boys just Three points behind our nearest rivals for an all important spot in the playoffs and our goal difference far superior, there is still no reason to panic for the Borderers faithful as we charge towards the all important final few months of the season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 14, 2021 Author Share Posted December 14, 2021 February 2024 _______________________________ 4th February 2024 - League One For the first time in what feels like forever, the refereeing decisions go in the Borderers favour as we romp to a convincing victory over Alloa. With a clumsy challenge, a straight red card and a neatly converted Callum Hulme penalty all within just Thirty minutes, we neatly wrap up all three points before we've even settle into the game. _______________________________ 10th February 2024 - League One Theo! Theo! Theo! It doesn't get old. Whilst I chant alone from the side-lines, still unable to believe we have landed the former Arsenal, Everton and Southampton winger, the boys play out an efficient game over a struggling Ayr to push us further away from the relegation dog fight at the bottom of the table and back into the race for that all important playoff spot. _______________________________ 17th February 2024 - League One Kelty Hearts quickly put the breaks on our pursuit as they leave it late to clinch an undeserved point. Having dominated possession throughout the entire game, the squad is only able to find the back of the net just the once courtesy of the ever present Tom Crawford, with the Hearts taking quick advantage of our wasteful nature by making the most of a brief lapse of concentration to snatch a fortunate point. _______________________________ 24th February 2024 - League One The month ends with a painfully narrow defeat to the ever imposing Greenock Morton. We are once again made to rue switching off before the final whistle as a brave fightback eventually comes to nothing, as the visitors slam home a demoralising winner with just seconds of the game remaining. These late dropped points could well prove costly in our race to join the promotion favourites. _______________________________ February 2024 - League One With Two experienced strikers breathing down his neck, Bellis still manages to punch way about his weight as he scoops yet another award for his exciting young career. With Two goals and an assist to his name this month, the now Twenty One year old poacher remains crucial to our chances this season as he leads the charge from the front. We're still in the race. Despite the late blips in the month, we manage to cling on to East Fifes coat tails for the time being as we look to make a late surge into the Top Four. With the clubs behind us now well out of the running, the pressure lies squarely on our shoulders as we look to bridge the gap. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToMexico!! Posted December 15, 2021 Share Posted December 15, 2021 Tough couple of months there, seemingly the additions of the old guard upsetting the apple cart a little after a very good December in the league. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 15, 2021 Author Share Posted December 15, 2021 Yeah adding two soon to be retired Forty Year Olds to a team full of young prospects does seem to have made things slightly...iffy. Thanks for your support @ToMexico!! _______________________________ March 2024 _______________________________ 2nd March 2024 - League One We continue to hold our impressive record over Clyde as an early flurry of activity see's us eventually emerge on top over the despondent home side. With the game essentially dying down after the intense early action, new arrival Bryan-Waugh elects to brighten things up in his own unique way as a two footed challenge see's him immediately sent down the tunnel. _______________________________ 9th March 2024 - League One Theo. Theo....Theo. Despite our veteran strikers best efforts we are dealt a damaging blow by our playoff rivals East Fife following a nervy defeat at the Bayview Stadium. With us closing in on their much coveted Fourth place, The Fifers kick us off their coat-tails in ruthless fashion to strengthen their hold on the final playoff spot in the League. _______________________________ 16th March 2024 - League One Please Theo! Back to back defeats leaves us very much on the edge of the playoffs as we are made to regret leaving it so late in our attempts at pegging back Airdrie. With The Diamonds controlling the majority of play, we eventually surged back into the game following their Third game of the match but despite multiple attempts we were only rewarded with a late consolation goal from our superstar striker. _______________________________ 23rd March 2024 - League One We make a welcome return to winning ways as we calmly see off Forfar in their own backyard. With my attention squarely focussed on fawning over my Two former England superstars, Sam Bellis makes sure to elbow his way back into focus as he leads the way against the relegation threatened Loons to see us secure a potentially crucial Three points. _______________________________ 30th March 2024 - League One We show that we are not quite out of the running just yet as we claim a surprise victory over a high-flying Cove Rangers. With the game seeming to be set for a share of the spoils, a rare surge into the visitors box see's Sam Bellis unfairly brought down, with the ever reliable Callum Hulme continuing his faultless record from the spot to steal what could prove to be a crucial Three points. _______________________________ March 2024 - League One Refusing to lay down and fade away we remain within reaching distance of the playoffs as our recently defeated opponents, Cove Rangers now fall within striking range of our ever capable squad. With just Three games remaining and a Four point deficit left to be made up, the Final Two months of the season are set to be a true challenge for our rapidly rising Team. Let's see what we've got in the locker. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 15, 2021 Author Share Posted December 15, 2021 April 2024 _______________________________ 13th April 2024 - League One We start a crucial but all important penultimate month for the Wee Rangers gets underway with a nervy victory over an Ayr side struggling to stave off the threat of relegation. With none of our wealth of attacking talent capable of breaking down some resilient defending, its left to the ever reliable Callum Hulme to break the deadlock as he curls home a sensational finish to stun the home side and bring home all Three points. _______________________________ 27th April 2024 - League One We round off the brutally short month with another tentative victory over a midtable Alloa. The ever dependable Sam Bellis is once again the man for the moment as his clinical brace proves to be just about enough to cling on to the victory, with Alloa's second-half resurgence thankfully petering out to avoid a heart breaking finish. _______________________________ April 2024 - League One Two matches. Two goals. The short month see's Sam Bellis claim another award for his growing collection as he continues to impress the watching masses with his lethal touch in front of goal dragging us potentially towards the Championship. Well, I'll take it... A One hundred percent record in the League is slightly less impressive when it contains just the Two games but with the pressure firmly on our young squad, the faultless performance is nonetheless deemed worthy of another morale boosting award for my ever fragile ego. Its happening! With the boys needing a near faultless run of form and a sudden slip from either East Fife or Cove Rangers, it seemed almost impossible for the Borderers to re-enter the race for the playoffs but with a fortunate winning streak and a complete collapse from East Fife, we push our way back into the playoffs with just one solitary game remaining in May. It may have been a short month but this could well prove to be one of the most important of my career thus far. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 15, 2021 Author Share Posted December 15, 2021 May 2024 _______________________________ 4th May 2024 - League One Well... That was certainly anticlimactic. With the club simply needing to outperform either East Fife or Cove Rangers, they instead pull off one of their worst performances of the season to gift Kelty Hearts with a thumping Four goal victory. With Tom Crawford seemingly sending us into the playoffs with his opening goal a complete reversal of fortunes in just Forty minutes see's the visitors stun the Six hundred strong home crowd to leave our fate completely out of our hands... _______________________________ May 2024 - League One ...and we are made to curse the mistake. With East Fife holding their nerve to claim the victory and a playoff spot in the process, our defeat to Kelty Hearts has us narrowly missing out on the playoff spots by just one solitary point. If we could have only clung on to a draw we would have been in the running for our Third miraculous straight promotion. I guess it wasn't meant to be... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 18, 2021 Author Share Posted December 18, 2021 2023/24 - League One We narrowly missed out on the playoffs, as for the first time in my young career, my season ended without a promotion. With no end of season awards and the squad still gutted following their end of season heart-break, the boys head off for their holidays keen to see the back of this season. Nonetheless a fifth place finish in our first season in League One is still a huge success for the recently promoted club. With both Airdrie and Morton deservedly grabbing both of the promotion spots, our hopes of even grabbing promotion had we made the playoffs were painfully slim. Despite the disappointing end to the season, there is however one very petty positive... Forfar are out of here! With Hartson sent packing and my first managerial row ended in bitter victory! I'm claiming the season as a success! _______ With the players on holiday and the supporters gearing up for another promotion push, it seemed it was going to be a quiet end to the season. It didn't quite go that way... He lasted literally one season. I'm beginning to think either my personality stinks or there is something hideously wrong with the Chairman's office. With us once again ending a season in turmoil behind the scenes, we can only hope we resolve things in time for us to build a club capable of taking the next step towards promotion. On the positive side though... Maybe this time we'll land an English Chairman? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 18, 2021 Author Share Posted December 18, 2021 (edited) With our rapid raise up the Leagues hitting an early road block, we head into the window looking to reignite the rocket boosters. Before we can add any more players to the ranks though, we have the small matter of resolving the clubs ownership. Once again we weren't worth waiting for long... With Chairmen seemingly refusing to remain for long I don't know if there is much point getting to know Drew all that much. What I do know however does not bode well... Promising to once again invest exactly nothing into the club's balance, the new ownership has not exactly sent shockwaves through Berwick but most devastatingly of all, new chairman Drew Higgins....is bloody Scottish. Treachery! _______ Despite once again receiving no board investment, the finances still remain comfortably in the black as we head into the transfer window eager to add to our already promising squad. With the club predicted to again challenge for the playoffs, this window could very well make all the difference for the rapidly rising Borderers. Before we can bolster the ranks, there's the delicate matter of holding on to our already impressive talents. _______ _______ Six Months, Twenty Games, Four goals and one truly bizarre chapter of their careers. Departing at the end of the season, England superstars Ashley Young and Theo Walcott both opt to retire rather than enduring another season on the North East Coast. It's unlikely many will remember their tiny and uneventful tenure with the club but for the Berwick faithful they will remain club icons. _______ That didn't go to plan. Our attempts at clinging on to our promising talents ends in complete failure. With the new board bizarrely accepting a painfully low bid for our supremely talented playmaker Callum Hulme, they then follow it up with a criminally low transfer deal for central defender Zane Monlouis. With the new Chairman instantly souring our relationship, a want-away Finn Azaz then forces my hand to secure his transfer to Barnsley as the transfer window leaves us with some gigantic holes in the squad and a rising tension between me and the boss. _______ Let's get this underway... We waste little time in rebuilding our squad as we welcome exciting young central defender, Kyron Gordon. Having been released by Sheffield United over the Summer, we were desperate to land the talented prospect, battling off a host of English lower league clubs to land the dominant defender. _______________________________ Second arrival of the window comes teenage central midfielder, Billy Gee. Coming from the same youth academy that produced the likes of Mason Mount and Andreas Christensen, recently released Gee arrives in Scotland looking to fulfil his lofty potential. With a deal of development still to do, a place in the starting line-up could well see Billy rapidly grow into a commanding presence north of the border. _______________________________ Adding to our midfield depths comes flair player, Sammy Braybrooke. The exciting talent possesses the talents to tear it up at this level, if we can manage to develop him into a tiny game changing League One Messi. With the ability to play both in central midfield and attacking midfield, the former Fox is certain to be a crucial player for years to come. _______________________________ Final signing of the season see's us once again snatching some of Chelsea's recently released prodigies. It's safe to say Brodi Hughes was never going to live up to the likes of John Terry and Nathan Ake but with rapid pace and some promising all-round defensive attributes, the teenager could well establish himself with the Borderers in the not so distant future as both a covering centre back and even potentially a lightning quick wing back. _______________________________ With the transfer dealings done, its time for the annual review of our current finances. Well that's not good... With the finances spiralling downwards in rather alarming fashion since the massive influx from Joe White's historic sale, the chairman's quick acceptance of some questionable transfers now makes complete sense. With League One not bringing in the fans and the club struggling to keep up with the finances of running a club at this level, we simply have to escape League One before we slide further into the mire. Promotion or bust! Literally. _______ With Two former England stars and Three of the best players in a Berwick shirt, replaced by Four teenage talents, it's certainly going to be a testing season for the Borderers. Having hoped to coast through the window without needing to rebuild the team, the sudden departure of the likes of Hulme and Azaz certainly threw a spanner into the works but we can at least take some solace from landing yet more promising talents to the ranks. With bruising defenders and physical midfielders a staple of League One football, the new arrivals are certainly in for a baptism of fire on the Scottish border. Edited December 21, 2021 by DerbyJack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 18, 2021 Author Share Posted December 18, 2021 (edited) 2024/25 - cinch League One With the squad largely reformed, it's time to review just where the club stands Three seasons into the English revolution. With the squad now entirely English, it's simply a matter of maintaining and improving on our current squad... The club remains entirely English with none of our youthful players thankfully discovering a distant nationality in their lineage to defect to. With the squad remaining painfully small at just Eighteen players, our restrictive transfer policy is certainly making recruitment of quality players a real challenge. Time to see if we can avoid an injury crisis and pursue the next step in our challenge... _______ I couldn't take down the Christmas tree so close to Christmas. With Jay Spearing literally the only player over the age of twenty-Five in the entire line-up, the former Liverpool prospect is going to have to mould his young teammates into a League One powerhouse. With the attacking line-up largely unchanged and the 4-3-2-1 formation now ingrained in the clubs culture, hopes are high that this season could defy expectations and result in another promotion for the Borderers... ...or a complete collapse and relegation... Edited December 21, 2021 by DerbyJack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 18, 2021 Author Share Posted December 18, 2021 July 2024 _______________________________ 13th July 2024 - Premier Sports Cup The season once again gets underway with the Premier Sports Cup. With the Borderers placed into a difficult group they begin the Tournament with a promising showing against Championship side, Dunfermline. With Sam Bellis handing us the lead just after the break we are unable to cling on to the final whistle as we eventually cave in to the visitors relentless pressure, conceding a late equalizer and squandering the resulting penalty shoot out. _______________________________ 17th July 2024 - Premier Sports Cup We make no mistake against a down-trodden Dumbarton as we pick up an expected victory over the now League Two side. Having dominated the entire game, we eventually find a late breakthrough courtesy of the ever reliable Tom Crawford, with new signing Sammy Braybrooke smashing home a 25-yard debut goal to announce himself to the Berwick crowd in stunning style. _______________________________ 20th July 2024 - Premier Sports Cup The good times keep coming as we pick up a surprise penalty victory over St. Mirren. The Buddies expected a comfortable victory on the other side of the border but despite taking the lead, the Premiership club allowed our young players to sneak back into the game, with Lewis Warrington capping some dominant pressure from the borders with an equalizing goal. Some shootout heroics from Sam Howes capped a remarkable result for the Northumbrians. _______________________________ 27th July 2024 - Premier Sports Cup Eugh. I hate Edinburgh. Our former nemesis raises their heads once again to sting the Borderers as they snatch and grab a frustratingly undeserved victory. With a goal against the run of play breaking the deadlock, the home-side cling on to the lead with some admirable defending that left our usually free-flowing attackers completely futile in front of goal. _______________________________ July 2024 - Premier Sports Cup Despite an impressive showing from the Englishmen, we ended down in a lowly Fourth position as Edinburgh City eclipsed our efforts with a group winning performance. To make matters worse, our bogey club have not only outshone us in the Cup but they have now also made an unwelcome return to our League as they secure promotion from League Two to frustrate us on a regular basis. Not the greatest news to start the season... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 18, 2021 Author Share Posted December 18, 2021 August 2024 _______________________________ 3rd August 2024 - League One We get the season underway against familiar opponents, Clyde. Despite holding a dominant record over the visitors, we are unable to start the season with a win as we are left frustrated following a late equaliser. With Sam Bellis and the increasingly impressive Braybrook both firing us back into the game following Clyde's early opener, we fail to hold on to the lead as we are punished for switching off too early. _______________________________ 10th August 2024 - League One The first clash between Berwick and Edinburgh City in the league, ends in a lifeless One all draw. Having our usual bogey time back has sent shivers down the spines of many loyal Borderers fans in the stands and a Two-footed challenge within the opening fifteen minutes suggests the rivalry is certainly showing no signs of calming down on the pitch either. _______________________________ 20th August 2024 - League One We end our run of draws with a morale boosting victory. Having knocked us out of the playoffs in the final Two games of the season, Cove Rangers wasted their opportunity to enter the Championship, with the Borderers quick to pile on the misery with a Bellis inspired victory. With Bellis and Braybrooke already making a strong partnership up top, hopes remain high for another strong season from the Wee Rangers. _______________________________ 24th August 2024 - League One We're unable to make it back to back victories as we play out our second goalless draw of the month, East Fife collapsed towards the end of last season to throw away a seemingly strong position in the playoffs and despite frustrating our attackers with some backs to the wall defending, the home-side look set for another disappointing season following a slow start to the season. _______________________________ 31st August 2024 - League One We end the month with a thumping victory. Kelty Hearts have the ability to cause problems in the League and following an unbeaten start of their own, they seemed to present a real challenge for the Borders until the unfazed, Sam Bellis decided to take matters into his own hands. Another clinical brace from our leading striker continues his impressive growth in League One. _______________________________ August 2024 - League One Five goals in Five games, see's our commanding striker pick up his first of hopefully many awards for the season. Having avoided attention throughout the entirety of the window, we can only hope the lethal poacher remains under the radar at the front of the Berwick attack. That's more like it. With the disappointment of missing out on the playoffs still very much playing on the minds of the players, they kick-start the season in determined fashion. Shooting to the top of the table, the club barrels its way into contention for promotion at the first available opportunity. Destiny. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 18, 2021 Author Share Posted December 18, 2021 September 2024 With the club thin on the ground we turn to the loan market in order to gain some much needed depth to some key positions. Raiding Premiership side, Norwich we first land Attacking midfielder, Liam Gibbs to slot straight into the starting line-up behind. With impressive all round stats from the Twenty One year old, he has the ability to make a real impact at this level. _______________________________ Second arrival from Canaries, is central midfielder, Regan Riley. Much like his team-mate, Riley arrives in Northumbria with abilities far beyond the majority of League One's finest midfielders. With a tidy pass and the vision to make them, the Twenty One year old instantly becomes our playmaker in the middle of the field. _______________________________ _______________________________ 7th September 2024 - SPFL Trust Trophy Second Round Having made a strong start to the season, the boys continue their form in to the cup as they pick up a smash and grab victory over a recently relegated Partick Thistle. Having been pushed straight back into the Premiership, the home side look to be struggling to come to terms with their slide down the tables with Sam Bellis's opening goal stunning the crowd and securing our place in the next round of the competition. _______________________________ 14th September 2024 - League One Our return to the League has us fortunate to pick up a point as we ride our luck against Ayr. With a sloppy Matt Williams challenge gifting the visitors with a well-taken penalty, we struggle to find a way back into the game until the ever reliable Sam Bellis takes matters into his own hands with an equalizer in the dying minutes of the game. A late red card following a clumsy challenge sums up a frustrating evening for Honest men in front of the 600 strong Shielfield faithful. _______________________________ 21st September 2024 - League One We once again leave it late as Sammy Braybrooke saves the day with a thunderous effort. With an end to end first half seeing the home side emerge on top, the boys are made to work throughout the entire second half as their unrelenting pressure eventually is rewarded with just eight minutes left on the clock. _______________________________ 28th September 2024 - League One The month ends in disappointment as we are humbled by a resurgent Queen's Park. Having made a sluggish start to the season, one of the favourites to pick up promotion showed why they are rated so highly as a second half slug fest see's the former Championship side come out on top. With Sam Bellis once again prepared to fight his way back into the game, we are this time the victims of a late goal as Queen's snatch a demoralising winner. _______________________________ September 2024 - League One Despite a winless month from the Borderers, Bellis still manages to emerge with his head held high. Maintaining his stunning early form to score Four goals in Three performances, the poacher continues to keep his name ringing round the largely empty Shielfield Park on a weekly basis. With no victory this month, we slide down into the pressure of the hot-seat. Having let the playoffs slip out of fingers towards the end of last season, the boys now need to rally in order to cement their place into these all important places. With plenty of the season left to play, we remain hopeful of avoiding the same fate Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DefinitelyTaylor Posted December 19, 2021 Share Posted December 19, 2021 Sam Bellis is some player at this level. An absolute machine! A tricky recent run of results but overall looking good. After last season, I can understand why you may be a little worried regarding the recent spell but I’m confident that you can return to winning ways. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 19, 2021 Author Share Posted December 19, 2021 Any player that is capable of making me look somewhat competent is a football genius in my book. Cheers @DefinitelyTaylor, I hope you are right. Appreciate your support as always! _______________________________ October 2024 _______________________________ 5th October 2024 - League One We end our run of Three games without a victory as we resume our winning ways against a sorry looking Clyde. Attacking midfielder Tom Crawford returns to the forefront as his new partnership with loanee Liam Gibbs sees him unleashed to put in a game winning performance. A finessed finish in the first half and another clinical penalty, seals a man of the match performance for the fan favourite. _______________________________ 12th October 2024 - SPFl Trust Trophy Third Round Revenge of the Hartson. Despite being relegated, former Wales and Celtic striker John Hartson keeps his job at the helm of Forfar and quickly resumes our beef before the game with some questionable comments. A disappointing performance and exit from the cup see's my managerial rival leave England with the plaudits in sickening fashion. _______________________________ 20th October 2024 - League One Despite the disappointment of the cup exit, we return to League action with a thumping victory. Having been widely tipped to run away with the League this season, Falkirk have made a horrendous start to the season, with the ruthless Borderers quick to take advantage with a deserved Two goal victory. Another clinical performance from the inform duo of Bellis and Crawford has us once again eyeing up the promotion spots... _______________________________ 26th October 2024 - League One ...For a week at least. Our shocking form against Edinburgh see's us once again dropping points as we are left to rue a sickeningly late winner. With Bellis and Warrington combining to fire us back into the game following a sloppy first-half, the visitors end our comeback in the finest way possible as a corner in the final minute of the game see's the Citizens head back to the Capital in style. _______________________________ October 2024 - League One Despite the disappointing loss at the end of the season, we improved our grip on the playoff spots by moving our way up into Third. With the League looking to be incredibly tight, even the slightest blip in form could have anyone spiralling down into danger, as the ever competitive League shapes up to be even more punishing then usual. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 20, 2021 Author Share Posted December 20, 2021 November 2024 _______________________________ 2nd November 2024 - League One Understandable Willie. For the second time in Two games, the boys are left to rue their mistakes as they this time throw away what should have been a commanding Two goal lead. With our formidable duo once again firing us into the lead, Cove Rangers fight back in style as they pull things level by the break before controlling the second half and securing all Three points with a ruthless penalty. _______________________________ 9th November 2024 - League One Uh oh. The disappointment of the result rolls over into the next game as we are dumped out of the playoffs by an Ayr side struggling to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle. With the home side securing the lead within just Six minutes, a toothless performance from our usually lethal frontmen see's the Borderers succumb to a third disappointing defeat. _______________________________ 16th November 2024 - League One Another lifeless showing has us once again struggle to enter the game as we play out a disappointing goalless draw with East Fife. With the club now struggling to put together any kind of performance, heads are dropping dangerously low in what is still shaping up to be a cutthroat League table. _______________________________ 23rd November 2024 - League One Capping a horrific month for the Borderers in the League we once again fail to find a way back into the game following an early goal. High-flying Kelty Hearts showed exactly why they are in the running for promotion as a professional performance from the home-side sends the Borderers packing with nothing but a growing sense of frustration. This has to end soon. _______________________________ 30th November 2024 - Scottish Cup Third Round We manage to salvage something from November as we batter Five past Elgin City. The League Two side struggled to keep up with the Borderers as they took out their pent up frustrations on the hapless home side in bruising fashion. With the boys storming into the next round, we can only hope they carry this victory over into a busy December. _______________________________ November 2024 - League One We're out of the playoffs with some of the worst form in the League but things remain increasingly competitive in the standings. With Three points essentially separating those fighting for promotion and those battling against relegation, a bruising November might have knocked out confidence but we're certainly not out of the running just yet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 20, 2021 Author Share Posted December 20, 2021 (edited) December 2024 We start the month by strengthening at the back. Since his arrival at the club Sam Howes has been flawless between the sticks but with some suspect showings of late and the impressive Brad Young keen to join the club, we make the hard decision to replace our former Number One. Having started his career in the North East with Blyth before moving to Leicester, Young returns up North to revitalise his career as our first-choice keeper for the foreseeable future. _______________________________ _______________________________ 8th December 2024 - League One That's more like it! The boys start a much needed morale boosting month with a thumping victory over Queen's Park Having been humbled by the same side just Two months ago, the boys this time make no mistake as the clinical duo of Crawford and Bellis make a welcome return to the scoresheet in the League to grab an important Three points. _______________________________ 14th December 2024 - League One We're unable to make it back to back victories as we play out a frustrating draw with Alloa. Newly appointed stopper, Brad Young has quickly shown his impressive credentials as he impresses the home crowd with a flawless performance keeping the visitors at bay in style. _______________________________ 21st December 2024 - League One A point against Falkirk is nothing to be shrugged at. Despite their horrendous start to the season, the visitors remain an ever dangerous opponent, with the boys seemingly happy to settle for a hard-earned point. With Brad Young continuing his impressive start in the Number One shirt, we only need our usually lethal frontmen to return to form in order to get the points rolling in. _______________________________ 28th December 2024 - League One We end the month in familiar fashion as we pick up the victory over Clyde. With the boys again looking shy in front of goal, it turns to loanee, Liam Gibbs to make the breakthrough as we return to winning ways in the driving rain at Shielfield Park. With both Gibbs and Riley failing to impress following their arrival from Norwich, hopes are high that this will kick-start a much needed turn around in form from the loaned duo. _______________________________ December 2024 - League One From nervously eyeing the bottom of the table to immediately re-entering the playoff race, this League is proving to be as unpredictable as possible. With literally just Five points separating Fourth place from Ninth, every club in the League is looking to avoid a potentially damaging slip in form as we head into the new year. Edited December 20, 2021 by DerbyJack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 20, 2021 Author Share Posted December 20, 2021 January 2025 The season is not going to plan, big players have left in the Summer and our new arrivals are failing to live up to potential. Surely the perfect reason to have a busy January Transfer window. Apparently not… Opting to merely pass through the window, we keep the faith with the current squad as the only action out of Shielfield, see's one of my first ever signings leave the club as Cole Gibbon makes his loan move to Peterhead permanent on a free deal. With the club still enduring some decidedly haphazard form, time will tell to see if a quiet January will come back to haunt the Borderers. _______________________________ _______________________________ 4th January 2025 - League One The New Year starts in the worst way possible as we are put to the sword by the much loathed Edinburgh City. With the club knowing that they need to end their barren run of form against the home-side, they start the game in efficient fashion as Sam Bellis returns to the scoresheet to open proceedings after just Five minutes. Sadly the early goal proved to be a false dawn for the hardy Sixty traveling fans as demoralizing goals either side of the break quickly flipped the tie on its head, to see high flying Edinburgh romp to the title. _______________________________ 11th January 2025 - League One We're unable to bounce back in the next game as we endure another frustrating draw against Cove Rangers. With a stiff challenge from Brodi Hughes resulting in a penalty from the visitors we went in at the break preparing to suffer another disheartening defeat until Tom Crawford shot out of the blocks in the second half to immediately restore parity and claim a deserved point for the Borderers with a tidy header at the back post. _______________________________ 18th January 2025 - League One The fight for the point against Cove Rangers immediately disappears in the next game as we are humbled by promotion chasing East Fife. Having opened the scoring within just Eight minutes, we hoped for another comeback from the Borderers but were instead rewarded with a commanding second from the home side as we succumbed to defeat without any real fight. A disappointingly blunt performance from the Wee Rangers. _______________________________ 25th January 2025 - Scottish Cup Fourth Round Once again the Cup provides us with a much needed escape from the doom and gloom of the League as we narrowly secure passage into the next round. Having seen off Two League Two clubs in both of our Scottish Cup games thus far, it's safe to say we've not exactly been tested by the biggest Cup game in our adopted Nation but with the prize money more then welcome, we are hardly going to complain of our much-welcome luck in the competition. _______________________________ January 2025 - League One From Promotion to relegation in the span of just one month. The League showcases it's brutal nature as we slip into the bottom half of the table and within dangerous range of the relegation dogfight. With the club Two points from the battle at the bottom and the on-going fight for a playoff spot, we remain ever hopeful of finally finding some much needed form. Keep the faith. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 20, 2021 Author Share Posted December 20, 2021 February 2025 With the new year starting in decidedly shaky fashion, we opt to quickly make amends for our deathly quiet January Transfer window as we snap up experienced box to box midfielder, Gary Gardener. Having spent his entire career in the West Midlands, the veteran opts to join the Borderers in the twilight years of his career as he looks to sign out of the beautiful game on one last high. With the team in dire need of some experience and bite in the middle, Gary comes in to shore up our youthful team. _______________________________ _______________________________ 1st February 2025 - League One We remain embroiled in the relegation battle as we are forced to settle for a point against fellow strugglers, Ayr. With both sides desperate to enter the relative safety of midtable, they instead end up cancelling each other out in a tentative game at a restless Shielfield Park _______________________________ 8th February 2025 - League One The rot continues to set in with a nervy defeat at the hands of Kelty Hearts, with the club sliding further into the mire. With small gaps beginning to form in the once fiercely tight league table, the clubs Fifth game without a win has us nervously eyeing the relegation zone. We desperately need to find our form. _______________________________ 12th February 2025 - League One The arrival of midfield enforcer, Gary Gardener see's the club pull off a reassuring solid performance against Alloa as we romp to a much needed Two goal victory. With the home side battling out for an automatic promotion spot, the resounding victory sends a wave of relief flooding throughout the streets of Berwick as we breathe a collective sigh on the other side of the border. _______________________________ 15th February 2025 - Scottish Cup Fifth Round With the victory in the league lifting the entire mood, the club is quickly brought back down to earth with a shuddering thud as we are resoundingly chucked out of the Scottish Cup. Premiership side Livingston show no mercy against their lowly opposition as they thump home Three goals without reply to end our once promising run in the competition. Time to concentrate on the League I guess? _______________________________ 22nd February 2025 - League One Back to the League and it's a return to disappointing results as we desperately grab a point in the final seconds of a crunch game against Queen's Park. With the struggling visitors enduring a torrid time this season, a nervous Queen's Park are already doing their utmost to shake off back to back relegations. A point for either side does little to ease their worries as we head into the business end of the season. _______________________________ 22nd February 2025 - League One With just one win this month, the club remarkably manages to actually climb back up the standings. With the League once again coming together at the end of the month to form one of the most competitive tables imaginable our fate remains very much hanging in the balance. One solid month of form and we should be assured of our place next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 21, 2021 Author Share Posted December 21, 2021 (edited) March 2025 _______________________________ 2nd March 2025 - League One The month begins with more carelessly dropped points as we settle for a heart-breaking late draw with high-flying Falkirk . With neither side able to emerge on top in a cagey first-half, the worryingly goal shy Sam Bellis eventually opens the scoring with a second half thunderbolt. With the boys seemingly determined to cling to their slender one goal lead, they are eventually broken down in the final minutes of the game with a Ninety-Second minute goalmouth scramble handing the home side a demoralising point. _______________________________ 8th March 2025 - League One Usually reliable morale boosters, Clyde are unable to lift the downtrodden spirits in the Berwick camp as they too force us to accept a solitary point. With Sammy Braybrooke firing home from outside the box once again, hopes of a spirited comeback victory fizzled out as our attacking efforts were soon snuffed out by our usually hapless opponents. Despite the run of Three lacklustre draws, it seems I'm actually gaining some surprise attention from across the border... _______________________________ 15th March 2025 - League One Ensuring that Hibernian aren't too heartbroken by my rejection, we quickly prove they dodged a monumental English flag waving bullet as we slump to a horrendous Two goal defeat at the hands of our bitter arch nemesis, Edinburgh City. With the visitors taking their usual lead just Twenty Three minutes into the game, we struggled to find a way back into the tie, with our frustrated efforts eventually boiling over into a two footed Kyle John tackle and a ground emptying late goal. My hatred for Edinburgh continues to grow to an unhealthy level. _______________________________ 22nd March 2025 - League One We're unable to bounce back from the humiliating defeat as we are once again settling for an unwanted point against Cove Rangers. Despite Tom Crawford once again proving his steady nerve from the spot with yet another clinical penalty, we are unable to cling on to the lead for the second time this month as Cove Rangers eventually cave in our exhausted defence to claim a deserved equalizer. This is proving to be a punishing season for our young squad. _______________________________ 29th March 2025 - League One That's more like it. We round off the month by proving that we are capable of scoring a smash and grab victory as we squeeze our way past a high flying East Fife. With experienced midfielder, Gary Gardner opening his account in Scottish football with a thunderous opener, our disheartened defence finally claim their just rewards as they hold on for a hard-earned Three points. _______________________________ March 2025 - League One Our slip sliding up and down the table continues as we this time glide dangerously close to the relegation spots. With a healthy Five point lead over our whipping boys Clyde in the League Two playoff spot, we can only hope to see out the season in solid fashion to end what has proved to be a disappointing second season for the Borderers. With just five games remaining, we simply need to hold our ground and wait for this all to blow over. Edited December 21, 2021 by DerbyJack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 21, 2021 Author Share Posted December 21, 2021 April 2025 _______________________________ 5th April 2025 - League One Our attempts at "Holding our ground" are immediately dealt a blow as we dropped points to our relegation battling rivals, Ayr. With neither club in a position to drop points, it seemed a nervy affair was set to be a drab goalless draw until the home side took advantage of some wayward defending to snatch a potential season defining victory. With the club now thrown straight into the dog fight with just days remaining we need to rally quickly. _______________________________ 12th April 2025 - League One ...and we certainly do. Despite hovering narrowly above the relegation playoff spot at kick-off, our down-trodden squad manages to hold their nerve to claim a potentially crucial victory over mid-table Alloa. Having once again thrown away an early lead, it seemed we were set for yet another disappointing defeat but an immediate penalty reply and a clinical Gardner finish saw us run away with Three much needed points. _______________________________ 19th April 2025 - League One The victory certainly doesn't allow us to relax for long as we immediately return to losing ways just one week later. A high-flying Kelty Hearts are battling away for a potential promotion to the Championship and with the home-side clearly more determined than my hapless young squad, we suffer a narrow one goal defeat to once again throw us back into the perils of the drop zone with the footballing gods seemingly conspiring to curse our once rapidly raising squad. _______________________________ 26th April 2025 - League One The month is rounded off with a calamitous defeat to bottom of the table Queen's Park. With the home side all assured of a shock relegation to League Two next season, they still surprisingly managed to show more resolve than the free-falling Borderers as they come back from a goal behind to claim a well deserved victory, as they look to soften the blow of finishing at the foot of the table. The wheels have well and truly come off. _______________________________ April 2025 - League One With just one game remaining, the club remarkably finds itself in the relegation play off spot. With a goal difference far beyond our potential relegation rivals and no fewer than Four teams capable of swapping places with us in what is certain to be a frenetic final game of the season, the Borderers now look to assure their place in League One with one of the most important matches of my career to date. With the entire town of Berwick in silent suspense and all of Scotland hoping for an early end to the English revolution, we head into the final month of the season with everything hanging in the balance. Keep calm and carry on? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 21, 2021 Author Share Posted December 21, 2021 May 2025 _______________________________ 4th May 2025 - League One Well I guess that's, that. With the boys simply needing to win and hope that one of our relegation rivals suffers defeat, they instead continue to disappoint as they succumb to a gutless defeat at the hands of Falkirk. With potential the clubs entire future hanging on the line, the disappointing performance sends a chilling wave of dread throughout the Borderers faithful. _______________________________ May 2025 - League One Relegation playoffs it is. Having narrowly missed out on the promotion playoffs last season, it seems the bubble has well and truly burst as we find ourselves now preparing for potentially Four matches that could make or break our League One status. With the club disappointing on nearly every opportunity of late, even the most loyal of Berwick fans is beginning to question if this young and despondent team has enough to save the Lone Rangers. _______ _______________________________ 7th May 2025 - League One / League Two Playoff Semi Final - First Leg With both a Semi-Final and Final to survive we first face off against familiar opponents, Annan Having narrowly made their way into the playoff contention, the Borderers show no mercy in their first leg as our attacking midfield duo of Chesters and Warrington combine to hand us a commanding Two goal lead. However with Annan breaching our shaky defence late-on, we can ill afford to turn off in the next leg if we are to remain in the running to hold on to our place in League One. _______________________________ 10th May 2025 - League One / League Two Playoff Semi Final - Second Leg Well that was unnecessarily tense. In a game that saw me quickly go from complete confidence to a jabbering wreck in just Ninety minutes, we narrowly secure our place into the Finals in dramatic fashion. Having extended our lead via a towering Hughes header it seemed we were set for a comfortable victory until right-back Owen Moore threw the tie into turmoil. With the visitors quick to take advantage, we manage to cling on to our slender lead until the final whistle as the Berwick faithful breathe a huge sigh of relief. _______ _______________________________ 14th May 2025 - League One / League Two Playoff Final - First Leg Two games to save our skins. Brora Rangers finished a commanding second in League Two and duly showed their promotion credentials as they took a nerve-shredding lead. With the boys seemingly firmly on the back foot, the worryingly quiet Sam Bellis makes a much needed return to the scoresheet as he grabs a goal against the run of play to level the tie. With our young team seemingly losing their heads, the level headed veteran Gary Gardner shows his experience by stepping up when needed most to curl home a clinical free-kick to hand us a crucial lead. _______________________________ 17th May 2025 - League One / League Two Playoff Final - Second Leg They're on to me. Thank God that's over. With the game still very much hanging in the balance, a determined and stubborn Brora side threw their all into finding that all important goal, as our nervous defence managed to desperately keep them at bay. Having fended off a wave of attacks, a frantic counter-attack see's a rare Berwick attack, with veteran striker Connor Wickham making the biggest impact of his time in Northumbria by smashing home a game-killing winner. It wasn't pretty, it certainly wasn't impressive but with many more grey hairs and fingernails suitably bitten down, we end the season with some welcome good news. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertluque Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 How on earth does Joe White agree to play Scottish League 2 football? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DefinitelyTaylor Posted December 23, 2021 Share Posted December 23, 2021 Such a contrasting season to last. At least you dodged the drop! To be honest, it’s nice to see somebody struggling and being very open and honest about it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 24, 2021 Author Share Posted December 24, 2021 I'm still not quite so sure myself @albertluque, we got in before a host of English clubs to snap him up but in truth I think the lure of battered mars bars and Iron Bru had him craving a taste of life north of the border. It certainly was @DefinitelyTaylor, I was just relieved to see the end of this season. Thanks very much, I'm too bad at this management business to hide it from you all! Appreciate you as always. Have a great Christmas! _______________________________ 2024/25 - League One That was emotional. As the dust settles on a truly dramatic season of football, the Borderers faithful come to terms with the brutal realities of life in League One. With understandably no end of season awards and the board thankfully remaining quiet for the first time in Two seasons, a hectic year at the club finally boils down to a quiet simmer. _______ With an entertainingly close season seeing the club go from promotion hopefuls to relegation battlers nearly every other week, it's safe to say even the emotionally wrecked Berwick fans are more than ready for a very welcome Summer Break. For myself however there is still time to review a season that saw the incredible rise of the borders come to a dramatic and very abrupt stop. Having finished a promising Fifth last season, hopes of continuing our seemingly blessed ascension towards the Premier League took a sudden and rather ego bruising nose dive in the second half of the season as we avoided relegation back to the bottom rung of the ladder by the skin of our teeth. With the English revolution having seemingly taken the Scottish Football League by storm, the convincing collapse has seen our adoptive Nation take on a smug smile as they once again gleefully push the threat of the foreign interlopers back into the shadows. With the people of Berwick, rolling their eyes at the return to form of their beleaguered club, we are in dire need of restoring some much needed belief. If we are to avoid being England's forgotten club once again, Berwick are going to need to re-ignite the rocket boosters and turn the League table on its head as we build towards our third season in League One. Having tripped, stumbled and battered ourselves on the first stumbling block of my career, there is no time to waste as we look to return to our leapfrogging ways. Let's do this. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaySunshine Posted December 26, 2021 Share Posted December 26, 2021 Thanks for the story @DerbyJack. I really enjoyed reading your football managing mercenary tales so it’s good to pick up a story of yours again! Best of luck in your efforts on the Scottish leagues. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 27, 2021 Author Share Posted December 27, 2021 Thanks for reading @RaySunshine, I wasn't sure anyone would remember that from 5 years ago. Thanks very much indeed! _______________________________ With transfers few and far between last season, it's safe to say that a transformation is in order. Having seen the club go from Promotion to Relegation candidates in the space of just one season, we once again raid the free-players market South of the border to bring in a squad capable of restarting our push up the tables. Before we brought in a host of young talent however, we still needed to clear out some recently exposed deadwood. _______ _______ From a relegation playoff winner, to being shown the exit door in a matter of days. The club’s much needed transformation has no room for sentiment. Having only really made an impact in our all important final game of the season, veteran striker Connor Wickham is shown the exit door having failed to uproot the once unmoveable Sam Bellis. Joining him out the club at the end of their contracts go our long-serving former number One, Sam Howes and the drastically declining Adam Porter. With all Three exposed by the rigours of a brutal season in League One, their exits were long overdue. _______ With central defender Bryan-Waugh declaring his intentions to explore his options at the end of the contract, the former Arsenal product is quickly offered a place with Championship side Raith as he bids farewell to the club after just one full season in the Yellow and Black. Joining him higher up the Scottish Football pyramid goes central midfielder, Billy Gee. Having never quite lived up to his lofty billing since his release from Chelsea, a Thirty Thousand pound bid from Ross County see's us cash in on the Twenty Year old in a transfer that proves to be the best for both parties. _______ Welcome Home Joe. In a monumental scoop for the club we kick-start a busy window with the re-signing of record transfer Joe White. In a deal that stunned both the Berwick fans and the accountants, we snapped up the recently released attacking midfielder as his quarter of a million pound transfer ended in abject failure and his release from Huddersfield. With a host of clubs interested we dive in quickest to bring the former fan favourite back into the fold. _______________________________ We continue to stalk the exit door of Premier League academies with a long-awaited arrival. Having long been unable to find suitable left-backs on the transfer market, we finally land someone capable of filling the role for the foreseeable future in the shape of recently released Villain, Seb Revan. The Twenty-Two year old has only made Eight First-Team appearances in his entire career whilst on loan with Grimsby Two years ago, however with impressive physical strengths and the ability to be a much more attacking wingback then current first-choice Finlay Armstrong, the new arrival is thrust straight into our starting line-up. _______________________________ Having supplied us with Two disappointing loanees last season, we opt to ignore the track-record of Norwich's youth academy as we move to bring in the recently released Brad Hills. With commanding defensive technical abilities and the mentalities that suggest he could be a defensive powerhouse far beyond this level, the Twenty One year old quickly fills the gap left by the recent departure of Bryan-Waugh. As the enforcer for my Four man defence, the promising prospect looks set to quickly become a force to be reckoned with at the heart of our team. _______________________________ From the books of Liverpool to the lynch pin of Berwick's midfield. Tyler Morton never quite managed to break into Liverpool's plans but with a host of development still within reach and the abilities that could well make him a clinical deep-lying playmaker for the Borderers, a career resurgence in Northumbria seems to be well within reach. With Billy Gee failing to reach the mark, the pressure is on Morton to pull the strings in the middle of the park. _______________________________ Continuing to strengthen our Three man midfield, we snap up Box to Box midfielder, Isaac Fletcher. Having never made a single appearance for Middlesbrough throughout his entire lengthy spell down the North East coast, Isaac bursts into the Berwick line-up eager to make up for years of lost time. With a keen eye for a pass and the determination to run even the most ardent of League One midfielders into the floor, Fletcher is set to be a key work horse for the testing season to come. _______________________________ Final arrival of the window is teenage prospect Eden Elliott. With eyes on a number of attacking prospects capable of competing with Bellis for the season ahead, we opt to bring in former Red Devil's youngster, Eden Elliott. Despite being deemed below the level required for the Premier League champions, Eden arrives in Berwick with all the abilities to challenge Bellis for our sole striker position and more importantly with the potential to play alongside some of the Premier League's finest. _______________________________ With a new team assembled it’s time to see how the finances are holding up. Much more like it. With the club finances appearing to be spiraling downwards last year, we thankfully address the dip in convincing fashion, as a quick transfer fee and some much needed impressive gate receipts from our dramatic appearances in the relegation playoffs boost the finances back over the quarter of a million pound mark. _______ The disappointment of last season see's a rapid transformation of the troubled Borderers. With Six departures and Six arrivals, the squad re-emerges for their Third season in League One in much more exciting fashion. With a couple of absolute scoops for the club and the return of our record transfer-fee earning Joe White, Berwick are once-again ready to take Scotland by storm Time to unleash our potential. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 27, 2021 Author Share Posted December 27, 2021 2024/25 - cinch League One It's time to raise expectations once again. With last season's plans for the club going up in smoke in rather alarming fashion, we head into our Third season in League One looking to escape with a largely reformed squad. With the club still predictably entirely English and only One player harbouring a rather tenuous link to a second Nationality, the revolution remains steadily on track. It has to be said, the restrictive transfer policy has begun to limit the number of effective players we can bring in. Not just due to their rarity in our adopted Nation but largely due to an unwillingness to move north of the border, our status being comparable to that of a National League side and the overwhelming competition from a host of EFL clubs all keen to poach our targets. Non the less we remain steadfast in our quest. Despite the squad remaining worryingly small at just Nineteen first-team players, we once again look to ride our luck with injuries in the season ahead as an influx of potential and a sprightly young players sends a much needed wave of positivity washing back over Shielfield Park. _______ Despite being picked apart at stages last season, like the most ardent Christmasphile we refuse to take down our 'Christmas Tree' formation for the Fourth season in a row. With emphasis placed on playing positively and pressing from the off, we look to fling our young talent forward as we overload our older competition and hopefully fluster League One's more traditionally setup teams. Looking to avoid bunching outside the oppositions box and with instructions to push into the channels out wide for our midfield trio and the ever busy wingbacks, our 4-3-2-1 formation has an all new attacking flair. With untried players, a haphazard tactic and a need to reverse our fortunes. It's time to get this show back on the road. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 27, 2021 Author Share Posted December 27, 2021 (edited) July 2025 _______________________________ 12th July 2025 - Premier Sports Cup We kick start the season once again with the ever present Premier Sports Cup. Having yet to qualify from the group stages of the pre-season competition, we still have plenty left to achieve in the annual cup but in what proved to be a bruising month for the Borderers, we waved farewell to any hopes of redemption in calamitous style. A narrow goalless draw and the lottery of the penalties promised some sign of fight from the Borderers but it was to prove the only highlight of a horrendous start to our campaign of redemption. _______________________________ 16th July 2025 - Premier Sports Cup Championship side, Queen of the South are quick to remind us that we are lightyears away from being at their level with a thumping victory at Shielfield Park. With Tom Crawford setting us into the lead just before the break it seemed we we're set for a smash and grab victory until a complete collapse in the Second-Half gifted the visitors with a comfortable victory. With spineless defending and a worryingly goal shy attack, the signs are bleak for the season ahead... _______________________________ 19th July 2025 - Premier Sports Cup ...and they only get bleaker. Recently relegated Queen's Park humiliated the traveling Borderers faithful as the now League Two side hammer home Three goals in a match they completely dominated. With no sign of any fight from the top to bottom of the pitch, the boys are quietly booed off by the despondent Forty-Five traveling Berwick fans. _______________________________ 26th July 2025 - Premier Sports Cup I'm starting to ask the same thing… We round off the Cup with a little bit of pride restored as we narrowly miss out on a victory over last season's League One Champions, Falkirk. With a red card all but gifting us with a way back into the game, we can at least take some solace from Sam Bellis's first signs of life as we head into an all important League One season with our tails between our legs. _______________________________ July 2025 - Premier Sports Cup Well that was fun. Our worst showing in the competition since my arrival in the Football League see's the Borderers crawl into the opening month of the League in a bruised and battered state. With a long season potentially ahead of us, we can only hope that we got the poor form out of our system early. Edited December 27, 2021 by DerbyJack 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
abulezz Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 Welcome home Joe indeed! He is going to do great. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 27, 2021 Author Share Posted December 27, 2021 I couldn't believe he came back up on a free, I think he'll tear it up this season. Thanks @abulezz _______________________________ August 2025 - League One _______________________________ 2nd August 2025 - League One The demoralising performance in the Cup see's the boys make a sluggish start back to life in the League as we got underway with a goalless draw to East Fife. With neither side willing to throw caution into the wind at this early stage of the season, we are treated to a near highlight less game. The new tactical tweaks aren't quite bringing about the 'total football' I expected. _______________________________ 9th August 2025 - League One That felt oh so good! For the first time in Three long seasons we finally got one over the usually ruthlessly efficient Edinburgh City albeit by the mercy of an early red card. With a two footed challenge handing a gift-wrapped advantage to the Borderers, the attacking midfield duo of Crawford and White are quick to grab the opportunity for revenge, as they combine to put the ten men to the sword. _______________________________ 16th August 2025 - League One With the huge boost from victory in the previous game all but erasing the memory of the last few games, we head out to face Alloa full of much needed confidence. A convincing performance from the Wee Rangers has Sam Bellis make a welcome return to form with a well taken Brace, whilst veteran midfielder Gary Gardner chips in with another pin-point free kick. We're starting to believe! _______________________________ 23rd August 2025 - League One Our favourite whipping boys, Clyde keep the momentum going as we fight back to secure our Third victory in a row. Having taken the lead within the opening ten minutes, it seemed the usually hapless visitors were set to end their own cursed run of form but a first goal from midfield playmaker Morton and another well-taken penalty from the ever reliable Tom Crawford soon restored normality. A strong start to the season so far. _______________________________ 30th August 2025 - League One ...but we are quickly brought back down to reality. Kelty Hearts have long been flirting with promotion over the last few seasons and having made a sluggish start, last season's runners-up quickly made moves to make up the lost ground as they deservedly picked up all Three points. Having rarely threatened the home-sides goal, a fortunate Sam Bellis finish just before the break proved to be the only highlight of a humbling match in Fife. _______________________________ August 2025 - League One Despite the disappointing loss rounding off the month, it has non the less been a positive start to the season for the thankfully resurgent Borderers. With Airdrie setting the pace with a perfect run of games, the boys manage to keep their names in the early running as they sit in a commanding second, with the best goal difference at this early stage. Having seen their club rapidly shoot up and down the standings last season, the Berwick faithful are cautious to believe in an actual promotion push but hopes are already quietly building for a potentially strong showing this season. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 28, 2021 Author Share Posted December 28, 2021 September 2025 _______________________________ 7th September 2025 - SPFL Trust Trophy Second Round Now that's how to announce our return to form. A shock result see's us humiliate a down-trodden Motherwell as we thrash the now Championship side to sail through the opening round of the SPFL trust trophy. With new signing Isaac Fletcher quickly making himself at home in the heart of the Borderers midfield and a welcome brace from the resurgent Sam Bellis, things are most certainly looking up. _______________________________ 13th September 2025 - League One Our monumental victory in the Cup sadly doesn't send us back to the League in fierce form as we are left to settle for a hard-earned point. A high-flying Ayr are also looking to make amends for a disappointing season last year and having been on the front foot for the majority of the match, the home side can certainly feel hard done by. Having struggled to keep up with Ayr's relentless pace, a neat finish from the increasingly impressive Fletcher and a continued return to form for Joe White narrowly see's us claim a share of the spoils. _______________________________ 20th September 2025 - League One We quickly return to winning ways as Joe White continues to find his love for the beautiful game once again, his low driven effort from range proves to be just about enough to seal the points. With the midfield showing a vast level of improvement from last season, we're beginning to play some beautiful football. With the club back in the race for the all important automatic promotion spot, the club is once again on the rise... _______________________________ 27th September 2025 - League One ...only to quickly plummet back down to earth with a bruising thump. Having conceded the lead after just Four minutes and with Cove Rangers seemingly determined to kill the tie off within the opening first half, we succumbed to a demoralizing loss in the most convincing of fashions. With the club quickly reminded of just how brutal this level can be, we're going to need to quickly rally at this early stage of the season. _______________________________ September 2025 - League One With just one victory this month, the club slipped away from their once commanding place towards the top of the table and now find themselves nervously eyeing the chasing pack at the foot of the playoff spots. Fortunately with just Eight games played and the fixture list set to get increasingly busy, there is still plenty of time to scrap our way back into the race for promotion. It's obviously far too early to read anything from the season just yet but with the new signings already blending in well, I'm hopeful of a slow build into League One contenders. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 28, 2021 Author Share Posted December 28, 2021 October 2025 _______________________________ 4th October 2025 - League One An unbeaten month for the Borderers see's the boys unfortunate to only come away with a point from the early League leaders, Airdrie. With Sam Bellis dragged off at half-time following a poor performance from our worryingly inconsistent finisher, former Red Devil Eden Elliott lays down his claim for the starting spot with the first goal of his entire career. The promising young striker's effort however is sadly quickly forgotten as the Home side snatch a goal back with just three minutes left on the clock to frustrate the Fifty visiting fans. _______________________________ 11th October 2025 - SPFL Trust Trophy Third Round Having knocked out Motherwell in the previous round, we are rewarded with a comfortable tie against League Two's Stirling as we look to continue our run in the Cup. Making sure we do just about enough to avoid a potential giant killing of our own, a largely rotated team, relies on the scintillating form of Isaac Fletcher to carry them through the tie and into the next round. With prize-money wracking up, this run could well prove important for the future of the club. _______________________________ 18th October 2025 - League One We finally return to winning ways in the League as we ride our luck to pick up victory over East Fife. Despite the visitors struggling to fight against the ever present threat of relegation, we still manage to make a meal of the tie as a back and forth game is eventually decided by a bundled own-goal. It seems Lady Luck may actually have a black and yellow shirt on this season. _______________________________ 26th October 2025 - League One A thrilling tie with our usual bogey team, results in a Six goal blockbuster in the Capital to round off a strong month for the Borderers. With the Citizens taking the lead after just ten minutes it seemed we were in for another bruising experience against the ever dangerous home side however come the final whistle it was the Borderers who were unlucky not to come away with the victory. Having taken a commanding Two goal lead just after the break, a spirited fightback saw the Home side once again frustrate the Berwick faithful with a determined fight back. _______________________________ October 2025 - League One With an unbeaten month under our belts the club scraps its way back up into Third place and into the running for the promotion spot once again. Building a comfortable Six point lead at this early stage of the season, it seems the Top Four are already creating a fierce break-away group as they look to duke it out for a place in Championship. We can only hope that come the end of the season we are still in the running alongside this elite group of contenders. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 28, 2021 Author Share Posted December 28, 2021 (edited) November 2025 _______________________________ 1st November 2025 - League One With the club seemingly on the cusp of making a serious move to take something from this season, they soon throw everything back into contention as a torrid month gets underway with a disappointing Three goal defeat. Mid-table Alloa have thus far enjoyed a mixed start to their season but on this display it seems the Wasps still pack one almighty sting in their tail. An Isaac Fletcher consolation goal proves to be the only highlight of a disappointing afternoon for the Borderers. _______________________________ 8th November 2025 - League One We are unable to return to winning ways in the next game as we struggle our way to an ugly point at Shielfield Park. An early red card for Joe White all but wrote off the game for the Borderers, as we instead defended admirably to secure something from this otherwise lifeless game. With the defence thankfully proving that they can live up to their lofty potential, the bore-draw at least allows our young backline to come away with their heads held high on a blistering cold afternoon in Northumbria. _______________________________ 16th November 2025 - League One A Sam Bellis opener within just Three minutes seemed to suggest we may have been on for a traditional morale boosting victory over Clyde however it proved to be a false dawn for the visiting fans. Refusing to gift us yet more points from our usually one-sided fixtures, the home-side continued their impressive start to the season with a defiant fight-back. Dominating the rest of the match, we eventually limp over the finish line lucky to still have a point to cling on to. _______________________________ 22nd November 2025 - League One The month ends without a victory as we are resoundingly beaten by fellow promotion contenders, Ayr. With a Bellis breakaway hacked down in the box just seconds into the match, Tom Crawford duly stepped up to fire us into the lead but it proved to only provoke the dangerous visitors. Quickly shutting down our early lead, a ten minute brace saw the match quickly flipped on its head, with Ayr comfortably holding their lead to the final whistle. _______________________________ 29th November 2025 - Scottish Cup Third Round How do you round off a disappointing month in the League? With an unwanted replay and a lengthy injury of course. Despite the grueling outcome, we can at least take some solace from the clubs refusal to bow out of the competition, as young Eden Elliott continues to take his first steps towards becoming a Berwick great as he tucks home a late leveller to keep us in the competition. _______________________________ November 2025 - League One With the gap all but evaporated in just the space of the month, it seemed we were set to have to fend off our spot in the playoffs alone but courtesy of some equally horrendous form, the promotion race remains very much open for the taking. Just a handful of points currently separate the teams from the top of the table all the way down to 8th place as it seems to be yet another nerve-wracking season in an incredibly close League One. Surely we can't be letting our promotion chances slip so soon! Edited December 28, 2021 by DerbyJack Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 29, 2021 Author Share Posted December 29, 2021 December 2025 _______________________________ 3rd December 2025 - SPFL Trust Trophy Quarter Final The Festive season gets under way with a sensational passage into the Trust Trophy Quarter-Final. Restoring some much needed pride following a thumping defeat in our previous meeting, we sent Cove Rangers out of the Trust Trophy with a thumping Three goal victory. Sam Bellis's return to the scoresheet hopefully suggests our former all conquering striker is still capable of leading us from the front but it's the ever reliable Tom Crawford that steals the plaudits with his game winning brace. _______________________________ 6th December 2025 - Scottish Cup Third Round Replay Our Scottish Cup replay is next up and it continues to be a gritty battle between ourselves and East Fife. With both sides struggling to break the other down, a nervy game once again goes down to the wire as we both cancel each other out. Some penalty heroics from Brad Young has us win the penalty lottery to secure our place in the next money spinning round. _______________________________ 9th December 2025 - League One We return to the League full of renewed vigour courtesy of our Two Cup runs as defensive powerhouse Brad Hills bullies his way onto a well worked corner to thunder us into the lead with a powered header. Having claimed a rare goal, our exciting young defender then puts in an absolute shift at the heart of our back four as he clears away a rain of attempts from the current League leaders. With backs against the wall the boys remain steadfast to claim a morale boosting victory and restore our slender hopes for promotion. _______________________________ 13th December 2025 - League One Continuing to pick up points in rapid fashion we claim another victory for December as we cruise past a struggling Albion Rovers. With Bellis and Warrington both having made worrying disappearances from the scoresheet of late, the duo quickly revert back to their former lethal selves as they send us back to England with a deserved victory. Another strong performance from our rapidly improving Hadrian's wall like defence ensures we retain the best defensive record in the League. _______________________________ 20th December 2025 - League One Having just knocked them out of the Cups we continue to put a spritely Cove Rangers back in their place as we see out a one goal victory on the road. The continued return of Sam Bellis continues to spread belief throughout Northumbria as his break-away goal proves to be enough to claim the points in ruthlessly efficient style. Our third clean sheet in a row continues to draw the plaudits for our fiercely determined defensive quartet. _______________________________ 27th December 2025 - League One We end the month with another typically tight game against East Fife as we draw with the playoff contenders for the Third time in Two months. With the fans knowing full well just how tentative the game was going to be, a lifeless Bayview Stadium is nearly lulled to sleep as we are treated to a defensive masterclass from both teams. Despite the bore draw, our Fourth clean sheet of the month however certainly gives us something to be proud of as we head back down to the border. _______________________________ December 2025 - League One Emerging as one of the best talents in the entire League, Brad Hills has taken his time to assert himself with the Borderers but with a strong partnership at the back growing between himself and the equally exciting Kyron Gordon, we currently have the strongest defence in the entire League. Having conceded just Nineteen goals all season, it is little wonder that our Summer signing is already drawing the attention of the relative riches found in the lower rungs of the English Football League. _______ The year ends with Berwick once again full of building anticipation. A strong festive month see's The Borderers cement their place in the promotion race at the halfway stage of the season. With an intimidating Seven point lead over the chasing pack, the in-form Borderers can now concentrate solely on closing the gap with the current leading duo. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 29, 2021 Author Share Posted December 29, 2021 It's the start of a new year and with it comes the all important January transfer window. Having made the mistake of largely ignoring the window last season, we head into 2026 keen to build on our strong place in the standings. With our wage budget and reputation still only just on par with a National League side in our home nation, the challenge to strengthen the team is certainly no small task. Just nineteen players are currently on the books at Berwick and with a deal of room in the wage budget still to be used, we only see one exit from Shielfield Park. Having arrived among some of the first signings for the English revolution, central defender Matty Williams opts to jump ship in search of a starting spot having been replaced by our current dominant defensive duo. A free transfer to fellow League One side Alloa, quickly shifts the want-away defender out of our close knit squad. _______________________________ With things finely balanced in our push for promotion, we enter the market looking to merely add some much needed depth to our paper thin squad. _______ With Brad Hills and Kyron Gordon currently dominant in the middle of our four man defence, new arrival Charlie Wigget is going to have to wait to make an impact in a Yellow and Black shirt. Having been released by Newcastle over the Summer, the Twenty-three year old reluctantly opts to eventually join Berwick having previously been opposed to moving further up the North East coast. A low wage and some impressive stats ensures a no-risk signing to add to our numbers. _______________________________ Ethan Robson is next to arrive on the Scottish border as the impressive central midfielder adds some much needed experience to our largely inexperienced team. Having made an impressive name for himself as part of Blackpool's Championship squad, the utility man is capable of filling in at any of the positions within our midfield trio. With the ability to quickly push for a starting spot in the first-team, the Twenty-nine year old could well create some much needed competition for a permanent place on the team-sheet. _______________________________ A relatively quiet window see's just the Two arrivals to the squad as we look to maintain our current squads impressive form. With half the season still to go, the chances for either men making an instant impact may be slim but they non the less will contribute massively to the clubs long-term vision Let's get back to the real business! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerbyJack Posted December 29, 2021 Author Share Posted December 29, 2021 January 2026 _______________________________ 2rd January 2026 - League One Our unbeaten run continues into the next month as we pick up a convincing win over the usually frustrating Edinburgh City. A near faultless match from our midfield trio see's them feed Joe White and the thankfully returning Sam Bellis before capping the display with a neat finish from playmaking wizard, Tyler Morton. With even our usual bogey team felled, things are seriously on the up for the Borderers. _______________________________ 10th January 2026 - League One We continue to flaunt our promotion credentials as we return to winning ways against our usual whipping boys, Clyde. Having stood their ground against us in our last meeting, an emphatic display from the attacking midfield duo of Tom Crawford and young Sammy Braybrooke. With the defence remaining steadfast and the team in fine goal scoring form we close in on the all important top spot as the most in-form team in the League. _______________________________ 17th January 2026 - League One With our goal scoring run coming to a rather disappointing close, we do however manage to set a new Berwick record in the process. A lifeless match in the heart of Clackmannanshire see's neither side capable of mustering any efforts of note on goal, as the defence take a deserved place on centre stage. Having been lightyears ahead of last season's hapless defending, the back Four have certainly started the year in fine form. _______________________________ 24th January 2026 - Scottish Cup Fourth Round Our Cup run remains alive, all be it by the narrowest of margins. Having taken a shock lead courtesy of the ever reliable Isaac Fletcher, we spent the rest of a decidedly one-sided game ferociously defending our under-siege goal. With our in-form defence and a horrendously busy Bradley Young all doing their utmost to keep the Championship side at bay, they were eventually beaten by a stunning long range effort that quickly silenced Old Shielfield Park. At least we've secured a replay? _______________________________ 31st January 2026 - League One The month ends on a rare low as we are seen off by fellow promotion prospects, Kelty Hearts. Having secured the early lead, the home side soon showcased their defensive talents of their own as efforts to force a way back into the game only resulted in a game-ending break-away goal and a frustrated second yellow card for Kyle John. Our right back rarely seems shy of sticking a foot where he shouldn't, picking up the Third suspension of the season already. _______________________________ January 2026 - League One Having endured a torrid start to his career with the Borderers, young Sammy Braybrooke emerges from the burning embers of last season seemingly reborn. Capable of playing in any of the five midfield spots available in our Christmas tree formation, the Twenty-One year old should have plenty more opportunities to showcase his talents this season. Despite losing just the one game this month, we remain further distanced in a still impressive Third place. With Airdrie and Cove Rangers now seemingly preparing to fight it out for the title between themselves, it's going to take another sensational run of form for us to break back into the race for an automatic spot in the Championship. Four months remaining to bridge the gap. The race is on. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now