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Much love, thanks Mons! 

We get the pre-season begun by beating Ross County. The Championship team gave us a good run around and certainly showed that they too could soon make a return to the Premier League but a free-kick from Loftus-Cheek proved to be enough to pick up the victory.


We have made it back into the Europa League for the coming season and our second warm-up game saw us welcome Slovenian side Maribor. A good game for the boys and a good test of our credentials in the continental competitions. Two goals with one from Right Winger, Donohue and striker Andy Vaughan proved to be enough.


Another European clash saw, Dnipro arrive at our temporary home of Tynecastle. The Ukranians are regulars in the Europa League and an even game certainly proved we where a good match for them. We nearly picked up an encouraging victory but some sloppy defending before the whistle threw away the opportunity.


Our final European game saw us make the trip to sunny Greece. Iraklis aren't quite on the level of Olympiakos and Panathinaikos and have not featured in Europe for over a decade but the chance to test ourselves in the much warmer climates of Southern Europe rewarded us with an encouraging victory courtesy of our wingers.


We return back to our home nation and stop off at Barnsley on the way. The side are languishing in League One but still proved to be a stern test for our team, with our attackers continually frustrated by some resilient defending. It appears we might not quite be on par with some of the English big boys yet.


We step up to the Championship for the next game as we go up against Rickie Lambert's Huddersfield. The Terriers have flirted with life in the Premiership under the former England striker and certainly looked like they have the potential to give most teams a run for their money. Some solid defending helped us to lip over the line with our dignity intact.


Final game is the usual fixture against Ashington. They continued to show yet more signs of improving as they clawed there way back from three goals down to seemingly tie the game. Fortunately for the Borderers we remained the Northern most powerhouse of English football as Alisdair Clarke slotted home a late winner to restore order.

Darren Lavery remains steadfast as a member of the team but having not made an appearance in the league for over three seasons and being very much out of his depth alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Donohue he is purely there until the end of his career. After what he did for the club in the depths of Scottish football its only right that we look after him into the twilight of his career.

The team itself is looking rather on the small side for a side that is attempting to compete both domesticly and in Europe but with every position except the pesky left back spot covered we have certainly got enough depth to at least remain competitive this season.

Six players are shown the door from Berwick as we look to try and rebuild the squad for another push towards the top of the table and a run in Europe. Striker, Agbondlahor is first to leave, lasting just one season with the Borderers scoring just a handful of goals in the process.
Our defence has a quick upheaval as both Bola and Ormond-Ottewil are set loose following a frustrating spell as backups to the first team with Dunkley joining them with a bid from Preston North End seeing him leave Scottish football.
Our final two departures have keeper, James Atkinson and left midfielder Jake Ellam both move to League One with Portsmouth and Rotherham respectively.



Cost: Free
From: Tottenham Hotspur

First arrival is a new goalkeeper and one that comes with some hefty backing from the plaudits. Billed as the next Joe Hart, Alistair Hurley opted to let his contract with West Brom expire as a host of clubs battled for his signature. Thankfully for us with Europa League football and a substantial amount of the wage budget remaining we grabbed our new stopper in rapid time.

Cost: Free
From: West Ham United

With our defence seeing three players shipped out, rebuilding our back line was always going to be the main point of focus and an out of contract James Simmonds made the ideal candidate to come in and provide some much needed cover. At just Twenty he is still short of his full potential but already possesses some solid defensive attributes that could see him make a formidable centre back in the near future.

Cost: Free
From: Southampton

We continue to raid the English Premier League and this time snap up Southamptons, James Molyneaux. Similar to Simmonds he will be here mainly to simply fill in the gaps but at Twenty Three he is slightly ahead of our previous signing and could well give Stabana and Connolly a run for their money as they battle for a starting spot.

Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

Final signing of the season was a giant one for the Borderers as we signed another veteran striker in the shape of former England captain, Wayne Rooney. The former United front-man lasted nine seasons at Old Trafford before transfers to Sheffield United and Charlton signalled the end of his career at the top, a final spell at Berwick, a last outing in Europe and of course another go at representing English pride was enough to bring him to Northumberland.

A good and much needed build. The club has packed out Shielfield Park for the last two seasons as Four thousand and five hundred fans have all flooded to the stadium for every home game. It we are going to make it to the very top the money from bigger crowds could prove crucial. The only downside of this, comes in the shape of having to share Tynecastle with Hearts. Edinburgh might be the nearest Scottish town to Berwick but it certainly hurts our English themed revolution.



On top of the stadium being expanded we are making some much needed improvements to our Youth infrastructure. To their credit our youth team have provided us with some absolute gems in the shape of Andy Vaughan and Shane O'Hanlon, both now making a huge impact in the first team. With a needed upgrade now on the way, hopes are high for a few more Berwick boys to make the break through

A double whammy! Despite not making it back up to our highest point in Berwicks long history, this season still was a impressive one that saw us defy the critics to narrowly miss out on a Champions League spot. Beginners luck. Pfft. We are here for the long run. The best point of both of these awards, is easilly the fact that I managed to pip Paul Lambert to both awards. He can keep the league, the plaudits are Borderers fans!


Non the less the Green and Whites of Glasgow are celebrating for the ninth straight year. An incredible achievement and one that looks set to become a decade of dominance. If Celtic can pull this off they will become the first team in Scotland to make this incredible feat. However Rangers are finally back in the fray. Its taken them nearly seven years to reach this point but they finally look to be back on track. A rough start to the season nearly saw them return to the Championship but a new board, new manager in the shape of David Moyes and more importantly some actual money could have them back to challenge their old rivals.

Having thrashed them to kick off April, we start May in similar fashion. It might not quite have been the four goal demolition job but with two of our seasons impressive performers, Mitchell and Vaughan both finding the net we get the Championship Group split of the competition off to a flying start.


A game which highlighted just what could have been for the Borderers as we pick up the win against Aberdeen. We absolutely destroyed the Dons in an incredible spell either side of the half time whistle. Mitchell and Vaughan both found the back of the net as they look to end the season in style, whilst back-up right winger, Stuart Rayner scored in a rare appearance for the frustrated former Norwich man.


Rayner again makes up for lost time as he finds the back of the net but unfortunately for the youngster it comes on the other end of three goals. Hearts absolutely destroyed us. Perhaps taking out some frustration having had a relatively disappointing season. A bright start saw them look like challengers for the title only to end up settling for a top four position.


The final game of our season has us play the Champions, Celtic. Having romped to the top of the table, the reigning title holders simply looked on as the teams around them struggled to match their unstoppable run. The Scottish giants showed their ruthless streak as despite already having the title in the bag they still ensured they would end the season on a winning note by beating us as Celtic Park. Impressive stuff.


Third place it is and a spot back in the Europa League. A good season for the Wee Rangers but it does mark the first time in my career that we have actually dropped a position in the following season. The rampant rise of the Borderers is finally at an end. The fight for the title is not going to be an easy one.

With March being a disappointing one, we start off April by demolishing Kilmarnock. The struggling side felt the true force of Berwicks attacking players as we smashed home four goals. With the cup seemingly being the only focus for the players last month, the fans are hopeful that with the trophy now in the bag a late push might be on the cards.


Hearts had closed the gap on us of late, making even our third place position in the league seem under threat but in an important game for the Borderers we snatched a one goal victory courtesy of an incredibly late free-kick from Ruben Loftus-Cheek that all but assured we could guarantee our place in the top three.


Our late shot at making a huge charge for the second spot comes to an end as Dundee United hold us to a draw. Having needed to effectively win all of our games to even come close to overthrowing Aberdeen this game effectively signals that our season is all but done. A third place in the league appears to be set in strong for the Borderers.


We might have pulled off an impressive month ourselves but Aberdeen went one better, maintaining the distance between both clubs. Their is still another month of games to go but the top of the table is certainly looking like the top spots are all but wrapped up.

The battle for third place gets our month underway and it was certainly a fierce one. The game was full throttle right the way up to the final whistle with both teams managing to find a goal just seconds from the final whistle. It appeared we had thrown any hope of points away but Vaughan came to the rescue. He's our new Lavery.


The hard-work we put into clinging on to the points against Aberdeen was soon wasted when we ending up losing to lowly St. Mirren. We struggled to pull off any meaningful moves throughout the game but with an all important cup final just around the corner its fair to say the players priorities lied else where.


We have finally done it. Our horrendous form in the cups has finally been forgotten as we win the Scottish League Cup. Fellow Premeir League side, Patrick Thistle have not enjoyed any success in the league with this final being their only way of reclaiming some glory this season but fan favourite and Berwick born, Andy Vaughan arose to smash home the winner and finally put a trophy in our almost barren cabinet.




The Cup victory didn't intimidate Rangers as the resurgent team took a comfortable victory. Having finally been purchased by a local business group and quickly appointing David Moyes as their new manager, the Gers are quickly turning around what has been a disastrous few years. It looks like Rangers might finally be about to complete their long awaited revival.


A disappointing month in the league as we salvage just one point but we still manage to hold on to our third place in the league. This however has come at the cost of completely losing out on taking the second place in the league. Looks like we are going to have to settle for a qualifying spot in the Europa League.

Fortunately for us the German giants remain in the hunt for the Champions League. However Bayern Leverkusen are not to be underestimated. With Per Mertersacker, Ciro Immobile and Negredo all in their ranks they are certainly a team building for success and will be keen to assert their dominance as they look for some European Silverware.



Our big European clash will have to wait for now because we have still got our domestic campaigns to take care of. Inverness have fallen a long way short of their best this season and sit worryingly close to the relegation zone. A strong showing from our midfield duo of Loftus-Cheek and Clarke saw them pick up a goal each with Andy Vaughan adding to the one way traffic.


We waited a huge time for our fifth round in the Scottish Cup and it certainly wasn't worth the wait as fellow Premier League side, Patrick Thistle sent us packing from the competition with ease. Having been knocked out in the final by Celtic last year I was hoping we might be able to go one step further but it seems the trophy will remain out of our reach.


Cruising their way to the title, Paul Lambert is certainly enjoying his second season at the helm and has certainly made up for a sluggish start to his career. Fortunately for us we caught the Glaswegians on an off day, holding on to a goalless draw and a point that could help us in our quest for the second place.


A huge game for the Borderers unfortunately only drew a small crowd to our temporary home in Newcastle but the mid-week fixture was certainly a rewarding one for the Berwick faithful as we held on to an unexpected draw. Leverkusen will rue a sloppy start as we stole the lead within just two minutes but we couldn't hold them off with former Dortmund man, Immobile picking up an equalising goal.


Hibs are desperately trying to salvage something from this season but we put the breaks on any form of come-back by snatching a one goal victory courtesy of a Ruben Loftus-Cheek free-kick. We are not performing well of late but are still managing to claim some valuable points.


Well that was the type of result we where expecting. Leverkusen must have had their pride bashed in the last game and soon set about asserting their dominance over the minnows from Northumberland by smashing home four goals. Demetri Mitchell did manage to at least give our small travelling fan base something to cheer but our European adventure is finally over.


Another victory for us in the Premier League and a convincing one for the Borderers. We fired home three goals without reply as Andy Vaughan returns to the scoresheet. Our young prodigy failed to make an impact in European football but is certainly have a good run of form in the league.


Motherwell are looking set for relegation this season having failed to cope with life back in the Premier League but still managed to give us a good run for our money, until the man of the moment, Andy Vaughan found the back of the net. The lanky striker is an absolute dominant force in the air and gleefully tucked home another header.


We remain locked into third place as Aberdeen manage to match our impressive form this month. With the season getting ever closer to the finish we are going to need the Dons to have a serious collapse in form for us to reclaim our second place spot in the league.

We get the new year off with a point taken against Hearts. They are one of the closest teams to Celtic at the minute but even at this stage of the season it looks like the Green and Whites of Glasgow are set to pick up yet another title. A Ruben Loftus-Cheek equaliser five minutes from time did little to aid Hearts chase.


Rangers are in a relegation dogfight right now and a three goal demolition at Sheilfield Park certainly highlighted just how troubled the Rangers team actually is. A bid still remains elusive from any of the interested partys leaving the club ever closer to administration and another relegation. Hard times.


We continue the year unbeaten as Kilmarnock are dispatched thanks to two goals at the end of each half. Our two star performers Andy Vaughan and Michael Donohue ensure they remain fan favourites with a goal a piece and we start to take steps back towards the Europa League spots. 2021 is a good year thus far.


...And it gets better. A nervy game against Patrick Thistle thrills the Berwick faithful, with a red card seemingly transforming the game. Thistle dominated the early running but when captain Dean Parrett was sent off for two yellow cards, Andy Vaughan stepped up to the plate, scoring two late goals to snatch all three points.


We round off an impressive month by booking our place in the final of the Scottish League Cup. We expected Aberdeen to be keen to chase some silverware with the league seemingly destined for Celtic but they generously gifted us with victory as our wingers both picked up a goal each to ease us to within ninety minutes of the League Cup trophy.


Four goals for our prodigy this month. He has developed a nasty trait of picking up a series of injuries but still manages to make an impact whenever he is on the teamsheet. If we can keep him fit the Twenty Year old is going to be a lethal finisher in the Scottish Premier League.


We are right back into the running for the European spots and can now even look towards claiming a potential place in the Champions League again. Aberdeen and Hearts have both suffered a miserable month allowing Celtic to grow their lead but fortunately for Berwick this now means we are right in the mix for the runners up spot.

Just one solitary transfer in the entire window as we see Murray Symth leave the club for a record transfer fee of One hundred and fifteen thousand pounds. Not bad for a backup player. It does however now mean that our defence is now extremely light on the ground, with no reserve left or right back and just the four central defenders we are spread very thin.


Unfortunately as usual our restrictive transfer conditions meant that we failed to bring in any players, despite handing out five trials throughout the entire month, one thing though is becoming abundantly clear. If we are going to be able to become a fully English all conquering team, we need to start producing our own talents.






The Twenty year old is an absolute force in the middle of our trio of central midfielders. Providing the attacking drive he has helped the likes of Andy Vaughan and Wayne Rooney find the back of the net on many occasions. The England under Twenty-Ones player however has captured the attention of the English teams with both Derby County and Aston Villa both keen to bring him into the top flight but so far we have managed to keep them at bay but with the mental and physical stats of a star player O'Hanlon is certainly bound for the top of the game at some point.



My lead striker has been in the first team for just over six years already with his aerial ability beautiful twinned with the pace and flair of some of Europes finest strikers. Vaughan however has quickly become familiar with the treatment room, spending the majority of last season limping around the club on crutches but now fully fit and raring to go the fan favourite and loyal finisher is ready to prove himself at the top of Scottish football. I really believe he can lead this club for many years to come and so far he is yet to prove me wrong.

We've done it. A superb game for the Borderers in Romania has us run out clear winners and into the next round of the competition as Donohue and Vaughan both find the net within just fifteen minutes. It was a comfortable group for the Borderers but we have still done way more then expected to reach this stage.


Paul Lambert has got these boys going at full pace right now and they are certainly asserting themselves as the dominant force in Scotland. We are still sore following the missed opportunities of both the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Cup at the hands of Celtic but seem just short of being able to claim any form of revenge just yet.


A disappointing result at Shielfield Park as we are defeated by a struggling Hibernian. We completely left the first half wide open for Hibs and they took advantage in their attempts at trying to escape the relegation zones, with two goals within three minutes ensuring their victory.


Having lost two on the bounce to teams at the opposite ends of the table we ripped up the form book to secure a victory over title chasing Aberdeen. In fitting style for an upset it is bizarrely our centre-back Stabana who provides both goals as the former Ram, rises highest from two corners to open his account for the season in fine style.


Stabana might have done the job against Aberdeen but it was to be Andy Vaughan who would return to the spotlight against St. Mirren picking up a clinical hat-trick as we cling on to a valuable point. We certainly showed signs that we could have won this game but some wobbly legs are still causing some glaring errors.


Young midfielder, Carl Ritchie continues to show signs of matching his huge potential as he scores the only goal of a tight game against Dundee United. The former Villa man has cut a frustrated figure on the bench following his arrival but is putting some serious pressure on the likes of O'Hanlon and Loftus-Cheek.


We round off the year with a scrappy draw against Motherwell. It was a very open game with neither defence seemingly able to assert any dominance but no one was able to take advantage with even the usually reliable Andy Vaughan, despite scoring a goal proving to be wasteful in front of goal.


The month started poorly but we have definitely shown some signs of improvement towards the end but it proves to be too little too late as we again slip down the table coming to a rest once more in sixth place. This is the cut off point for the league when it splits into the Championship and Relegation group. Based on our current performances we should just be happy to make the grade.


Job well done. In the end the Easter European sides failed to pick up a victory between them meaning that all we had to do was pick up a couple of victories to book ourselves into the next round at the first time of asking. A remarkable feat and one that leaves the Borderers unbelievably close to continental silverware.

We welcome Viktoria Plzen to England and quickly showed them what we can do as Carl Ritchie scores his first goal for Berwick within just eighteen minutes. It was to prove to be all we needed to secure our first victory in Europe and set us straight into the all important second place with just two games remaining,


A complete collapse. We where a long way short of our usual best and St. Mirren where quick to take advantage. Our usually reliable defence fell to pieces infront of some fluid Mirren attacking and left the unfortunate James Atkinson wide open as he conceded three goals. A shocking display and one we need to quickly rectify.


We are certainly not up to scratch at the minute. The team is looking completely out of gas following a jam packed run of games but there can be little excuse for the two goal loss against Patrick Thistle. We never even once looked like we could find the back of the net and showed no real signs of fight throughout the entire game.


Our poor run of form is maintained as Group leaders, Valencia destroy us in our home country. Once again we are forced to play at non-league side, Newcastle Blue Stars impressive sixteen thousand seated stadium but even with a bumper crowd we never once caused the Spaniards any worry slumping to a four goal defeat. That's Nine goals conceded without reply from our last three games.


Thank god for that. We end the run with two goals from our promising players as Mitchell and Vaughan both find the back of the net, to overcome a struggling Inverness. Our attacking play of late has been completely non-existent but it was good to know that they haven't completely forgotten how to find the back of the net.


We round off a very mixed month by taking out our frustrations on non-league Nairn County. Having done well to even make it to this stage we showed no mercy for the unfortunate minnows, romping to victory with ease and still holding hopes of going one better then last season.


A disappointing month in the league has us slip down to fifth place. To be honest I was surprised we didn't fall further but I am certainly not going to complain. The league is looking extremely tight already after just thirteen games, as Celtic have quickly made amends for last season romping into the lead.


We've got hold of that second place now as we pick up the only victory out of the three teams left in the wake of an absolutely dominant Valencia. With just one game left to play, we are so close to making it into the final stages of the competition but it remains open for the taking as we face a winner takes all game with Steau Bucharest,

First game against the Eastern Europeans rewards us with our first ever point in European football. A huge milestone for the club but it could have been a whole lot more. We dominated game with ease, eventually breaking the deadlock with a well worked goal just ten minutes from time only to see our hard work undone as we switched off before the final whistle. Lessons where learned today.


In our efforts to return to the Europa League next season we picked up a solid victory over high-flying Hearts. Having missed out on a wide open league last season they are keen to push Celtic again this time around and have quickly made their way to the top of the table. A Loftus-Cheek free kick however soon put the breaks on their rapid rise.


Looks who's back. Rangers have again come back for a second bite of the cherry in the top flight. The club are a long way short of their former glories and remain dangerously close to financial destruction but with rumours of a number of consortium's keen to take over at the Ibrox the dark days could soon be over for now though a one goal defeat ensures they remain lost in the bottom half of the table.


The long journey to the Czech Republic breaks up our month but we are rewarded with another point. We are however again left to rue what could have been. The team again defied their status as new-boys to control the game courtesy of Andy Vaughan's opener but unforgivably switched off again as the final whistle loomed throwing away the points. Disappointing.


Back to the league and this time it is Berwick who profit late into the game. Andy Vaughan makes it three goals in three games as our young home-grown talent is keen to show off just what he can do following an injury filled season last year. If he can continue to find the back of the net like this he is certain to be my leading striker for years to come.


We are through to the semi-finals having played only two games in the competition but we did it by the skin of our teeth. We pipped Dundee to the post in our promotion season and they looked keen to gain revenge in the League Cup as they put on a determined display but a late own goal ensured we would once again leave them behind.


Back into the top four which is once again where we would love to finish this season. As long as we can gain European football we can continue our rapid development. The added funds and reputation that the club can gather from the Europe or Champions League could have a huge impact on the clubs future.


We are off the bottom, all be it on goal difference. Predictably Valencia are tearing their way into the next round of the competition but fortunately for the Borderers that all important second place remains wide open, with none of the three teams yet to pick up a victory. We are still in with a shout here. All to play for.

Valencia are the clear favourites in the group, The Spaniards will be keen to make a clean sweep in the group stages, whilst the Easter Europeans, Steaua Bucharest and Viktoria Plzen will both be looking to fight it out for the second place in the group and an unexpected spot in the latter stages.
For Berwick, well quite frankly we are just happy to be here but we are more then capable of picking up some points against Steaua and Plzen and if we can play at our best that second place is certainly within our reach.



A disappointing day at Shielfield Park as we totally collapse in the second half, allowing Aberdeen to smash home three goals past our hapless defence. The boys definitley look to be tailing off in the latter stages of the matches at the minute, definitely need to get their fitness built up quickly.


Our first game of the group stages is certainly a baptism of fire as we make the journey to Nuevo Mastalla, the home of Valencia. Its a far cry from our home back in the Four Thousand seater Shielfield Park but we don't seem to be too fazed by it keeping up with the pace of one of La Ligas biggest teams only losing out to just one well worked goal. We might have lost but we more then proved we are not our of our depth.


On the back of a strong showing in Europe we return to Scotland in high spirits and knock out the Championships Ross County in efficient style as Gabby picks up his second of the season whilst a well placed free kick from Loftus-Cheek sends us into the next round. The former Chelsea midfielder has been largely wasteful with set-pieces but when they find the net, they sure are special.


A single goal is all that's required to see off Motherwell, with Demetri Mitchell continuing to impress down the left flank. Motherwell are certainly looking a long way short of there best and are looking set to struggle at the bottom end of the table. We will be doing all we can to ensure we do not suffer the same fate.


We might have slipped down the table to the midway point but with a game in hand and the league only two months in we are in a prime position to make a return back into the European spots. It is certainly looking like we are not going to be taking the league by surprise this time around but we are still showing we deserve to be playing continental football.


One game in and we are quickly put to the foot of the table but having got through a game against Valencia with our pride intact we will quickly look to pick up the points and join the race with our next two games. All to play for here as well.

We get the football league off with an efficient victory over Patrick Thistle, Demetri Mitchell scoring in his first outing in the Premier League, firing a warning shot at the other teams defences. He is going to be a real handful in this division and looks set for a bright future at Berwick already.


Back to back victories has the early running continuing our good fortune in the top flight and a first goal for Gabby Agbondlahor shows that the veteran striker still knows his way to the back of the net. The former Villa frontman has been thrust into the spot light upon his arrival following an injury to Andy Vaughan but appears to be relishing the opportunity.


The mini run of form comes to an end at the hands of the reigning title holders, Celtic. Having pipped us to not only the league title but also the Scottish Cup they certainly gave us a lesson in humility at the end of the season and Paul Lamberts men look keen to re-assert themselves as the dominant force in Scottish football.


Having kissed a quick goodbye to the Champions League we are quickly back into European football as we attempt to qualify for the Europa League. Belgian outfit, Club Brugge greeted us to the competition and any worries of another quick exit were soon removed as we held on to a one goal lead following goals from our impressive midfield duo, O'Hanlon and Donohue.


Back to the league and a lifeless draw soon has us crashing back to reality following our glitzy tie in the Europa League. A red card for Dean Parrett summed up a frustrating afternoon for the Borderers as we struggled to even trouble Hib's defence but non the less we will take a welcome point on the road.


We round off the qualifying round with an unexpected victory in Europe as we overcome Club Brugge in the second half. Demetri Mitchell continues to impress as he ties up the game, whilst a rare goal from central defender, Dunkley gave us a clear path into the group stages. It might not be the Champions League but its still an impressive feat for the Northumbrian minnows.


Final game of the month is a goal fest between the Borderers and Dundee United. An end to end game went down to the wire with us eventually fortunate to salvage a point as a cruel own-goal just six minutes from time eventually tied things up. There were alot of tired legs out on the pitch by the final whistle, slightly worried I might be stretching this team too much with addition of European football. Early days yet though.


One month into the season and we are exactly where I want us to be. European qualification is the aim again this season following our impressive debut in the top flight and with Scotland recieveing a relative boat load of qualification spots anything in the top five should see us atleast pick up a spot in the Europa League.

A hard earned draw against the Dutch bruisers is an impressive debut for the Borderers in Europe with Dunkley scoring from a well worked corner, however a red card for debutant Callum Connolly saw us end the match on a low. Interestingly it seems Shilefield Park doesn't meet the requirements for European football with us having to make Kingston Park the home of non-league Newcastle Blue Star as another adopted home.


Dream ended. It was always going to be tough and despite giving it our all we couldn't find a much needed goal as we have to settle for a one goal defeat on the road. A goal just before the break quickly took the wind out of our sails and PSV easily held on to the victory, with new boy Agbondlahor unable to make an impact from the bench. Ah well fortunately we have a second shot at European glory in the Europa League. Its not over yet

First game of the pre-season has us up against another side set to take on the rigours of continental football in the shape of Ukrainian side Dnipro. We put on a convincing show and easily showed just how we had qualified for a chance at the Champions League with three goals fired past the hapless Easter Europeans boosting hopes across the town.


We venture back into English football by playing a Welsh side in the shape of Wrexham. Once again its another impressive outing for the Borderers and a chance for Agbondlahor to show just what he can do with a well crafted solo goal. I'm Curious to see just how we compare to the teams in our home nation. At least we appear to be above the level of League Two for now.


Back to trying our luck against some of Europes finest and another well earned victory. Gent missed out on even the Europa League this season following a disappointing season in Belgium and we soon showed them the level they would have to reach again as we play out a convincing one goal victory with a goal for Jack Barmby being all we needed to take the victory. A strong showing from our defence is very welcome.


Our run against European teams is at an end but we still put on a convincing showing against a German heavy-weight. Despite going a goal down we didn't collapse pulling of a short lived come-back as Gabby picked up his second of the pre-season but we still appear to lack a true ruthless edge that is going to be crucial in the upcoming European competitions.


Our last game against European opponents is a disappointing affair as we lose out to Russian side Amkar. A world apart from the likes of Zenit and CSKA they are by no means going to be troubling the Champions League anytime soon but still managed to claim a victory over the Borderers as a long journey across Europe has us return to England empty handed. A disappointing showing and hopefully not a sign of what we can expect on our travels.


Final game is the traditional showing against feeder team, Ashington. The plucky minnows have been putting up more resistance of late and once again nearly had us starting the season in disappointment had it not been for a last minute goal from new boy Stuart Rayner. Interestingly aside from seemingly getting more determined they unfortunately are yet to make any progress up the league tables.

The team has never been so English. Just Darren Lavery remains. Having more then played his part in taking the team to the top of Scottish football he is now along for the ride, remaining as part of the squad on a non contract basis. We just can't seem to part ways.

With the addition of Agbondlahor to the ranks we finally have some depth for our lone striker role, however Andy Vaughan remains rooted to the starting position. Our lofty prodigy is not going to be shaken be the arrival of a former Premier League striker. Our midfield has seen a small change with Lee Currie finally departing with the new blood of Shane O'Hanlon, Carl Ritchie and Ruben Loftus-Cheek set to try their hands as our new three man central midfield grouping, whilst our defence remains unchanged aside from the arrival of a couple of new players to help provide some back-up should we need it.

Four players are soon sent packing from Shielfield with one of the longest standing and final remaining Scottish players, Lee Currie being the main departure. With two midfielders and two defenders both leaving the club it appears we are set to overhaul the core of the team this window, a risky strategy given our high flying start but if it pays off we could maintain our lofty status.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

Micheal Donohue absolutely destroyed the Premier League last season and the former Evertonian is certainly going to be maintain his spot on the right flank this time around as well, however with the addition of European football adding to our busy fixture list, Stuart Rayner arrives at the club as an able bodied replacement should he ever be needed. He's certainly not as talented as Donohue but his physical prowess makes him more then ready for the rough and tumble of Scottish football.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

We raid Everton once more as we snap up their promising defender Callum Connolly. Having suffered a suprise relegation from the top flight, the Toffees are in dire straights and we are quick to take advantage, nipping in amongst the chaos to sign one of their best products on a free. With Stabana and Dunkley forming a strong partnership, his opportunities are going to be limited but he has still got a good deal of development still to come.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

A former product from Manchester United, Mitchell ended up plying his trade for Colchester before being released at the end of the season. With his former United team-mate, Jack Barmby currently holding down his position on the left we have now got two very good players duking it out for a starting spot but with some absolutely rapid pace combined with some eye-catching flair and dribbling, Mitchell is already looking the odds on favourite.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

We had to work extremely hard to land this boy, with a host of English teams eager to snap him up but eventually we managed to drag him up North. Carl Ritchie looked set for a promising career at Arsenal, however a horrific debut in his only game for the Gunners saw him score an own goal against rivals Tottenham Hotspur and all but ensured his eventual release from the club. Non the less he has a bright future and will make the pefect partner for our home grown talent, Shane O'Hanlon.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

Much like Stuart Rayner above, we have signed up Murray Smyth to bolster the ranks as we head into what is set to be our busiest season to date. A good all round right back he is more then capable of one day becoming a starting member of the team however the form of Alexander McQueen means that even he will be settling for a place on the bench for the coming season. Strength in depth is key.



Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

With his pace and finishing now a thing of the past, Gabby is a long way short of his Villa glory days but is more then capable of making a worthy addition to our team. With experience of the top flight of football and even three England caps to his name, he has been right to the top, fingers are crossed that he could soon do the same with the Borderers.

They might have beaten us to the league title but we at least beat Paul Lambert to something. Its nice to have some recognition following a blockbuster season in the Premier League and its certainly fair to say that if I didn't win it this season I was never going to. Its been a phenomenal way to introduce myself to the best Scotland has to offer.


Andy Vaughan had a season to forget but it did allow Micheal Donohue to step up to the plate and my word did he do a good job at it. Truth be told I thought of him as a bit of a background player but given his opportunity in the first team he has quickly proved me and nearly every left-back in the country wrong, rapidly developing into the best winger not just in our squad but also the league.


We never even expected to be in the top half of the table this season let alone ending runners up, involved in a fierce title race and having qualified for the biggest club competition in the world. Truly incredible. Next season is going to be a testing one for us though. With our honeymoon period over, the riggers of European football to contend with and a much desired squad we have a lot of work to do if we are going to match these dizzying heights.

Currently I am losing all hope.


I have this error message whenever I try to pass one game. Tried holidaying and replaying an older save. No luck as of yet.

Anyone know of any work arounds for this?

It just wasn't to be. Paul Lambert has finally got Celtic back to their best just in time to not only win the title but to also cap it off with the Scottish Cup. We put on a good show and certainly showed that despite being new to the division we are not at the top of the league on just good fortune. With another season just a couple of months away already we can only hope that Celtic have the same poor run they did at the start of this season.

A huge blow for our chances as we not only allow Celtic to increase their distance with just a few games remaining but we also drop the points to the only team capable of throwing us out of the Champions League spots. Young prodigy Shane O'Hanlon opened the scoring with a neat goal but after the break we where soon put on the back foot conceding two quick fire goals that left Shielfield Park completely deflated.


We can't pull off an immediate bounce back as we struggle to a draw against Inverness. Having a five goal thrashing still fresh in the memory any result that atleast takes some points from Inverness is at least something. Dean Parrett finally makes an impact. The midfielder is on the highest wages in the team and is yet to justify them. Is a late charge from the former Stevenage player on the books?


No. No it is not. A thrilling game rounded off our first season in the Premier League as we pull of an impressive comeback to claim a valuable point. Aberdeen controlled the game from almost the first whistle before Barmby and Lavery eventually bought the game back under control. It seemed we had done enough for the point until Aberdeen scored what was seemingly the winner ten minutes from time but our seasons best performer Donohue rounded off an impressive season with a goal in the last minute of the game.


Somehow we did it. We held the second place position in the league and are incredibly about to enter the Champions League. Kilmarnock managed to close the gap to just one point but flopped for the remainder of the month gifting us with the runner up spot as Celtic eventually stormed to victory. In what could have been an extremely disappointing month we are more then happy to settle for a spot in footballs biggest club competition, whilst we fire a clear warning shot towards Celtic.

We break the drawing streak with a victory in our final game of the normal league structure, both ourselves and Hearts are both set to duke it out in the final set of fixtures between the Championship group as the teams in the top six battle it our for position. With only one team set to miss out on a chance at European football its not going to be fiercely contested but with a title shot and Champions League football available we still have much to play for.


A victory here would have had us overthrow Celtic into the early top spot but a draw was non the less another impressive result. Jack Barmby netted the goal as the left winger shows he is more then able to find the back of the net when it really counts. Celtic are certainly not pulling away though, they've not been able to replicate the form that won them the title for the last few seasons. Its still there for the taking.


Five years of not making it past the first two rounds of a cup competition and then we go and make it straight into the final. Hamilton have had a miserable season, with the Scottish Cup proving to be their only shot at redemption, however an impressive display from the team, including another goal for the determined Jack Barmby robbed them of any glory. On to the final. Finally some silverware could be arriving in Shielfield Park.


Second game of the month against Hearts and we strangely struggle to a draw. Having beaten them on the road, we expected to increase the pressure on the top spot with another victory but even with the assistance of the referee we couldn't overthrow them. Given that the currently occupy the only spot that wouldn't reward a European spot its fair to say they are pulling out all the stops in an attempt at claiming some reward from a disappointing season.



Once again Celtic are unable to push us away with the season now coming down to a very tight finish. Its certainly going to be between ourselves, Celtic and Kilmarnock for the title. Its going to be a tough ask but with even a Champions League spot available for the taking for the top two we certainly can make some huge gains this season.

Our efforts at clawing back Celtic stutter at the first attempt as we suffer a draw against Patrick Thistle. The game got off in fast enough fashion as Thistles opener is cancelled out by a Jack Barmby goal. Barmby has had a much slower season this time around but non the less he is at least contributing when it matters. Could be a player fighting for his position come the next transfer window.


Our first appearance in the quarter finals and we certainly make sure we leave a lasting impression destroying Dundee in style. They narrowly missed out on taking our place in the Premiership last season but looked a world away from being on our level as we ran out comfortable winners. Andy Vaughan made his first appearance since destroying his ham-string and picked up a goal to signal he was quickly back to his best. Its been a season to forget for our teenage striker, hopefully he might get some silverware to make up for it.


Another draw in the league as our fall from grace is compounded by some lacklustre attacking. Andy Vaughan remains sidelined as we try to break him back in gently but with Lavery finally showing signs of age and our two wingers both looking like they our out of gas, it took a goal from centre-back Dunkley to tie up the game and at least keep our faint hopes of the title alive.


Three games, three draws. Once again it took Dunkleys head to claim a point. The defender makes it three goals in three games and continues to impress at the other end of the pitch but that was the only positive from a poor game. The month hasn't been a good one for the Borderers but even so we escaped without a defeat.


Incredibly we are still not out of it quite yet. Celtic only manage to build the gap up to three points but we are now under serious pressure from Kilmarnock as the three of us look set for a bitter battle for the title. With the season due to split in just a months time we are certain to be in the Championship group and with a Europa League qualifying spot guaranteed for even a fifth place finish it looks like we could be off to Europe already.

We get a busy month under way with a victory over the seemingly doomed Hamilton. Ruben Loftus-Cheek continues to show signs that his set-pieces are actually improving with another well placed free-kick, whilst Darren Lavery continues to enjoy his run out in the Premier League with a brace to bring him up to six goals within just three games. That is more then he scored in total last season.


Its been a massive wait to get to the fifth round having qualified way back in November but the occasion seems to get the better of this as we stutter to a one all draw against the Championship's Cowdenbeath. We've never made it further then this in any knock-out competition we just cant seem to do our best when it involves the cups but have no problem in beating Celtic on the road and topping the Premier League. Bizarre.


Second times the charm as we eventually make it past Cowdenbeath all be it on the lottery of penalties. Young Shane O'Hanlon who stepped up to the first team at the start of the season scored his first professional goal for the team in the only real highlight of normal time but a strong showing by stand-in stopper James Atkinson stole the show as we kept out two of Cowdenbeaths spot-kicks. We're finally making progress.


Back to the league and a poor showing against Hibernian on the road. Despite Donohue making a return to his earlier form with a three minute goal, we could do little to stop the mid-table Hibs from dominating the rest of the game. Our scrappy defending resulting in an early penalty and a frustrating display all round as our previous lead over the chasing pack finally crumbles away.


Inverness gave us a rude awakening last time with a five goal demolition but we certainly showed we had learnt our lessons from that emphatic defeat as we completely shut up shop. Unfortunately our defensive efforts couldn't be matched by an attacking master-class as we too struggle to break through some tough defending resulting in a fair goalless draw.


Motherwell are having a season they would rather forget having completely flopped at the opportunity Celtic presented them at the start of the season, however they still showed they are by no means toothless in the league in a dominant first half of football. Going in two goals down at the break was deflating but to their credit the boys responded well but a sloppy showing at the back still allowed Motherwell to find another goal as they held on to the victory.


Another weak display from our defence but thankfully our comeback this time resulted in the victory. We went in behind at the break again despite Barmbys goal but it was to be the youngest and oldest players on the pitch that would eventually decide the result as the iconic Darren Lavery and the future of the club, Shane O'Hanlon both found the back of the net in a convincing second half display against fellow high-flyers Kilmarnock.


Its over. Our run at the top of the table was certainly enjoyable but it seems Celtic and more importantly Paul Lambert have finally managed to get themselves up and running. For the majority of the season they gave a brief glimmer of hope for the teams around them but with the season creeping towards a close normal service has been resumed at Celtic Park. The decade of dominance looks set to continue.

An international break gives the squad a break into the new year but we are soon back into the fray with a game against the previously high-flying Aberdeen. Having slipped up in there attempts at over throwing Celtic and falling behind the newly promoted English side they had a deal of self-belief to restore in 2020 and soon gave us a reality check with a tidy one goal victory.


St Mirren are struggling in the league of late and are desperately trying to mount a late push into the top of half of the table before the split. A point a piece did little to give either team any progress but non the less it was a deserved result following a lifeless game at Shielfield Park. Not one for the fans but on a side note should mention that for every home game thus far we have sold out our 4500 seats. Impressive pulling power in the Premier League.


That made up for the goalless last match. A barn busting game against Dundee saw eight goals fly in, with the plucky Borderers again coming away victors as the familiar face of Darren Lavery returned to his best. The Scot used to score hat-tricks for fun in League One and Two and rolled back the years to smash home three of his best as we stabilise our spot at the top of the table. I offered him a new contract straight after the game. He might be Scottish but he has been with me since the start. Club Legend.


We round off the first month of the new decade by beating Celtic in a surprising top of the table clash. Not only are we not meant to be anywhere near them in the league, I'm pretty sure no one ever even dreamed of us beating them twice in the season. Man of the moment Darren Lavery rewarded my loyalty by scoring the winner within the opening half and we comfortably held on to the points as Paul Lamberts position as Celtic manager starts to come under heavy scrutiny.


New year, same lofty position. We have arrived into the Premier League like ninjas, silently sneaking our way through the battling giants and arriving nicely at the top of the table. Truth be told its been a perfect storm for Berwick thus far. Celtic are going through a huge upheavel behind the scenes following Deilas unexpected move to Marseille whilst Hearts and Aberdeen are unable to put down any form to finally overthrow the former dominant side. Leaving us to sit proudly at the head of the pack.

Two departures and both back-up players from our right side. That was our entire transfer window business...exciting.

With Donohue and McQueen both absolutely dominating the Premier League it was clear to them both that breaking into the first team was not going to happen any-time soon. To their credit neither kicked up too much of a fuss about it but as soon as an opportunity came to jump ship and snap up some actual game time they jumped at the opportunity.

It does leave the team rather thin on the ground however and with no one worth signing in the January window we are going to have to pray for no injuries until the end of the season.

We did however take a few long looks at some former England stars with Huddlestone, Micah Richards and even Wayne Rooney all willing to join the team however the clubs finances still remain a world away from what these boys would be expecting.