With the holidays over, other clubs in administration or sacking their loyal coaches, Rustyjack returned to his desk this week to reassess the situation in which Polomint now finds itself. They have been relegated to Series IV.11 after the worst season in their history. Several of the senior players who have given tremendous performances in the past are now reaching the end of their careers. Most of the young players have not yet reached the level required in top competition. Dropping down a level will, hopefully, give Rustyjack some breathing space in which to build the team up again.

The Youth Academy has provided some respite this season with the Nippy Mints having been promoted to Series III.4 in the GMC Youth League. They now sit top of their series having won all of the five games played so far. One young lad has been sold and left with the best wishes for his future and another is presently being assessed in the senior team. Others will soon be ready to leave the Academy and look to have bright futures either with Polomint or elsewhere. Rustyjack has derived some satisfaction from the efforts there and congratulates Ronnie Stobie, the Youth Coach, and the scouts who have unearthed the gems!.

Rustyjack is now familiarising himself with his opposition in Series IV.11and contemplating his plans for the season ahead starting on Saturday 16th June. Before that, of course is the first round of the Scottish Cup on Wednesday 13th June.

A hard season ahead for Rustyjack so, to break the team in, they are off to Italy to play trevigliese in Lombardia tomorrow evening. ” This is a good team”, said Rustyjack at the airport, “and will provide a good hard training session for the lads.”