‘Fergie’ Returns
Skipper Steven Ferguson made a successful return to action in a hastily arranged game against St Johnstone on the McDiarmid Park Astroturf.

The game took place following the postponement of the Forfarshire Cup, which was the victim of the countryside cold snap.

St Johnstone eventually ran out 1-0 winners in a game that the manager described as a “very worthwhile exercise”.

Steven got through the game without any problems, as did another recent injury victim, Ross Archibald.

However, Stuart Ferguson, who made a substitute appearance against Morton, had to be substituted with an ankle injury but thankfully he was back to action against Cowdenbeath on Saturday and played the whole 90 minutes without any problems.

Trialists Test
The St Johnstone match also gave Michael and Gareth the opportunity to play a couple of ‘Trialists’, who have recently been recommended to the club.

The manager stated: “Both the lads performed very well. But we’ll need to have another look at them, before making any decisions.”

Heart Stopping Performances
The manager’s quest to continually monitor the players fitness saw many of the squad fitted with heart monitors for the aforementioned friendly against St Johnstone.

One of the players, Richard Walker, plays a leading role in assessing the results. Richard is presently studying for a sports science degree in Edinburgh.

Richard will then provide the manager with all the statistical analysis from the monitors and the results are assessed accordingly.

Programme Buyers
A reminder to regular programme buyers that the issue from the Cowdenbeath game covers the Forfar match tomorrow (Tuesday) as well. So unless you are a visiting supporter, you may want to refrain from purchasing a programme from both games. The publication is packed full of content with the manager’s notes, chairman’s notes, pictures, statistics, interviews, half time quiz, opposition pen pics, history and lots, lots more!

Injury Update
Centre half David White made a welcome return to action against Cowdenbeath on Saturday, having been suspended for the match against Peterhead before Christmas. ‘Whitey’ put in another assured performance against his former club at the weekend. Meanwhile, John Ward is making considerable progress and will be back to action very soon. Scott Walker will probably be on the sidelines for another couple of weeks with an ankle ligament injury while it’s doubtful Grant Johnson will return to the side anytime before February.

Transfer Window
As you may well know, the transfer window opened today and will close at the end of the month. Manager Michael O’Neill is actively seeking to make some changes to the playing squad. Michael said: “I had a meeting with the club’s committee the week before Christmas to hold some talks, as we obviously want to make a few adjustments in the window.

“With very few exceptions, there are few well off clubs in Scotland. That shouldn’t prevent us from wheeling and dealing and hopefully making the sort of changes that will further increase competition for places in 2007.”

Iain Russell
Congratulations to striker Iain Russell who netted his 10th goal of the season for City on Saturday. Iain is fast becoming a fans favourite with his hard working performances and scoring exploits. ‘Beany’ has now scored in 5 consecutive matches and his 10 goals in 11 starts makes good reading.

Forthcoming Fixtures
A reminder to supporters that we take on local rivals Forfar Athletic at Glebe Park tomorrow (Tuesday) and the match has a 3:00pm kick off. We then travel to take on Cowdebeath again next Saturday in the Scottish Cup 3rd round tie. The visit to Central Park is the start of three successive away games with a trip to Stranraer on January 13th and Raith Rovers on January 20th.

Happy New Year!
Finally, can we take the opportunity of wishing all supporters, friends and visitors to Glebe Park a very happy and prosperous 2007. Hopefully City can continue the good recent form in the new year.