REVIEW OF 2004 - PART ONE
Last updated : 02 January 2005 By Pars Mad
JANUARY – A fairly decent January on the pitch which includes two draws – against Livingston (home) and Kilmarnock (away) respectively – and a win – at home to Motherwell – as well as an excellent 3-1 Scottish Cup victory over Dundee Utd, ends with a disappointing Tannadice defeat to Ian McCall's side. Played out in snow blizzards, an under-par performance sees the Pars go down 1-0 to a Jim McIntyre effort. Off the field, veteran Pars striker Craig Brewster picks up the Bank of Scotland Player of the Month award for December. In a fairly busy transfer window Greg Shields joins the Pars for the second time in his career, joining on a free transfer from Kilmarnock. Out go short-term signing Andy McDermott and youngster Chris McGroarty who signs for First Division St.Mirren. The Pars are also linked with ex-Dundee free transfer pair Fabian Caballero and Georgi Nemsadze although wages prove a stumbling block. On a positive note, Jimmy Nichol is overlooked in favour of Lawrie Sanchez for the Northern Ireland job ensuring Jimmy would remain at the club for the foreseeable future (or so we thought!).
In Other News – Britney Spears gets married for approximately 48 hours to a childhood friend. Tony Blair and the government are cleared of any wrong-doing in terms of Iraqi intelligence in the Hutton Report. Mass murderer Harold Shipman commits suicide in his jail cell.
Number Ones – “MAD WORLD” – Michael Andrews/Gary Jules. “ALL THIS TIME” – Michelle McManus.
FEBRUARY – In a severe rollercoaster of a month the Pars manage only one win in four in the league, Noel Hunt scoring the only goal in a 1-0 Dens Park victory. A home draw with rivals Hearts and losses to Celtic and Aberdeen ensure a relatively disappointing month in terms of league fixtures. After a large number of Pars fans travel through to Broadwood for the Scottish Cup tie with Clyde, the Pars fans see their side confidently leading 2-1 before the match is called off shortly into the second half due to a torrential downfall of snow. An injury-ravaged Pars side overcomes the First Division leaders 3-0 in the replay thanks to goals form Barry Nic, Scott Thomson and Lee Bullen. February also sees the Pars U21 side secure back-to-back 7-1 victories over the respective Dundee sides. However, on a much more negative note, major financial problems at the club are revealed seemingly throwing the club into turmoil. With the nation's media watching and waiting for the Pars to follow Motherwell, Dundee and Livingston into administration, the Pars somehow avoid going into the hands of the receivers consequently ensuring that many of the players are forced to accept significant wage reductions.
In Other News – Twenty-three Chinese cockle pickers – believed to be illegal immigrants – are feared drowned in England. After beating Rangers on penalties, Hibs progress to the CIS Cup Final to meet Livingston who overcame Dundee. Middlesbrough win the Carling Cup after defeating Bolton 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium. After a heavy opening day loss to Wales, Scotland perform well before eventually going down heavily to England in the Six Nations at Murrayfield.
Number Ones – “TAKE ME TO THE CLOUD ABOVE” – LMC vs U2. “WITH A LITTLE HELP…” - Sam and Mark. “WHO'S DAVID?” – Busted.
MARCH – Beginning the month with an excellent 3-0 Scottish Cup Quarter Final victory over Partick at Firhill – thanks to goals from Ritchie Byrne, Barry Nic and Craig Brewster – in front of a very large Pars travelling support, the Pars enjoy a very mixed month, recording a win, a draw and a loss in the league. Despite a poor performance the Pars manage to overcome a dogged Partick Thistle side 1-0 at East End before, once again, capitulating at Ibrox 4-1 and ending the month with a dour, boring 0-0 away draw with Davie Hay's Livingston. However the draw at Livingston gives the Pars their highest ever SPL away points total. Manager Jimmy Calderwood decides to release youngsters Mark McGarty and Anthony Storey, whilst Australian Scott MacNicol moves to Second Division Forfar.
In Other News – Tragedy hits Spain as 191 are killed and over 1800 civilians suffer serious injuries after train bombings in Madrid. The Republic of Ireland introduces a smoking ban for public places. Livingston win the CIS Cup defeating Hibs 2-0 in the final at Hampden. Scotland finish the Six Nations with the wooden spoon after a disastrous campaign.
Number Ones – “MYSTERIOUS GIRL” – Peter Andre. “TOXIC” – Britney Spears. “CHA CHA SLIDE” – DJ Casper. “YEAH” – Usher.
APRIL – In an action-packed month – one which would see the Pars play five games in ten days – the Pars begin with a good 2-1 home win over Kilmarnock thanks to goals from Barry Nic and Stevie Crawford. The second game of the month sees the Pars travel to Hampden to play John Robertson's Caley Thistle side in the Scottish Cup Semi Final. Going behind to a Paul Ritchie opener, the Pars – despite performing nowhere near their best – salvage a replay thanks to a Craig Brewster equaliser. Days later the Pars draw 1-1 with a young Hibs side before losing 1-0 to Motherwell at Fir Park only two days later. The fixture congestion prompts Calderwood to play a weakened side against Dundee Utd at East End. Giving debuts to youngsters such as Craig Wilson, Pat Clarke and Gary Greenhill the Pars record a decent 1-1 draw. The game also marks an emotional farewell appearance for keeper Marco Ruitenbeek after 93 appearances for the big Dutchman. Ten days after the first encounter, the Pars and Caley take to the field – this time at Pittodrie – to compete for a place in the Scottish Cup Final to play Celtic with the winner also qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Once again going behind to a Ritchie opener, the Pars rally to produce an excellent performance to win 3-2. Goals from Darren Young, a Barry Nicholson wonder goal and Craig Brewster ensure David Bingham's late penalty has little effect on the final outcome. Hampden and Europe here we come! The Pars end the month with arguably their best performance of the season, defeating Motherwell 3-0 at East End Park. However despite reaching the Cup Final and Europe only days earlier, only 4,290 turn up for the victory. The month of April also brought about controversy after the Pars board gave the go-ahead for a ground-sharing with rivals Falkirk should John Hughes win promotion. Pars youth coach John Ritchie leaves the club after several years at East End. On a lighter note a fairly packed East End Park hosts a Legends Scotland vs England match featuring ex-players such as Ally McCoist and Paul Gascoigne.
In Other News – Controversy surrounds England captain after it emerges that the Real Madrid player had an affair with ex-PA Rebecca Loos whilst living in Spain.
Number Ones – “FIVE COLOURS IN HER HAIR” – McFly. “F**K IT (I DON'T WANT YOU BACK)” – Eamon.
MAY – A potentially historic month for the club begins with Manager Jimmy Calderwood and midfield maestro Barry Nicholson picking up the respective Manager and Player of the Month awards. The Pars record a truly memorable 2-1 over Celtic at Celtic Park to spoil the champions' victory parade. Barry Nicholson and Gary Dempsey goals either side of half-time clinch the historic victory. A disappointing end to the league season sees the Pars with one eye on the Scottish Cup Final. Narrow losses away to Hearts and Dundee Utd respectively are followed by a last day defeat by an under-strength Rangers side. Despite two goals from Gary Dempsey the Pars go down 3-2. A Pars reserve side – featuring Craig Brewster – lose the Fife Cup Final to Raith Rovers on penalties after a 1-1 draw in actual time. Much more importantly, the 22nd of May sees the Pars take on Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park. 18000 Pars fans travel to Hampden to see the Pars go ahead through an Andrius Skerla header late in the first half. However, after having a stonewall penalty claim turned down, the Pars go on to lose thanks to a double from Henrik Larsson (in his last competitive game for Celtic) and a Petrov clincher. Despite the defeat, the large Pars support out-sing their Celtic counterparts after seeing the Pars players do them proud with a tremendously gutsy performance. With the feel good factor back at East End Park, the month ends on a particularly sour note when Jimmy Calderwood – after 201 games in charge of the Pars – and his assistant Jimmy Nicholl leave the Pars to join Aberdeen only days after the Cup Final amidst allegations of foul play by Aberdeen's new director Willie Miller. Before his departure, Calderwood announces the signings of Jamie Langfield and Derek Lyle for the new season.
In Other News – Celtic win the SPL title. Inverness Caley Thistle finish top of the First Division. Arsenal win the English Premiership going through the whole season undefeated. Man Utd defeat Millwall 1-0 in the FA Cup Final. Jose Mourinho's Porto side win the Champions League defeating Monaco in the final. Ronnie O'Sullivan wins the snooker World Championship at the Crucible, Sheffield after defeating Scotsman Graeme Dott 18-8 in the final.
Number Ones – “F.U.R.B (F**k U RIGHT BACK)” – Frankee.
