The Scotsman SPL Fanzone Article UNCUT - 12 Mar 2008

30 Seconds…we were 30 freakin seconds away from a trip to Hampden and with all due respect to Queen of the South, European football at Pittodrie next season. Being a football fan can be a truly masochistic pursuit at times.

I've moaned and groaned about our manager and his tactical tombola this year but on Sunday, his side gave us a performance we could be proud of.

I don't know if someone has had a word in Calderwoods ear but of late we've played a settled 442 and what do ye know performances, if not yet results, have improved and the clamour for his head has become a bit more muted.

Obviously hope springs eternal regarding the replay, but even if we go out it looks like an Old Firm Final which brings 4th place back into play and with the sides above us due to play each other in the remaining pre-split games there is a slim chance we could sneak up on the blind side.

That run starts with Gretna at home on Saturday (Accountants permitting) where a hefty home win is a must.

For all the self loathing we've indulged in when we look back on this year, a League Cup Semi, an excellent UEFA campaign and Quarter Finalist in the Scottish will look not too shabby….but it really needs to be complimented by a Top 6 finish or those vast gaps in the Pittodrie terraces on Sunday will become larger and larger, whilst the odds on Milne giving Jimmy his P45 become smaller and smaller.