Sir, – Scotland result against Serbia was superb. Even with the wobbles, it was a nervous listen.
Well done to all of the team and backroom staff, it has lifted the spirits of us all.
It shows what can happen when a team enjoys good coaching, clear guidance and are asked to execute a game plan which they believe in.
Yes, they, the players also have the talent.
It seems Steve Clark’s cool head and honest talking style of management is bringing out the best in our men’s team.
A nod also to the ladies’ coaches Ann Signeul/Shelly Kerr and rugby’s Gregor Townsend, as they show the same traits.
We don’t seem to need the ‘calls to arms’ and ‘remember the history’ of that great run from 1974 to 1998, all we need is to focus on giving good guidance, work hard on improving our skills and value the effort and commitment of team members and support staff. In our own lives these ‘team’ goals would be excellent attributes to seek and cherish, rather than the ‘hustle and hassle’ of the individual ‘getting ahead’ against the rest of the pack.
It is however difficult when many things are measured against the individual.
The present Covid-19 infection rates are a challenge we all need to work together to solve, as a team.
Collectively, the adherence to the simple rules and the clear game plan is important.
Being an Angus resident and being told the R-rate is likely to be 1.4 to 1.8, is concerning, as Tier 4 is not far off.
The central belt is staring at Tier 4, and I hope boisterous victory celebrations for Thursday night’s victory will not tip them over the edge.
Let’s take a lesson from our football team, keep cool heads, work for each other, stay focused and execute the plan.
Alistair Ballantyne.
Birkhill, Angus.
Test and Trace excuse doesn’t wash
Sir, – Nicola Sturgeon has declared that Test and Trace is only missing its targets because people are not answering their phones.
I await this excuse being used in future for all other missed targets: hospital targets missed because of people keep getting ill, education targets missed because students don’t do their homework and pass exams, substance abuse targets missed because the addicts don’t try hard enough.
The first minister Ms Sturgeon wants us to believe that the buck stops with her but clearly she keeps passing it on.
Jane Lax.
Craigellachie, Aberlour.
Pantomime at heart of government
Sir, – This pantomime at the heart of the Westminster Government just keeps on giving. There are no bounds as to its banality and its ability to surprise.
In the real world of politics such goings-on would be an affront to democracy. Sadly we are so used to it we all simply shake our heads.
The parallels to the now doomed Trump administration are there for all to see.
As the US starts to put Trump behind it, Number 10 will take over its mantle and continue to provide us with the same gobsmacking amusement and concern. While this continues the UK is suffering the largest number of Covid deaths in Europe, people are losing their jobs, going hungry and suffering physical and mental health issues, just to mention a few of the consequences of the pandemic.
In 2021 Scots can show the way out of this sorry mess through the Holyrood ballot box and leave this broken, stuck in the past, so-called United Kingdom.
Dan Wood.
Kirriemuir, Angus.
Do what I say, but not what I do…
Sir, – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told Donald Trump and the Republicans to accept and concede defeat in the US elections.
How dare the FM do this while she and the SNP for six years now have refused to concede defeat and accept the outcome of the referendum in 2014.
Before the first minister tells others what to do and how to behave, she’d better look at herself and the SNP first.
Maaike Cook.
Cash Feus,
Strathmiglo.
