The Blue Brazil On-Line

	P	GD	P
Ross County	36	34	73
Airdrie Utd	36	30	66
Raith Rovers	36	10	60
Alloa Ath	36	1	56
Peterhead	36	11	55
Brechin City	36	15	52
Ayr Utd	36	-11	46
Queen's Pk	36	-3	44
Cowden	36	-26	37
Berwick	36	-61	16

SFL Youth Cup Final

The SFL under 17 Cup Final between Cowdenbeath and Queens Park has been been rescheduled with a new venue. The game will now take place on Saturday 17th May (3pm Kick-off) at the Canniepairt - home of junior side Tayport FC.

The young Cowden side reached the final after dispatching a very useful Dumbarton side in the semi-final last Sunday thanks to goals from John Ferguson, Chris King and Thomas O'Brien. Get along to the final and support the Blue Brazil in their first ever national youth cup final. (13th May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Adam Smith College offer a wide range of courses, so whether you're looking to advance in your current job, change career or simply want to learn something new, we're certain we have something for you.

Trio sign new deals

Chris Shanks has agreed terms on a new 1-year contract after impressing for Cowden in the final few months of the season. The 21-year old defender signed for Cowden on a short-term deal in February and made his debut in the Fife derby away to Raith Rovers.The Ashington-born player started his career with Barclay's Premiership side Newcastle United and had been a regular for the St. James's Park's reserver side, after joining their youth academy as a 12-year old, before moving onto Central Park.

Meanwhile, youth team defenders Dene Droudge and Matt Lynch have signed 1-year deals and will move up to the 1st team squad for the new season. Droudge made 4 starts (and 2 sub) for the 1st team last term while Lynch, who captained the under 19 side, started the final two game against Ross County and Queens Park. (12th May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Hill to leave Central Park

Star defender Dougie Hill has opted to depart Central Park and look for a new challenge following Cowden's relegation to the 3rd Division.

Hill joined Cowden in the summer of 2005 after being released by Alloa Athletic and played a key part in the promotion success after an injury to Innes Ritchie. Dougie really established himself as a first pick under Brian Welsh and excelled in the 2nd Division - winning a number of fans' awards over the last two years.

Cowden boss Brian Welsh was disappointed to lose such a key player but thanked Hill for his efforts on and off the park:

"Dougie leaves with everyones best wishes. He has been an excellent player for Cowden and always gave 100%. He has really developed over the last two seasons and was a key player both on the park and in the dressing room." (12th May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Three released

Pat Scullion, Martin McBride and Stephen Manson have all been released by Cowden after their contracts came to an end.

Scullion was a regular in the Cowden side after joining from Elgin City midway through the 2005/06 promotion winning season. Scullion started 31 (+ 6 from the bench) games last season while McBride and Manson had been fringe players during their time at Central Park.

"We wish all the players the best in their careers and thank them for the efforts during their time with Cowdenbeath Football Club", commented Brian Welsh. (12th May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

17s reach the SFL Cup Final

The Blue Brazil under 17 team will take part in this year's Scottish Football League Youth Cup Final after defeating Dumbarton 3-2 this afternoon in the semi-final at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium. The young Cowden side came back from 2-1 down and will now play Queens Park in the final next Sunday at Kier's Park, Hill of Beath - 1pm kick-off. This is the first time that Cowden have reached a major national final at youth level and is a tremendous achievement for the Blue Brazil Youth Academy.

Cowden almost opened the scoring after only five minutes when a shot from O'Brien came off the post. They had to wait only a further four minutes however to take the lead when a low cross from Wallace was met by John Ferguson who slotted a low shot past Sons keeper Baird from 16 yards.

The lead was short lived however when Martin McNiff shot home an equaliser for the home side from close range following a corner from Russell.

The Sons then took the lead on 21 minutes when Robert Lambie fired home a low shot from 18 yards out after the Cowden defence failed to clear their lines.

The first half goal rush continued with two further goals. In 25 minutes Cowden grabbed an equaliser when Chris King floated in a free kick from 35 yards which Baird got a hand to but couldn't keep out of the net and then eight minutes from the break Thomas O'Brien grabbed what proved to be the winner with a diving header from a Ferguson corner.

Final score: Dumbarton 2, Cowdenbeath 3.

DUMBARTON: Mark Baird, Jamie Lyden (Martin Connor 66), Stuart Sharkey, Tony Wallace, Liam Mushett, Martin McNiff, Grant Richmond (Kris McCandliss 57), Nicky Russell, Keiran Brannan, Michael Farro, Robert Lambie. Subs not used – Kevin Buchanan, Kevin McGuire & Sean Donnelly.

COWDENBEATH: Sam Morris, Daniel Welsh, Chris King, Sean Murchie, Danny Mackay, Matt Hemsley, Thomas O'Brien, Ross Grant (Darren Gray 76), Derek Wallace, John Ferguson, Ross Galbraith. Subs not used – Lee Tubby & Cyrus Moosavi. (11th May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Relegation blues for Cowden

Cowden failed to secure a third term in the 2nd division after a hugely disappointing defeat against Arbroath at Central Park on Saturday afternoon in the semi-final play off 2nd leg. The 2-1 defeat (after extra-time) gave Arbroath a 3-2 aggregate win and condemned Cowden to 3rd division football for season 2008/09.

The tie was finely balanced after the 1-1 draw between the sides on Wednesday and it remained all square at the interval with neither team able to break the deadlock in a nervy and tense affair.

The tension and magnitude of the occasion kept everyone on a knife-edge as it looked like the first goal would be enough to win the tie. Cowden appeared to have edged themselves to safety after finding the net with 20 minutes remaining. Marek Tomana made a great run into the box and sub Paul McQuade was on hand to knock the ball home after a goal mouth scramble.

Cowden were coping well as Arbroath pushed for the equaliser until disaster struck with 7 minutes from time. Roddy Black ghosted in unmarked at the back post to meet a hopeful punt into the box and glance a header past David Hay.

Black's goal took the tie into extra-time and it looked like heading for penalties until a looping header from Robbie Raeside won it for the visitors with less than 5 minutes remaining. (3rd May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Cowden v Arbroath - 2nd leg

The semi-final play-off between Cowden and Arbroath is all to play for after the 1-1 draw at Gayfield in midweek. Away goals do not count which means that the winner takes all at Central Park on Saturday afternoon.

Cowden boss Brian Welsh was satisfied with Wednesday night's outcome and called on his players to complete the job tomorrow afternoon:

"The boys were a little nervy in the first half and did not pass the ball as well as we can. However, once Arbroath scored I thought the players responded magnificently. They did not let their heads go down and completely dominated the final half hour and could have gone on and won the game.

"It is another massive game tomorrow but we have nothing to fear. The players know what is required to win and are more than up for the game - as was evident from the commitment and desire in the 1st leg. They can relax, go out on the park and express themselves and let their ability do the talking.

"Thanks to the fans for their fantastic backing on Wednesday night. I would ask that everyone gets behind the boys from start to finish once again and hopefully we will be one step closer to safety come Saturday evening."

John Armstrong, David Armstrong and John Dempster are unlikely to win their race for fitness in time so Welsh is likely to choose from the same 16 as Wednesday night. However, there are slight doubts over Dougie Hill, Jay Shields and John O'Neil. (2nd May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Youth duo pen deals

Young duo Scott Linton and Gary Cennerazzo are the latest prospects from the youth academy to commit their futures to Cowden. Both players recently signed new contracts and will be looking to push on next season after making good impressions for the 19s and first team this term.

Linton has made 7 appearances this season and came off the bench on Wednesday night against Arbroath to put in another composed display. Cennerazzo made his debut against Ayr United in January and made his second appearance during the recent trip to Dingwall. (2nd May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

17s progress in cup

The under 17s are making good progress in the Scottish Football League Youth Cup. A win over East Stirling would set up a semi-final clash with Dumbarton with the winners facing either St. Johnstone or Queens Park in the final. Cowden have never reaches a national youth cup final so it would be a memorable achievement from an exceptionally talented group of young players. (2nd May 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Late show from Cowden

A blistering final 30 minutes from Cowden ensured a share of the spoils away to Arbroath in the 1st leg of the play-off final.

The opening hour of this fixture was a tense affair with Cowden looking edgy and struggling to come to terms with the long ball tactics of John McGlashan's side.

The game turned in Arbroath's favour after 58 minutes thanks to a controversial decision from ref Murray. Dougie Hill won the ball cleanly on the edge of his penalty box but the referee somehow deemed that Hill had fouled his opponent. From the resultant free-kick Paul Watson drilled the ball against the defensive wall but smashed the rebound into the bottom right hand corner of the net from 20-yards.

Cowden were facing the defeat in this vital first leg tie and required the team to stand up and be counted and boy did they deliver - particularly the outstanding David Hay, Dougie Hill and Scott Gates.

David Hay started it off with a breathtaking save to turn a shot onto the post to keep Cowden in the game but the catalyst for the comeback arrived in the shape of sub Scott Gates.

His first marker, Steven Rennie, only lasted 11 minutes before being hastily substituted after the electric on-loan winger had skinned him one time too many. Rennie's replacement, Kenny McMullen, faired no better and was booked for scything down Gates within minutes of his introduction. If this had been a boxing match the contest would have been stopped early doors to save poor McMullen from more punishment.

The equaliser finally arrived with 15 minutes to go but this time it was a piece of absolute brilliance from Dougie Hill that provided the chance. The skipper picked the ball up on the left wing and waltzed past three Arbroath defenders before being upended in the box by Paul Lunan. Pat Scullion stepped up to coolly slot home the spot kick.

Gates almost won the game for Cowden in the closing stages but his lob landed on the top of the net. Full match report and player ratings to follow.

Things looked bleak for the Blue Brazil with 30 minutes remaining this evening. Brian Welsh and Danny Lennon needed heroes to step forward and their team responded in style. They now have the opportunity to finish off the task on Saturday afternoon at Central Park and progress into the final. (30th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Arbroath v Cowden

The vital play-off games start with a vengeance on Wednesday night with the semi-final 1st leg tie away to Arbroath. Cowden go into the game buoyed by the morale boosting victory over Queens Park at the weekend.

"We have two vital games coming up against Arbroath and the best team should win over the two ties", commented Brian Welsh.

"If we play to our potential I am confident that team will be Cowden. We will need to battle but also concentrate on our own game, which is based on good passing football.

"The boys were in great form at training on Sunday - really lifted by the positive response they got at Central Park on Saturday and at the Player of the Year do later that night.

"I am looking forward to the game. I played in the play-offs on a number of occasions as a player and won them all. I fully intend to continue that record as a manager.

"We will be ready on Wednesday night and, with fans right behind us, I am sure the boys will let no one down."

Welsh was delighted with the performance from his players at the weekend and the backing for his young team from the fans.

"That was a good victory for us and we could have scored a few more. It was a superb team performance from the lads. We were very solid at the back, the midfield got forward well to support the attack, and the front players showed great movement.

"Every player played their part but special mention has to go to the back four. We had three teenagers in there so it was very pleasing to come away with a clean sheet. Kenny Adamson has really come on in the last few months and was outstanding against Queens Park.

"Finally, thanks to all the fans who contributed to the great atmosphere at the weekend. The players really responded to it. The boys came in after the pre-match warm-up totally buzzing and went out onto the park brimming with confidence. Keep right behind the boys during the play-offs and I am sure the rewards will come."

On the injury front, both John and David Armstrong are making good progress following their respective injuries but neither is likely to be available for Wednesday night and will probably join skipper Mark Baxter on the sidelines. Scott Gates, John Dempster, Stephen Manson and Jon Robertson will receive late fitness tests with Welsh hopeful that one or two will be available for selection. Dougie Hill, Jay Shields and Mark Ramsay come back into contention. (28th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Club statement

Innovate Cowdenbeath Limited is a Special Purpose Vehicle that was set up solely for the purpose of acquiring 100% of Gordon McDougall's shareholding in Cowdenbeath Football Club. This equates to circa 84% of the total of the Club's shareholding and 100% shareholding in Gordon McDougall Promotions.

The acquisition transaction was completed during June 2007 and as part of the deal Gordon McDougall was retained as Chairman to oversee the day-to-day running of the club.

Innovate's vision for the future of Cowdenbeath FC is to see the club relocated into a new stadium with modern facilities that will allow the club to become self sufficient as a business thus sustaining its long term future. Aspirations for the new facility include latest technology all weather pitch, office space, sports related therapy facilities, business and education related facilities, all of which will be available for community use.

The process of sourcing a site for the relocation has identified four potential sites. Of the four sites, one site has been identified as the preferred location which is directly off the A92 and negotiations are ongoing with the land owner to secure the site.

Naturally the part of the deal that helps facilitate the project is the redevelopment of Central Park. As most people have heard, another company who had been interested in the site pre Innovate's involvement had made an outline planning application to get a change of use on Central Park. Their approach was completely against normal procedure and the application was finally retracted at Innovate's request prior to going to planning committee.

Innovate have now made formal representation to Fife Council's Mid Fife Local Plan through the proper channels to have Central Park rezoned for a mixed use development. It has to be said that to date Fife Council have been hugely helpful whenever there has been a need to contact them.

Timescales wise, Fife Council have issued a key milestone schedule outlining their road map for the local plan process to adoption. In general, it is anticipated that by Spring 2010 there will be an adopted plan. This fits in with Innovate's target programme, in that we hope to have the new stadium under construction by 2010.

Innovate are currently interviewing design teams and hope within the next four weeks to appoint an Architect and Engineer who will begin designing the new stadium facility. The proposal is to create a design committee and an invitation has been extended to the Supporters Club to appoint a representative to the committee so that they have an active involvement in the design process. Regular progress reports will be made available to the Supporters Club as well.

In the day-to-day running of Cowdenbeath FC, Innovate are fully supportive of the management team and fully respect the effort everyone associated with the club puts in to maintain its position.

Finally, we offer a large thanks to all those supporters who have followed the team this season and your continued support will be much appreciated.

(James Methven on behalf of Innovate Cowdenbeath Ltd.)

The Supporters Club met with James Methven and posed a number of questions regarding the relocation proposals.

Q. Is the relocation of the club fully dependant on the redevelopment of Central Park?

A. It wasn't necessarily, but the redevelopment of Central Park would likely be a condition of getting consent for the relocation site.

Q. How long can the football club remain at Central Park?

A. As long as necessary until the relocation stadium is completed.

Q. Where will the stock cars go?

A. There is no firm relocation sorted yet, but they will definitely not share the same facility as the football. (27th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Player of the Year awards

The annual Supporters Club player of the year event was held last night - with no fewer than 11 trophies up for grabs - and David Hay and Dougie Hill walked away with 6 awards between them.

The event, hosted by Wee Jimmies, was well attended with the Cowdenbeath Football Club playing squad joined by Assistant Manager Danny Lennon and a number of club officials including Chairman Gordon McDougall. Manager Brian Welsh was unable to attend due to his wife recently undergoing an operation.

Assistant Manager Danny Lennon addressed the supporters and thanked them for their backing during the course of the season:

"It has been a difficult season for the club but Brian (Welsh) and myself would like to thank you for your continued support.

"We are both privileged to work for Cowdenbeath Football Club and to have the support of such a dedicated Chairman and Board of Directors. The Club is extremely ambitious and has plans to continue progressing both on and off the park. It is up to Brian and myself to ensure the club progresses on the playing field and I can assure you that we will be doing everything we can to make sure that happens.

"This has been mentioned before, but the injury situation this season has made life extremely difficult. I can honestly say in over 20 years as a professional I have never witnessed as many injuries to key players.

"However, despite the set-backs this season the players have never stopped battling and have been a credit to the club. We had a very young side out again today (against Queens Park) but some of the football on display was fantastic and we can build on that for the play-offs.

"The injury situation has meant that a number of youth players have been promoted to the 1st team earlier than we would have liked but they have held their own and the opportunity to play 1st team football will benefit their development.

"Our focus in now firmly on the play-off games against Arbroath and we fully intend to stay in this division. I would ask the supporters to stick with us and continue giving the players your full backing - starting on Wednesday night. It will then be down to Brian, myself and the players to do the rest. We will be fully prepared and up for the task. I can assure you of that.

"Once the play-offs are out of the way and our position for next season is clear, we can then begin to prepare for next year."

Supporters Club Chairman Dave Tuson announced the winners:

David Hay

The Cowden No1 picked up 3 awards after a fantastic season between the sticks. The 'Cat' recently signed a new contract at Central Park and will be a vital player once again next season.

- Blue Brazil Online Player of the Year (Willie Mercer Trophy)

- Supporters Club Player of the Year (Central Fife Times Trophy)

- Players' Player of the Year (Eric Mitchell Trophy)

Dougie Hill

Dougie matched his defensive colleague trophy for trophy after picking up three fans' awards. Like David Hay, Dougie has been at Central Park for three seasons and has improved every year. Without doubt, now one of the best central defenders outside of the SPL. Everyone associated with the club hopes to see Dougie in the blue of Cowden again next season.

- Blue Brazil Online Fans' Player of the Year (Willie Anderson Trophy)

- Fans' Player of the Year (Junction Bar Trophy)

- Dublin Supporters Club Player of the Year

Jon Robertson

19-year old Jon Robertson picked up the Blue Brazil Online Young Player of the Year award after an outstanding season for the under 19s which saw the young midfielder promoted to 1st team action.

- Blue Brazil Online Young Player of the Year (Joe Ferguson Trophy)

Mark Ramsay

'Mini' signed for Cowden from junior side Dundonald Bluebell in October and the attacking midfielder made an immediate impact with some fantastic displays. Only 22, Ramsay is already a vital member of the team.

- Supporters Club Young Player of the Year (John Finlay snr Memorial Trophy)

Denis McLaughlin

The on-loan Hearts striker picked up the Pollock Shield (for the best individual display of the season) for his infamous four goal showing against Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park.

- Pollock Shield (Best individual display of the season.

Pat Scullion

Scullion is fast becoming a purveyor of memorable goals after picking up the Goal of the Season award for the second season running. His 30-yard strike against Alloa at the Recs earlier in the season was the pick of the bunch this season.

- Goal of the Season (One Stop Shop Mortgages Trophy)

Jimmy Scade and Willie Nellies

Jimmy Scade and Willie Nellies were jointly awarded the Lord Ewing Shield for the Supporter of the Year.

The winner of the Hooky Leonard Trophy, which is awarded to the top league goalscorer, will be decided after the involvement in the play-offs are completed. The likely contenders are Pat Clarke (now with Clyde), Denis McLaughlin, John Dempster and Paul McQuade.

Finally, Carol Grant won the blockbuster football card.

The full results are listed below:

Blue Brazil Online Player of the Year - 1st David Hay (7 man of the match awards), 2nd Dougie Hill (5 man of the match awards), 3rd John Armstrong/Bryan Gilfillan (4 man of the match awards).

Blue Brazil Online Young Player of the Year - 1st Jon Robertson (32% of votes), 2nd Jamie Reid (27% of the votes), 3rd Scott Linton (26% of the votes).

Blue Brazil Online Fans' Player of the Year - 1st Dougie Hill (3 monthly awards), 2nd Mark Ramsay (2 monthly awards), 3rd David Hay/John Armstrong/Bryan Gilfillan/Pat Clarke (one monthly award each).

Supporters Club Player of the Year - 1st David Hay, 2nd Dougie Hill, 3rd Bryan Gilfillan.

Supporters Club Young Player of the Year - 1st Mark Ramsay, 2nd Paul McQuade, 3rd Kenny Adamson/Pat Scullion.

Players' Player of the Year - 1st David Hay, 2nd Dougie Hill, 3rd Mark Ramsay.

Fans' Player of the Year (Junction Bar) - 1st Dougie Hill, 2nd David Hay, 3rd Mark Ramsay.

Best Individual display - 1st Dens McLaughlin (4 goal feat at Berwick), 2nd Dougie Hill (Hampden vs Queens Park), 3rd David Hay (at Shielfield vs Berwick).

Goal of the Season - 1st Pat Scullion (vs Alloa away), 2nd John O'Neil (vs Gretna), 3rd Mark Ramsay (vs Berwick)/John Armstrong (vs Ayr). Chris Fahey of Raith Rovers was voted 5th!

Dublin Supporters Club Player of the Year - Dougie Hill

Supporter of the Year - Jimmy Scade & Willie Nellies. (27th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

All aboard for the play-offs

The Club owners, Innovate Cowdenbeath Limited, have agreed to lay on free buses for the play-offs. One free bus will travel to Arbroath on Wednesday night and two free buses, if Cowden progress against Arbroath, will be available for the trip to either Montrose or Stranraer for the play off final.

Places on the free bus to Arbroath will be offered on a first come first served basis. You can reserve your seat by emailing David Allan on daallan6754@aol.com or telephone 01383 724000.

The bus will depart Central Park on Wednesday 30th April at 6pm. Just one simple message from the Supporters Club - If you're a Cowden fan you should be there to do your bit with 100% support from start to finish.

The schedule for the play-off are as follows:

Wed 30th April - Arbroath v Cowdenbeath

Sat 3rd May - Cowdenbeath v Arbroath

Wed 7th May - Play-off final 1st leg (Central Park or Gayfield)

Sat 10th May - Play-off final 2nd lef (Stair Park or Links Park). (27th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Confience boost ahead of play-offs

Cowden prepared for the play-offs in the best possible fashion with a much deserved 1-0 victory over Queens Park. In fact the score line flattered Queens Park as a very young Cowden side outplayed their opponents for large spells of this game with a refreshing display of attacking football.

Brian Welsh only had 3 players aged over 21 available for selection and named 6 youth players in the 16. The young team did not let anyone down though and played with style and confidence - cheered on by a contingent of fans from Newcastle and Dublin. The carnival atmosphere appeared to inspire the players and created a positive environment that has been lacking from Central Park in recent times.

The Blue Brazil dominated proceedings in the first half but had to wait until 3 minutes after the break to finally opening the scoring. Denis McLaughlin latched onto to a through ball and held off a defender before slotting past the keeper from 16 yards.

Cowden threatened to run riot as the Queens defence was opened up time after time. Martin McBride came closest to adding a second but was denied by the cross bar, Pat Scullion was inches away with a free-kick and only a fine save from Cowie denied Mark Ramsay.

Queens pressed in the closing minutes but Cowden's young defence stood firm to record a confidence boosting victory ahead of the play-offs. Full match report and player ratings to follow. (26th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Cowden v Queens Park

The Blue Brazil face their last game before facing Arbroath in the play-offs when 3rd bottom Queens Park visit Central Park tomorrow afternoon.

Cowden will again be missing a host of players through injury. John Armstrong, David Armstrong, Mark Baxter, Jon Robertson, John Dempster, Scott Gates, Dene Droudge and Stephen Manson are all out. In addition, Dougie Hill and Jay Shields won't be risked due a slight knock and suspension worry respectively.

Chris Shanks returns to the squad after missing the trip to Dingwall due to a virus and Mark Ramsay has recovered from an ankle injury. Youth players Scott Linton, Matt Lynch, Gary Cennerazzo, Danny McKay and John Ferguson will be pushing for places in the 16.

"We had a very young side out against Ross County last weekend due to injuries - in fact we would have been unable to field a side in recent weeks without our youth set-up", said Brian Welsh.

"We are struggling with injuries again but I am hopeful a number of players will return in midweek. The boys will train Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and we will assess our fitness situation on Wednesday.

"It is our aim to take full points against Queens Park on Saturday but the key games for us are the play-offs. Come Wednesday it is game on and we will be ready."

Cowden received a boost on Thursday night when Hearts loan pair John and David Armstrong returned to training and both could come into contention for the play-offs - the former has a chance of being fit for the Arbroath games while the latter may be available for the 2nd round of play-off games if Cowden progress.

Bryan Gilfillan left the Club earlier this week to join Australian side Sunshine Coast Fire and will not play a part as Cowden fight for 2nd division survival. (25th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

For archived news click here.