{"id":38931,"title":"The Back Five #15","description":"Join Misery Hunters writer Andrew Christie as he takes a look at St Mirren's first post-split week.","content":"

\"oihnkvtvitbl15cmxy8yfhphbdqqwxbqqy1jdz78slacbntv.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&v=2\"Welcome to The Back Five, bringing you the best from a week where we remembered a great day<\/u><\/a> from the past, experienced an annoying day <\/u><\/a>in the present and had a chuckle at all the Never Having To Buy A Pint days this guy<\/u><\/a> is going to enjoy in the future.<\/p>

I\u2019m Misery Hunters\u2019 Andrew Christie<\/u><\/a>. Let\u2019s get started shall we?<\/p>

<\/p>

\"eqxbsopfyamhcajbsimtdtscg3zqkkvg7tcic3bdxkbtl80b.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"Familiar Ground<\/h3>

Going toe-to-toe with an Old Firm opponent. Arguably the better team in spells. Deserved more from the game. Let down by momentary lapses in concentration.<\/p>

We\u2019ve seen this film before. They keep remaking it. Like A Star is Born.<\/p>

Sometimes James Mason walks into the sea. Sometimes Bradley Cooper pishes himself at the Grammys. Sometimes Zach Hemming flaps a couple of crosses in off Rangers heads.<\/p>

Ultimately, though, all that matters is at the end of the day, Yentl comes on stage and bravely tells the world, \u201cy\u2019know what, you really gave us a game\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>

<\/p>

\"xfsmlp0hxsthsuwyzbzvggqlohoelpcnltlofyugahv5xa5o.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"Pass that Dutch<\/h3>

In the 1970s, The Netherlands introduced the world to their brand of \"totaalvoetbal<\/em>\", revolutionising the game with their fluid, carousel style of electrifying attacking play. Domestically, this was pioneered by Ajax, who won consecutive European Cups in 1971, 1972 and 1973. One of the most impressive footballing sides ever assembled, led by their talisman and three-time Ballon d'Or recipient Johan Cruyff.<\/p>

The Flying Dutchman would have celebrated his 77th birthday during the week, with many St Mirren fans taking the opportunity to remember the time in 1983 when the great man came to Paisley. In the swansong of his career, Cruyff lined up for Feyenoord in a UEFA Cup tie against the Buddies.<\/p>

It was a momentous occasion to host one of the genuine icons of the game at old Love Street. Despite being 36 years old, Cruyff still oozed class, gliding across the pitch with signature grace and total control. His touches were feather-light, his vision panoramic - the Dutch Master retaining every ounce of his ethereal talent.<\/p>

While Cruyff dominated the spotlight, a prodigiously gifted 21-year-old dreadlocked winger was also in the process of announcing himself to the world. Ruud Gullit tore down the left flank, giving the St Mirren a torrid evening and scoring the only goal in Feyenoord's 1-0 victory.<\/p>

With Cruyff and Gullit sharing the stage, that period at Feyenoord felt like a real passing of the baton. A momentous chapter in world football, of which St Mirren will forever be an indelible footnote.<\/p>

Very cool.<\/p>

<\/p>

\"jtmpg8aa310ezt7tot0y08ht8yjsjvni48e3pctmxmgxfagm.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"Euro Showdown<\/h3>

With a coveted European spot tantalisingly within reach. Saturday's trip at Dens Park is\u2026 oh boy it\u2019s a big one. Essentially a cup final in its own right.<\/p>

Both sides showed their mettle last weekend in spirited 2-1 defeats to the Old Firm, and will take to the (much discussed. Goggles and that haha) Dens Park pitch battle-hardened rather than demoralised for this high-stakes fixture.<\/p>

Stephen Robinson and Tony Docherty have earned plaudits for their robust philosophies and tactical nous this season. Expect an open, intense affair that could prove the decisive blow in that scrap for continental glory.<\/p>

With stellar seasons soon becoming distant memories, neither side will want to waste this golden opportunity. For the winners, an outstanding campaign get immortalised by European nights to come. The losers may be left wondering 'what if?'<\/p>

<\/p>

\"qzfuwc6izfixvzxmi3xs1jzmjrxgrvndomla9vnaykz3376j.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"Loan Star<\/h3>

Don't it always seem to go. That you don't know what you've got 'til it's Kwon<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>

<\/p>

\"2tdjk0rcaesyxhwlpagbrmw0e6cw9t7mqe2ouw0oih5ie7wp.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"Pred Dawn<\/h3>

Adidas have been heavy into the well of \u201890s nostalgia of late, with retro-inspired match balls and remakes of classic kits among recent drops. This week saw the unveiling of a limited-edition, modern reimagination of the original Predator boot \u2013 arriving almost exactly 30 years after the first pair hit the pitch.<\/p>

Arriving in that classic black, red and white colourway, the Predator 94 is an almost one-to-one replica of the OG boots, with a few modern updates. Fans are transported back to an era when the Pred's revolutionary \u201c100% legal, 0% fair<\/em>\u201d design first took the football world by storm.<\/p>

They are class.<\/p>

Picture how good the first St Mirren player to crack these out will look. Maybe they\u2019ll score in Europe wearing them. Maybe that player will be me. We don\u2019t know. We just can\u2019t say.<\/p>

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