COWDENBEATH not only had a good season on the pitch but off it as well with the club's programme declared as the 'best in Ladbrokes League 2', by Programme Monthly.

The Blue Brazilian has been dominating Leagues 1 and 2 for the past four years and editor Andy Mullen and co-writer, David Allan, were both delighted with the news and the thoughts of the judges.

The citation on The Blue Brazilian was: "To find such a piece of work in the fourth tier of Scottish football is amazing".

It went on: "48 pages at £2.50, just 12 of which are for advertising. This is a quality production, full of informed and intelligent journalism. It is not just something you skip through in a few minutes pre-match either, it can be savoured over a period of time.

"After the manager's piece there is a noticeboard which details anything to do with the club and the local community and supporters.

"The first of the historical articles starts next with the 'Time Machine' which looks back at previous decades and the club's fortunes going back to the early part of the 20th century. A couple of detailed previous matches are reviewed before 'Tells A Story' looks at how things can, and do get misreported, in the press.

"It's an excellent and thought-provoking article. 'Jeux Sans Frontieres' carries on the historic articles with a look back at the 1939-40 season, while 'Armchair Sportsman' looks at what football books he might be purchasing soon.

'Stent Nae Stent' relates relates to a fan and his fundraising activities. 'Judderman Judgements' doesn't mince his words about the Scottish Pyramid system.

"The Away End looks at today's opponents and the historic articles continue with 'The Cowden-Gelly Felly' and 'Cowden Conversations' where an ex-player gives his thoughts on their time with the club. 'Paper View' and 'Glimpses of Glory' look back at times in the club's history.

"Satisfaction Guaranteed is an article about club statistics, and again thoughtfully constructed 'Scotianory' looks back to the club's earliest days and its times in the Scottish Cup. 'That's Fife' looks at how their county neighbours are doing.

"As the Anorak is what it says with fans writing in seeking answers to questions about the club, from the most thought provoking to the most mundane.

"This programme has so much reading to it it is almost like reading a book with short chapters."

The Blue Brazilian pipped Edinburgh City's 'Citizen' for the top prize and it pleased the club's board.

Director Margaret Steven said: "A worthy reward for all the work put into this programme. Congratulations to David Allan and Andy Mullen".

John Cameron commented: "Very well deserved - liked the 'intelligent journalism'. That's what happens when you go to Beath High School!"