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Not sure what to make of us so far this season. We've had a spate of injuries; a few players departing and arriving; a hectic schedule; new manager and played against 3 sides we wouldn't normally meet. You could say we were expected to beat HB; HFK Helsinki were about on a par; and Freiburg were several levels above. Its very hard to gauge those performances in domestic terms. Potentially we have a very strong squad, with some decent signings on paper (with quality we couldn't afford previously), but how will they match up domestically. We did well at Easter Road, struggled against Falkirk again, and flopped against Stenhousemuir. Early doors we have had a mixed record in scoring; mixed in conceding; there are questionmarks over our physicality (rivals have some pretty big units in their squads too) and defending set pieces; and been somewhat naive (domestic rivals will be every bit as cute and streetwise as Freiburg). Ball retention has been poorer than last term. A few comings and goings too over the next week or two. So, all in all a lot of unknowns so far and we won't get a clear picture of where we're at for another 5 weeks or so until these factors settle down. Interesting times ahead!

For me the arguments not flawed on Europe / cup if we beat stenhousemuir ( which we should regardless ) it’s a great start to the season…..but we didn’t hibs great result…. Falkirk never seen as I was away but they were terrible against st Mirren…. faroes & Finnish mobs great days but for me we should win them & put up a great effort against a team that’s levels above season will come down to whether we can get a couple in attacking wise for me that can contribute, don’t buy into the injury crisis ( we’ve got injuries but very few are 1st 11 ) & we’re certainly not Cape Verde 😂

I think the League Cup / Euro argument is flawed. AJ had to make a call on how to manage his squad, clearly the club decided that the best approach was to give Europe a real shot. League form was solid and on the back of a monumental effort in the home HJK game we then have the Stenny game, for me there is a number of factors in that game. Squad size at the time due to injuries. The artificial pitch meaning the worry about injuries. The upcoming Frieburg game. For me he thought the players he played would do a job and unfortunately it never happened. That’s football sometimes. But I do think it was the right decision to rotate the team, also you have to look at it from the players perspective, they would 100% want to be fit for that Frieburg game, it’s probably the biggest two games of their careers. Also Europe is not something to dismiss, I am convinced with a better draw we would have got through and then it’s a whole new level for the club. The big money is in Europe and the ability to grow as a club is much higher in Europe than in the league cup. The job the manager and team has done this season is first class considering it’s a new spine of a team and the injury crisis we have had. Fair play to AJ, I can’t remember a more memorable start to a season ever.

Senior/junior is a grade (or level) not an age bracket.

Tell that to Cape Vedre. Scotland were an embarrassment in the USA, Cape Verde said fuck it, we're here, have a go. Such defeatist pish.

Oh, dear God, yes! It's the same "great wee team" attitude he deplores in Tam Cowan's haverings until it doesn't support his narrative.

Like most of your comments, I disagree. The white shorts emphasise our beautiful colours by contrast. Opinions, eh?

When it was 11 v 11 in both games, there really wasn’t too much in it !! Ok Freiburg had some real class in their side but We certainly held our own. i think we did show our naivety against an experienced European team though but I’m in no means criticising. The 2 sending offs were poor and both players involved will learn from it. when our walking wounded get back fit and if we can add another quality player to the side, I really think we could have another great season.

What senior players? The 25 year olds in the team..?

I think the club have been more than patient with them (whoever they are and whatever group they congregate with before any apologist jumps in). I know the club like to promote this cuddly wee community club line where everyone is welcome and we're all Jock Tamsons bairns but they need to recognise that we have an element in our support that would appear to thumb their noses at that and they need dealt with pronto otherwise our reputation will slowly go down the drain. My particular gripe is the mess they leave with their penchant for plastering every available surface in away grounds with stickers and graffiti for which we've had to fork out a pretty penny to other clubs to remove. Grow up boys and support your team the proper way and don't spoil it for the majority. Your actions tonight is 2 fingers up to the club and your fellow fans.

Keeper is an upgrade on Ward, he’s not a giant but I think he’ll get better as the season goes on. Pleased we have him and was my MoTM tonight. i also thought Olly Whyte was excellent when he came on, out of the youngsters he’s by far the best we have and we have real player there if he can get a run of games.

FFS. It's a whole new team with a new manager and plenty injuries. Really what are you expecting. We have done better at this point compared to last season . Oh and we have hardly played any Scottish teams yet.

I just love being a well fan and past 12 months been a joy. Spending a fair bit on signings and standards improving. Hope this is another great season

Seb looks to be a willing runner that will put himself about which is much needed in the formation we play and something we have been missing,hopefully he can chip in with a few goals throughout the season,it's just a pity he didn't get his head up and square the ball in the first half rather than shoot.

My pal at game and those letting off flares had face coverings so that says it all. Don't give a s**t and sooner they feck off the better.

See yer point. I just mean I wasn't impressed tonight. He's definitely potentially better option than vogt..stama...hendry and probably Thor

Contradicted urself by saying not impressed but saying can’t be judged 😂 people moaning about Vogt getting called out….. Vogt hiding, big man up front not in my opinion

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Thought we were decent tonight never going to beat a team on that level ( if we got a favourable draw we could absolutely have made the draw ) but lessons to be learned on reds killing ur chances & defending set pieces if we sign a couple we can go on to have a decent season 💪 Hope the fans that made it have a great night tonight, great support for the boys

Yes and Naw 🤣🤣

Haven't seen any of the game. Was he up against huge 6-9 defenders and was he given good service by those supporting him?

That was a great effort by the team tonight. Sure, Freiburg are a far better side physically and technically, but the boys dug in, and until the sending off, they were holding their own. If we had continued with 11 on the pitch in both legs, who knows what would have transpired. A great experience being at the game tonight and thanks go to the team for their effort. Let's do it all again next year. COYW

Wasn't impressed with Seb PH tonight but no way can he judged tonight against that quality of opposition

No ones writing European Football off, some say its a bonus because we will never win and it is. Doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy it or celebrate it while it lasts Its a reward for a good domestic season. Would I rather be in Group stage of the Conference League or win the League Cup. Give me a Trophy in the Trophy Cabinet every day of the week. Trophys are permanent, getting fucked out of any competition at any stage is temporary / transitional . In a 100 years time historians looking back wont be looking at European tournaments that we will always get put out of at some point , invariably in the early rounds or indeed wont qualify for all that often, whereas Trophy's in the Trophy Cabinet they will. Winners are remembered participants are forgotten. With the attitude some of our fans have to the two Trophys we stand a chance of winning we should perhaps put in a filing cabinet rather than a trophy cabinet in any new ground / main stand.

European football is a joke. Hearts have not won a game in 90 mins, yet like Celtic find themselves in the league setup. This getting beat and dropping into another competition needs to be stopped. Give the smaller teams a chance of getting the big money to help them improve.