The African

Liam Kelly is a decent enough goalkeeper but unfortunately, for any international aspirations he might have had, his form has dropped off just as a window of opportunity, in the shape of injury to the incumbent, arrived.

Really? You leave a country for nine years or so and it all goes to pot. Something in the recesses of my tortured mind tells me that they were known as Ready on mainland Europe in the 1980s.

A twix perhaps? Autocorrect is not always our friend!

Perhaps viewing from a distance gives a different perspective, but is it justifiable to seem to condone the use of abuse and threats against anyone who simply might hold a differing opinion?

In both cases I think the spelling is an affectation too far.

I think “mocking” is a little strong but if you feel that way that is okay. I personally believe that both spelling and grammar are important for any form of written communication. They are necessary elements in getting the meaning of your message across correctly..

I can almost forgive that one. The misuse of the apostrophe is so common these days that you wonder if it is taught in schools anymore. The use of “of” rather than “in” before “a collective voice” grates more in my opinion. I’ll also quietly add that the least said about the misspelling of influence the better.

What can I say? I am more of a grammar guy than a spelling guru.

I appreciate that I might be in the minority (possibly even of one?) but the use of “an” instead of “a” before “wider project” irks me somewhat. I am all for enhancing the match day experience and creating a better atmosphere, but this together with the inherent inability to spell “boys” may just have pushed me over the edge.

If nothing else, the fact that most politicians are polarising would point to a lack of judgement, especially when in the process of applying for new positions. I’d say the same if he’d gone round to Jeremy Corbyn’s for tea. Should it discount him from being appointed? No. Should it be mentioned within the bounds of that consideration? I don’t honestly see why it shouldn’t.

Guilt by association? Nigel Farage being considered quite poorly by a proportion of he populous.

Excellent. It would be sad if these traditions were simply allowed to die out and be forgotten.

Has Stuart Baxter’s name been mentioned yet?

Very sad to hear of the passing of Billy Thomson. I have to admit that I never thought he was a particularly good goalie but he obviously had a pretty successful professional career so what do I know? I can confirm, as others have already stated, that he was a genuinely nice guy. I met him a couple of times when he was at United and I was a student in Dundee, through a mutual St Mirren supporting friend, and he was an absolute gent. Then, a few years later, as a good run under wee Tommy was coming to an abrupt end at St Johnstone, he was warming up to probably get away from the dugout and he recognised ma in the crowd and came over to say hello. We were absolutely toothless that day so I suggested he could be thrown on up front as a target man. He smiled and said he’d be happy to give it a go. Nice guy and taken too soon. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. RIP.

I am torn between two options, one pragmatic and one fanciful. In order to get us out of the situation we currently find ourselves in, I’d trust wee Tommy McLean to get the job done. It might not be pretty, but he never let us down during his tenure. The manager I’d like to see in charge, and have the team playing in the style he us famous for is Rinus Michels. Would it work? Probably not, but it would be interesting to see how it played out. Before anyone says anything, I will admit that other personnel might also have to change.

Indeed, and a happy, healthy and successful new year to you too. With a new year comes new hope so here’s a genuine wish for better things ahead.

Part of me thinks that this represents a game which will have little or no bearing on the rest of our season. Indeed,it could even be argued that a defeat would not be a bad result as the longer they think that they are still in with a chance of catching Celtic, the more likely they are not to drop points against our main rivals. Having said that, all logic and deep thinking put to one side, I hate them so a Motherwell win would be just what the doctor ordered ( I have the flu).

Indeed. A merry Christmas and a happy and successful new year to all on this forum and to everyone involved with the club. Who knows, 2023 could be our year?

Can I ask, in all seriousness, is this even remotely possible? I can see the need for radical change, I just don’t know if the players are available to achieve it through wheeling and dealing in the January transfer window.

Two nil up, the opposition down a man and we still contrive to blow two points. Yes, the manager could have done more, especially with proactive changes earlier in the game, but the players themselves need to take a long hard look at themselves. A lack of leadership and a lack of confidence may have a very telling impact on how our season works out. These guys need to realise that they are playing for their careers right now and that an unprofessional ten minutes has turned what could have been a very good night’s work into something that feels like a defeat. With a hiding at Ibrox up next, I really hope we see a reaction. And while I am at it, time for a few home truths. It is highly unlikely we will make significant signings in the January transfer window. The players we would like and think we require will either not be available or will be beyond our financial means.. We can blame Alexander all we like, and with some serious justification, but it isn’t going to add anything to our future performances this season. The only reason we are not already in a relegation or play off place is because a few other sides are equally mediocre. Hoping that that situation remains for the rest of the season is perhaps our best bet, but scarcely a proposition that inspires.

The difference in financial clout these days makes this sort of “fixture” beyond pointless. If it was a glorified training run then okay, but what did we really get out of it other than “ seeing how the other half lives”? The bigger picture, and perhaps the elephant in the room, is that fifty years ago we could play Spurs in a competitive match and beat them. Now we are lucky to go to their training ground and take a hiding off their reserves and age group players. The truth is that where we are, and where they are, is beyond poles apart. We are not playing the same game and to suggest otherwise is simply kidding ourselves. Furthermore, the rich will continue to get richer and the also rans will continue to scrabble for crumbs while the gap, on every level, widens. It is the way the system is set up and the money men and big clubs are quite happy with the situation. Is there a solution to this problem? Sadly no. The seismic changes required to bring about anything worthwhile won’t happen because of the combined power of vested interest in the status quo and greed. Football really is a mirror for society in general at present.

It wasn’t that bad, surely?

The kit itself really isn't my cup of tea, but fair play to the club for the initiative in supporting such a worthwhile cause.

You are quite right, and I apologise profusely. I really should know my plaice.

Am I correct in thinking Albert Kidd might have scored at least one of our goals? As for the interesting fish anecdote, sorry to be pedantic, but traditionally they smoke haddock in Arbroath so technically unlikely to be kippers. As you can guess, I am great fun at parties. With regard to the local neds, I used to live in Dundee in the late eighties, early nineties and there were tales of the Arbroath locals trying to mix it with folk from the local military base at Condor. Needless to say they came off second best against Royal Marine Commandos.