weeyin

They certainly used to. I don't know if that's still the case these days, but I'm sure if it's an affordable option most clubs will protect themselves that way.

When we were playing a back 3 we didn't need a left back (and it was a back three that lead to 20 clean sheets in one season).

When did we last get "caught out"? This is 2019. The agents of all the youngsters are on the phone every day touting their clients and discussing with other clubs - often just to bump up their value. All we can do is make the best offers we can with the money we have for the wage structure we operate. We even sold Bigi to free up some cash to make our offers. (Of course, we also have the advantage of giving the youngsters game time). Cadden, Campbell and Turnbull were all signed up at different times, so we did OK there. I'm sure we have made Hastie a similar offer to Turnbull and we have the added advantage that these guys are all good mates and grew up playing football together; so might just want to play in the same first team for a season or two. We can't force guys to sign - all we can do is show them the benefits of staying with us for a bit longer. Add to that the examples we can point to of guys that left too soon, and we have a good chance of keeping most of our prospects. The timing of these deals it tricky. For every Hastie and Turnbull there are a dozen Bob McHughs, Craig Moores and Dom Thomases who never make it in the first team. We can't afford to splash out on all of them and hope one or two make it.

He was 36 when he won the UEFA Cup right enough, so maybe that economy of effort helped him stay in the game.

I was reading last night that when the beat us in December they closed the gap between us to 6 points. Now it's 21. Just shows how quickly a good run or a bad run for a month can shape the entire season.

Maguire and Mbulu's backup?

McAllister is easily the most successful player to have come through the ranks in my time watching the team. He always looked the part and obviously had the application to make the most of his talent. I'm sure winning his first league title with us set him on his winning ways He played a bit higher up the park for us than Turnbull does, but I can see the many of the same attributes in both players - especially their ability to find a pass, and make them look easy.

About the same as Crhis Humphrey then (8 goals in 4 years), but not as prolific as Cooper with his 4 goals a season. Regardless, my point above still stands. He's been instrumental in at least 3 of our last 5 wins.

In our 5 game winning streak, Frear has been instrumental in the wins at Accies, Dundee and St Mirren.

Even if he was available, Robinson and Craigan both had pops at his bad attitude when he was looking for his move. Of course, these things can change, but I'd imagine we're more likely to see Gboly back (or someone like him that we've never heard of).

I'd guess zero there, too.

That's where me miss Cedric - he liked to zip a pass along the deck. Mbulu looked capable of that too, but we'll never see that from Dunne or Aldred.

This time last year we had played 26 games, had 32 points and were sitting 3 pts clear in 6th. So marginally better off on points, marginally worse off in league position.

Good result for us. Bad news for St Mirren with Dundee and Accies picking up points. Was a bit worried after we missed a few chances, but did well to come back and win it. (Confidence is a great thing).

I think that's our new media guy.

Working for me - but had had to mess around with my ad blockers first.

No, they're suggesting we don't punt him at the end of this season (or sooner). If he's still not fit a year from now, he needs to be thinking about his next career move himself.

My contract says my employer covers my wages for long term illness, not sack me.

Gillespie has been on better form this season than Carson was before his injury. Not that Carson was bad, just that Gillespie has been better - and uses his extra height to good effect.

Depends on whether it's the Livi Ariyibi that shows up or the Dundee Ariyibi. We should have enough to win this one, but stranger things have happened than us losing in Paisley.

I'm only just having my dinner, but I take your point.

21st century Scottish fitba', eh?

I think the 2nd half performance is what you'd call "professional". Great result, and excellent performance - especially in the 1st half.

Part of that will depend on how Livi respond. They will be all out attack this half with nothing to lose.

Gboly made himself available at a couple of throw-ins. We'll soon knock that habit out of him.