weeyin

It is entirely unreasonable for a number of obvious reasons. First of all, it was a training session, not a competitive match. Secondly, we are only about half way through our pre-season training. How does that make a difference I hear all the people who don't grasp the first reason, ask? That means we aren't executing any normal pre-match training schedules. Instead it means we are doing things like double training sessions, pushing players hard, the day before a game. The exact opposite of what you do before an actual game. Thirdly, during a training session, like the one at Gateshead, the manager is trying things out. For example, different formations, different partnerships and different tactics. This is necessary, because he has a large number of new players he needs to integrate into the team. The outcome of this is information regarding what works and what doesn't work without the burden of losing a competitive game because of the exeperiments (because, you know, this was a training session). Fourthly, different players are at different fitness levels? Why is that, the intentionally argumentative fans ask? Well, when you have U20s, guys from lower leagues, guys who have been out injured and guys who have just been out, they will all take different amounts of time to reach their peak. Fifthly, the aim of the pre-season is to get the squad ready for the League campaign. That is why you hear the manager and players talk about being fit for Rangers. Not about being fit for Queens Park. Robinson has said the Queens Park team will likely not be the one that lines up in the season opener due the the different stages of fitness each player is currently at. Sixthly, there is match fitness to consider. Early pre-season is more focused on physical fitness, not match fitness. Match fitness comes a little later when players are working on their tackling, passing and finishing. Even then, there is no substitute for playing in a competitive match to get that to 100%. If I was in sole charge of the team, I'd be tempted to do all my pre-season training and playing behind closed doors just to avoid all the moaning and complaining. But that's just me. Tomorrow's "game" is just another training session, so I expect a similar approach with the gaffer trying a few things out before he prepares for the weekend. Oh, and if you expect to see a fully fit, fully match fit, well oiled machine playing on Saturday, you are going to be disappointed too. So prepare yourself.

Given Aberdeen's spending habits, I'd be surprised if they meet our valuation. And even if they do, I remain unconvinced he sees his future up north. Regardless, I'm more interested in who we bring in to replace him if he does move on.

Do you expect guys like Tait and McManus who were out for 6 months to be as fit as guys who finished the season in the first team? Do you expect someone who has come up from the English lower leagues to be as fit as an SPFL player? Do you expect a 32 year old to be as fit as an 18 year old? What kind of fitness programme are you familiar with that makes everyone start from a different baseline and be at exactly the same point 3 weeks in? I know posting on here is still in pre-season, but many posters are falling short of the necessary standard. Double sessions for all before Tuesday's game.

The usual suspects are. You'd think so, but you can set your calendar by it.

You don't think we'd bother replacing him? Given the "at least five more" signings that Robinson and 'Flo mentioned, we seem to be a few off that mark. I still expect to see more new faces arrive by the time the window closes at the end of August.

I know it's not how it works, I was just answering GazzyB's question about how much the club thinks he's worth. And I imagine it's around 750k+. What he's worth and what we get for him, as you say, may not be the same thing. But I'd rather keep him than sell him cheap.

Get in there with the pre-season disappointment! Don't think about it as even a friendly. Think about it as a training session where the gaffer gets to try out some new tactics, pairings and ideas. Because that's exactly what it is. Also remember the players are out there on the back of some hard single and double training sessions - the exact opposite of normal game prep. The players won't be fit until the Rangers game, so be ready for some non-peak performances in the Cup too. Then put your feet up, have a beer and enjoy your weekend.

Robinson said his plan today was to give players 60 mins or more, with some having a full 90.

Depends on who's offering, but if it's a Championship club I'd start at 1 million and maybe drop to 750 with the appropriate add-ons. Marvin was about 650 plus addons apparently, and I think Moult is worth more than that. EDIT: Of course if Accies make a bid it must be worth at least a million to them to never have to play against him again.

If the increase is within our salary structure, that's fine. However, it's just as likely to be a bargaining tool to bump up his price when he leaves during the window.

This. Plus I'm sure when Moult leaves it will be for an English club.

Do we not get salary paid by insurance when a player is out for long term injury?

Classic. Even now, when I picture walking up to Fir Park, that is what comes to mind.

Play for an extra 4 or 5 weeks in the summer is not going to fix the malaise in our game. It's a fundamental overhaul that is required, and as I have said in other threads, that is never going to happen under the current regime.

Surely a full-time professional Scottish team can beat the part-time, 4th best team in Luxembourg who have lost to League of Ireland teams 6 times out of 6. Of course we have a chance of beating them, but if anything, I suspect they will be even more intent in getting off to a good start to their league campaign than they are now. Will not be an easy game.

A tax dodger double.

The McManus that missed half of last season due to injury? I have criticised him in the past, but he obviously needs game time right now.

Falconer is the best prospect from the U20s, but I don't know that he fits the "pacey" mould.

Good to hear Robinson say in his post-match today that he is still looking for a bit of pace up front. While guys like Sutton and Higdon were about as mobile as the Exxon Valdez, they benefited from speed merchants around them and a lot of our success has been due to pace on the break.

Exactly. Like I said in an earlier post, we have a wage structure and need to stick to it. As soon as you make an exception, you have no structure and instantly cause unrest among the players. When Moult moves on, it won't be because he couldn't get an extra few quid out of us. It will be because a better team, offering more career development opportunities comes in for him, and bumps his salary to a level we can't compete with. Also, crowdfunding a player's salary is mental. If you want to throw extra money to the club, give it to the Society before the end of the year, and it will be worth double.

Robinson is spot on and I think it's good that he's setting fans expectations. Given the chat on here, some people need a wee bit of a reality check on what we can afford. When Moult leaves it will likely be for about double his current salary, so paying him and extra 500 quid a week now isn't going to prevent that. The club has admitted in previous years that it let salaries and bonuses get out of hand based on poor planning and an assumption of high league finishes. We need a wage structure at the club and to stick with it. As soon as you make an exception, then you no longer have a structure and you risk causing unrest other players. Of course, there are a lot more creative ways to structure a new deal than a flat weekly increase. Appearance money, goal targets, league position win bonuses, cup bonuses etc. that could average out to more than 500 quid a week. After the last few seasons, it's about time players started doing enough to get some more win bonuses under their belt.

Last year we were killed in the second half of the season due to lack of cover at the back. If we have 8 choices there this season, that is fine by me.

It will all be kickabouts until the Rangers game. Even the League Cup games I expect will be trial formations and giving youngsters a few games. As Robinson said yesterday (and every other manger says too) pre-season fixtures are about 2 things. Getting game time and avoiding injuries.

Seems to be the modern way. Full backs often more likely to play like wing-backs than defenders. Can't say I'm a big fan of that approach, but I'm constantly reminded I'm old and know nothing about this game.

It's always amusing to read the critiques of an early pre-season game. When we play them behind close doors, people complain. When we play them in front of fans, it's panic stations that we aren't a well oiled machine after a few days back in training.