weeyin

Eh? So the league where he developed all his talent would somehow strip him off it if he came back? Not that I want to see him play for the OF, but I don't think playing in a Birmingham side rooted at the bottom of the EPL will do much for his career. I don't know how far back 'recent times' extends, but Rosco was probably the most naturally gifted, and Skippy was a great goalscorer, even in the poorer 'Well sides.

To be fair, that '91 team was better value for money than anything Man U put on the pitch that season

I'd need to go back and listen to that interview again to be sure, but what I took from it was that he knows a lot more about the scene in England that Scotland and, based on numbers alone, there is a bigger pool of talent to draw on down south.

Excellent introduction. I look forward to more insightful debate as we move towards the return leg. Keep it up!

Long term contracts.

Nae luck, mate.

I don't think it will be channel 134 out in California, but hopefully there will be a stream available somewhere.

The pitch is in great condition too, considering how late in the season this game is.

I'm a wee bit scared that you're keeping track of who disagrees with you

Why? It sounds like Craigan can take it, and is responding exactly the way Gannon wanted. It's not a coincidence the boss singled out the most experienced player in the team. It's good management.

Yes. However, we aren't playing a Welsh pub team and we aren't out. Apart from that, good point.

Bit of both, I think. A guy like Clarky has played for us for a long time, so was probably ready for a fresh challenge. The uncertainty with the TV deals has probably forced our hand to some extent. However, the reason our finances are in a decent shape is because we do sell off our better players on a regular basis. Faddy, Porter, Rosco, Pearson, Skippy etc. all being sold has helped keep us in the black.

Well, we lost both the games when he was sent off, if that's what you mean. He played in two of the poorest performances last season (losing 2 - 0 to St. Mirren and drawing 0 - 0 with Killie) in what were supposed to be vital games. I didn't see much of his motivational skills and driving energy in those; Killie especially. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a decent player, but I don't see him as any more than that. He also embarrassed the club with his off-the-field antics, and tarnished the captain's example that Uncle Phil had set. I know a lot of people don't care about that as long as a player is turning in performances, but it's not how I want my team represented.

Aye, total meltdown from Rangers that day. Their goal difference compared to Aberdeen's meant that even if they lost by 1, Aberdeen would have to beat them to win the league. When we went a goal up, instead of keeping things tight, Rangers piled everyone forward and we scored a second on the break. So, Rangers piled everyone forward again, and we scored on the break again. That result meant their goal difference was now worse than Aberdeen's, so the Dons only needed a draw to win the title. Unfortunately, they blew it.

To be honest, I don't think there was a much of a gamble. Praise the youngsters to build their confidence and give the experienced players a bollocking to get a reaction (and let them know they are playing for the places now). Good stuff from the new boss.

And we didn't even blame the colour of our shirts

Absolutely. I understand that there are positive financial implications for getting past the first round or two, but a large part of me still sees this as pre-season work. Of course, I'd much rather we win, but I'm still more interested in how we shape up for the start of the season proper.

I'd need to check, but I think he dropped 7 or 8 first team players for the Aberdeen game (thanks to poor performances in the prior match).

Who knows? He certainly played in a few of the woeful games we had last season.

Well, based on his prior financial dealings, just because Risdale says something to press, doesn't mean it's a fact (allegedly).

For the 'Well fans who have never suffered like that before (or the ones who have blanked it out!), it's a fine lesson. There is no such thing as a team that we can be "expected to beat"; especially in a cup tie. Unlike some other fiascoes, however, we still have a chance to turn things round in the second leg. The only difference with this season is that the roller coaster is up and running a few week's early.

That wasn't the problem. We were struggling and just brought in a new gaffer. To shake things up, he said the entire first team was up for sale and dropped them all. The team that lost was basically the reserves.

Your's is Number 1.

Beat me to it.

Aye, I couldn't possibly have seen him play myself, or know people that regularly attend reserve matches and have an opinion on him. I just sit in my trailer all day drinking Bud, eating Big Macs and watching Jerry Springer.